This past week an awesome blog (One Good Thing by Jillee) asked me to do a guest post on ways to save money on groceries. I was able to take Jillee’s daugher in law shopping and we had a great time. I thought I might as well re-post these same simple steps on our blog 😉 The great news is we are giving away THREE 12 month memberships to Deals to Meals. You can visit One Good Thing to enter to win (one of two memberships) and at the end of this post you can also enter to win a membership here on our site). That’s three options to win a FREE membership. Good luck!
For those who are new to our site and are wondering how our service works, visit this post that explains how you can save $100’s without using coupons! This link will help you understand how our website works and how shopping can be easy & fun!
For
most families their food budget can either make or break the bank. Most
families spend more on groceries than they do any other household expense,
except for their mortgage. Most of us plan for our future, for retirement, for
vacations and for nearly everything in life. However, most people don’t have a
plan when it comes to sticking to a food budget. Many families walk blindly
into a grocery store, pick out food that looks good, make a meal or two from
those items, and then return to the
grocery store to start the whole process over again (national average is 1.7
times per week—that’s almost 8 times a month). The average family when they run
to the store for a gallon of milk ends up spending over $50. Do that too many
times and your entire month’s budget could be eaten up by impulse shopping
trips. Sound familiar?
most families their food budget can either make or break the bank. Most
families spend more on groceries than they do any other household expense,
except for their mortgage. Most of us plan for our future, for retirement, for
vacations and for nearly everything in life. However, most people don’t have a
plan when it comes to sticking to a food budget. Many families walk blindly
into a grocery store, pick out food that looks good, make a meal or two from
those items, and then return to the
grocery store to start the whole process over again (national average is 1.7
times per week—that’s almost 8 times a month). The average family when they run
to the store for a gallon of milk ends up spending over $50. Do that too many
times and your entire month’s budget could be eaten up by impulse shopping
trips. Sound familiar?
I
am excited today to share with you how you can cut your grocery bill in half!
That sounds pretty bold I know, but if you follow these four simple steps, it
can be done! I will share with you ways you can eat healthy, fresh, homemade
meals without spending a lot of money. Living on a tight food budget doesn’t mean you
have to eat Top Ramen every night. There is a smart and simple approach to
grocery shopping and meal planning that will save you $100’s throughout the
year. Let me show you how easy and fun this can be!
am excited today to share with you how you can cut your grocery bill in half!
That sounds pretty bold I know, but if you follow these four simple steps, it
can be done! I will share with you ways you can eat healthy, fresh, homemade
meals without spending a lot of money. Living on a tight food budget doesn’t mean you
have to eat Top Ramen every night. There is a smart and simple approach to
grocery shopping and meal planning that will save you $100’s throughout the
year. Let me show you how easy and fun this can be!
Using
Deals to Meals Kaitlyn
and I went shopping at Walmart and had a
great time shopping for our week’s groceries and saved over $100 between the two of us. Here is our ‘loot’ we got by price-matching
all of the best deals here in our local area (remember, prices will vary
depending where you live and where you choose to shop).
Deals to Meals Kaitlyn
and I went shopping at Walmart and had a
great time shopping for our week’s groceries and saved over $100 between the two of us. Here is our ‘loot’ we got by price-matching
all of the best deals here in our local area (remember, prices will vary
depending where you live and where you choose to shop).
Let’s
jump into the steps and show you how easy it is to save TIME and MONEY!
jump into the steps and show you how easy it is to save TIME and MONEY!
STEP
1: PLAN YOUR MEALS AROUND SALE ITEMS
1: PLAN YOUR MEALS AROUND SALE ITEMS
Most
people shop first and plan later. Before you go shopping decide how many times
you will cook a homemade meal. Some weeks this could be 3 times and others it
could be 7 depending on your schedule. Planning your meals first and then
shopping will save you $100’s on your groceries. Take the time to look through
the ads (or let Deals to Meals do it for you) to find out what the best deals
are. Then, plan your meals around what is on sale. For example, if chicken,
tortillas, cheese, sour cream and cilantro are on sale, make Chicken Enchiladas
for dinner. If beef roast is on sale, make French Dip Sandwiches one night. This
is berry season, so use those berries on sale for a side dish or dessert. Simple
enough, right?
people shop first and plan later. Before you go shopping decide how many times
you will cook a homemade meal. Some weeks this could be 3 times and others it
could be 7 depending on your schedule. Planning your meals first and then
shopping will save you $100’s on your groceries. Take the time to look through
the ads (or let Deals to Meals do it for you) to find out what the best deals
are. Then, plan your meals around what is on sale. For example, if chicken,
tortillas, cheese, sour cream and cilantro are on sale, make Chicken Enchiladas
for dinner. If beef roast is on sale, make French Dip Sandwiches one night. This
is berry season, so use those berries on sale for a side dish or dessert. Simple
enough, right?
