SI Money Savers

I know that using coupons, shopping deals and making out a menu plan can really seem like a daunting task when starting out.

I remember a time when I laughed at my younger sister, thinking she was so silly for writing out a grocery list.  I NEVER wrote out a grocery list.  I just went to Walmart, bought what I wanted within some kind of reason and then couldn’t figure out what on earth to make for dinner.

Oh and trust me, if I didn’t make a grocery list I sure didn’t make a menu plan!

However when I started learning how to save money I discovered that both menu planning and writing a grocery list were very important details in the money saving game.

Whether you are a family of 1 or 10, implementing both of the above items into your shopping routine will help you to drop your grocery bill before you even begin to start using coupons.

Menu Planning

I menu plan for one week at a time.  I am not organized enough to go any farther at this point in time.  I shop once a week for groceries.

I begin by checking my fridge freezer and cabinets.

I determine what ingredients I have on hand that I could make a meal with.

Do I have meat left in the freezer or plenty of pasta, rice or beans left over from a sale?

If I have enough ingredients to make any meals I go ahead and write them down. Then I determine whether or not I have items to make a partial meal.  Do I have all the ingredients to make chili except for chili beans?  If so I add chili to the menu plan and add chili beans to my grocery list.

Once I have filled in as many days of my menu with items I have on hand I turn to the Kroger ad.  I see what is on sale and finish up my menu from there.

I personally only write a menu for our suppers, however I do keep in mind what we will eat for breakfast and lunch when writing my grocery list.

Because we cut out the majority of processed foods here our breakfasts are usually eggs, oatmeal, homemade muffins, fruit, toast and occasionally organic cold cereal if I can find it for $2 or less.

For lunches we eat things like tuna, salmon or peanut butter sandwiches.  Fruits, veggies, boiled eggs, cheese and wasa crackers, nuts, cottage cheese or yogurt.

For supper ideas you could check out some of our Menu Plan Mondays.

Whatever your family eats putting together a plan will make a difference in your budget and how much easier you daily life will be.

Tomorrow we will visit the Grocery List!!

You can also find this post at the Beginners link at the top.

Find more ways to be Thrifty here.