The
great part about Deals to Meals (our online grocery shopping and meal planning
service) is we give
you a weekly meal plan that goes with the sale items in your area. For example,
this week pork chops, potatoes and squash are on sale. On our meal plan we have
a recipe for Lemon Grilled Pork and
sides that will feed a family of 6 for under
$10. Without these items on sale, this meal would be more
than double that.
great part about Deals to Meals (our online grocery shopping and meal planning
service) is we give
you a weekly meal plan that goes with the sale items in your area. For example,
this week pork chops, potatoes and squash are on sale. On our meal plan we have
a recipe for Lemon Grilled Pork and
sides that will feed a family of 6 for under
$10. Without these items on sale, this meal would be more
than double that.
One
tip to keep dinner time exciting is to try new recipes. Everyone gets bored of
spaghetti and tacos. Use your creative powers and try new recipes that will
excite your tastebuds. Keeping new and fun recipes rotated into your weekly
meal plan will keep you (and your family) from getting in a dinnertime rut! We
have over 1,000 recipes on our site that your family is sure to love
tip to keep dinner time exciting is to try new recipes. Everyone gets bored of
spaghetti and tacos. Use your creative powers and try new recipes that will
excite your tastebuds. Keeping new and fun recipes rotated into your weekly
meal plan will keep you (and your family) from getting in a dinnertime rut! We
have over 1,000 recipes on our site that your family is sure to love
STEP
2: SHOP THE DEALS
2: SHOP THE DEALS
Taking
the time to look at the grocery sales in your area is another crucial part to
saving money. Be an educated shopper. There are basically only 3 places to buy
your groceries (besides having your own garden): Costco/Sam’s Club, Walmart, or
regular chain grocery stores. Most food items at wholesale stores (like Costco)
are NOT good deals. Walmart
has over-all good prices, but these prices can be cut dramatically if you price-match
items that are on sale from other stores.
the time to look at the grocery sales in your area is another crucial part to
saving money. Be an educated shopper. There are basically only 3 places to buy
your groceries (besides having your own garden): Costco/Sam’s Club, Walmart, or
regular chain grocery stores. Most food items at wholesale stores (like Costco)
are NOT good deals. Walmart
has over-all good prices, but these prices can be cut dramatically if you price-match
items that are on sale from other stores.
If
you are opposed to shopping at Walmart and price matching, that is okay! Just
go to the individual stores and stock up on their sales. It will work out to be the same, but it might
just take a little more time.
you are opposed to shopping at Walmart and price matching, that is okay! Just
go to the individual stores and stock up on their sales. It will work out to be the same, but it might
just take a little more time.
The
sale items you want to focus on are the ‘loss leaders’ from every store. These
are the deals that will be LESS than Costco, Sam’s Club and Walmart. When an
item goes on sale for these great deals, this is the time to purchase them and
use them in your weekly meal plan. Each week every grocery store will have
anywhere from 5-15 of these great deals (which will be advertised in their
store’s weekly ad). Purchasing these best deals will save you up to 75% on your
groceries. The more you can be disciplined and ONLY purchase these deals, the
more money you will save.
sale items you want to focus on are the ‘loss leaders’ from every store. These
are the deals that will be LESS than Costco, Sam’s Club and Walmart. When an
item goes on sale for these great deals, this is the time to purchase them and
use them in your weekly meal plan. Each week every grocery store will have
anywhere from 5-15 of these great deals (which will be advertised in their
store’s weekly ad). Purchasing these best deals will save you up to 75% on your
groceries. The more you can be disciplined and ONLY purchase these deals, the
more money you will save.
I
have to admit, this will take a little self control. I know it is hard to leave
a store without your favorite snack or cans of soda. However, if it’s not on
sale, PUT IT BACK! Be patient. Over time nearly every item in a grocery store
will go on sale for these ‘great’ sale prices, and that’s the time to stock up.
have to admit, this will take a little self control. I know it is hard to leave
a store without your favorite snack or cans of soda. However, if it’s not on
sale, PUT IT BACK! Be patient. Over time nearly every item in a grocery store
will go on sale for these ‘great’ sale prices, and that’s the time to stock up.
Deals
to Meals makes this part of grocery shopping
SUPER simple. For those living in the United States we tell you where the best
deals are in your area. Our service is available in all 50 states in the U.S.,
for those living outside of the U.S. these concepts can still help you save
money. All you have to do is login to our website choose the stores you want to
shop at, create your grocery list and off to the store you go! It literally
only takes a few minutes to put your shopping list together and have your meals
planned for the week around those best deals.
to Meals makes this part of grocery shopping
SUPER simple. For those living in the United States we tell you where the best
deals are in your area. Our service is available in all 50 states in the U.S.,
for those living outside of the U.S. these concepts can still help you save
money. All you have to do is login to our website choose the stores you want to
shop at, create your grocery list and off to the store you go! It literally
only takes a few minutes to put your shopping list together and have your meals
planned for the week around those best deals.
Choose
from the grocery stores in your area to shop at, or price match ALL of the
deals at your local Walmart. Visit our blog for tips on making price matching
easier.
from the grocery stores in your area to shop at, or price match ALL of the
deals at your local Walmart. Visit our blog for tips on making price matching
easier.
Kaitlyn
uses a great post-it note trick that saves a lot of time and frustration when
price matching. As you place the items in your cart, just jot down the sale
price on the sticky note and place it on the food item. This way the cashier
knows what the price is and will change the price for you without a lot of
hassle. Genius!!
uses a great post-it note trick that saves a lot of time and frustration when
price matching. As you place the items in your cart, just jot down the sale
price on the sticky note and place it on the food item. This way the cashier
knows what the price is and will change the price for you without a lot of
hassle. Genius!!
Price
matching, or buying those great deals each week can save you SO much money!
Here are just a few of the items and their sale prices that Kaitlyn and I took
advantage of.
matching, or buying those great deals each week can save you SO much money!
Here are just a few of the items and their sale prices that Kaitlyn and I took
advantage of.
Produce
and meat are the two most expensive portions of a family’s food budget. If you
can save on these items you can save $100’s a month! Most of our recipes are
made with fresh produce, meat, fish and whole grains. Using these items normally
would be very expensive, but when bought at sale prices, you can eat healthy
meals by shopping the deals.
and meat are the two most expensive portions of a family’s food budget. If you
can save on these items you can save $100’s a month! Most of our recipes are
made with fresh produce, meat, fish and whole grains. Using these items normally
would be very expensive, but when bought at sale prices, you can eat healthy
meals by shopping the deals.
The meat we price matched was almost half the
price of Walmart’s already low prices.
price of Walmart’s already low prices.
Produce
prices continue to rise, so take advantage when prices are low. For example,
red bell peppers are on sale at Sprout’s Market this week for only $0.33 each
(regularly $1.64 each at Walmart). That saved us $1.31 on just one pepper.
Kaitlyn and I bought 12 peppers, which saved us $15.72 on just peppers.
prices continue to rise, so take advantage when prices are low. For example,
red bell peppers are on sale at Sprout’s Market this week for only $0.33 each
(regularly $1.64 each at Walmart). That saved us $1.31 on just one pepper.
Kaitlyn and I bought 12 peppers, which saved us $15.72 on just peppers.
STEP
3: STOCK UP WHEN PRICES ARE AT THEIR LOWEST
3: STOCK UP WHEN PRICES ARE AT THEIR LOWEST
This
is one of the most fun parts of grocery shopping for me! There is nothing worse
than running out of items right when you need them. Building up your own
‘grocery store’ in your pantry and freezer will save you all year long on your
grocery budget.
is one of the most fun parts of grocery shopping for me! There is nothing worse
than running out of items right when you need them. Building up your own
‘grocery store’ in your pantry and freezer will save you all year long on your
grocery budget.
When
items go on sale for those rock bottom prices, that’s the time to stock up!
Each week (or at least monthly) choose an item or two that you will stock up
on. Our website will give you an idea of how much you would need of each item
to have a 3 month supply of food on hand for your family. Here is a link to the
best food storage inventory sheet on the web.
Not only will this food come in handy
during an emergency or job loss, but it will also save you from having to buy
items at full price in the future. Here are a couple of the items on sale this
week for great prices that can be added to your ‘stock pile’ (peanut butter,
pasta, and cereal—the eggs, of course, won’t store but stock up and keep them
in your fridge for several weeks).
items go on sale for those rock bottom prices, that’s the time to stock up!
Each week (or at least monthly) choose an item or two that you will stock up
on. Our website will give you an idea of how much you would need of each item
to have a 3 month supply of food on hand for your family. Here is a link to the
best food storage inventory sheet on the web.
Not only will this food come in handy
during an emergency or job loss, but it will also save you from having to buy
items at full price in the future. Here are a couple of the items on sale this
week for great prices that can be added to your ‘stock pile’ (peanut butter,
pasta, and cereal—the eggs, of course, won’t store but stock up and keep them
in your fridge for several weeks).
STEP
4: LEARN TO COOK FROM SCRATCH
4: LEARN TO COOK FROM SCRATCH
We
live in a day of conveniences. Many
processed and boxed foods, although easy to prepare, are overpriced and filled
with preservatives. You can save a lot of money by taking the time to learn to
make more of your favorite recipes from scratch. Not only will it save you
money, but it will be a healthier option for your family.
live in a day of conveniences. Many
processed and boxed foods, although easy to prepare, are overpriced and filled
with preservatives. You can save a lot of money by taking the time to learn to
make more of your favorite recipes from scratch. Not only will it save you
money, but it will be a healthier option for your family.
Our
blog has hundreds of recipes that will help you know how to use the whole
grains, beans, powdered milk, and other items you are storing. We have tried
and true recipes for homemade Wholegrain Pancakes, delicious Whole Wheat Bread,
Chilis, Soups, Homemade Salad Dressings, and MUCH more!
blog has hundreds of recipes that will help you know how to use the whole
grains, beans, powdered milk, and other items you are storing. We have tried
and true recipes for homemade Wholegrain Pancakes, delicious Whole Wheat Bread,
Chilis, Soups, Homemade Salad Dressings, and MUCH more!
Now
that you all know the four simple ways to cut your grocery budget in half, we
are going to make life even easier!
that you all know the four simple ways to cut your grocery budget in half, we
are going to make life even easier!
We are offering ALL of you a FREE two week trial to Deals to Meals to see how much time and money
you can save!
you can save!
We
are also excited to give away a 12 month membership to Deals to Meals (as well as another 2 on One Good Thing–that’s three chances to win!).
are also excited to give away a 12 month membership to Deals to Meals (as well as another 2 on One Good Thing–that’s three chances to win!).
How
to enter to win one of these memberships:
to enter to win one of these memberships:
*Follow our Deals to Meals Blog and
leave a comment (on this post) saying you did so.
leave a comment (on this post) saying you did so.
*Follow
Deals to Meals on Pintrest and leave a comment (on this post) saying you did so.
Deals to Meals on Pintrest and leave a comment (on this post) saying you did so.
*Follow Deals to Meals on Facebook (we have a NEW Facebook account so follow this link ;), and leave a comment (on this post) saying you did so.
I follow your blog, I also follow you on Pintrest and I follow you on facebook! I love your company, it saves me so much money and time every week! I couldn't meal plan without my weekly visit to your blog and recipe index! I still can't believe that I get all of this help for hardly anything, I think of that every time I save SOOOO much money price matching at Walmart, it is well worth the $5 every month! I appreciate all of your hard work, thanks for all you do!
I follow you on pinterest
I follow you on fb
I love your blog! We must have the same tastes because everything I have tried I love! I'd love to win a membership too!
Follow your blog and pinterest!! Thanks
I follow you on pinterest and facebook and would love to win the membership.
Following your wonderful blog page! Thank you for sharing such wonderful ideas with us!+
Following you on pinterest….
Following you on Facebook….Thanks again for the opportunity to win a 12 month membership! That is awesome!!!!
Following you on Pinterest!
Following your blog! My friend has been RAVING about your blog and the menus! Thanks for your hard work! Can't wait to try it out 🙂
Following you on Facebook
Just started following you on Facebook.
Now following you on Pinterest!
Love following your blog!
Following your fabulous blog!
Following all 3 🙂
I follow your blog, Pinterest, and Facebook. I really love using your site and it saves me at least $50 a week!! Thanks!
I follow your blog, Pinterest and facebook. I'd love to win a membership to your site.
I Follow Deals to Meals on Facebook.
donna444444@yahoo.com
Of course I am following your blog and Facebook now all I need to to follow your (I mean use) you're
Site, but I think I will wait until after this contest just in case I win! 🙂
I follow your blog and follow you on Pinterest! Thank you!
I follow on both Facebook and Pinterest! Thanks for the great tips and recipes!
Oh sorry I guess a
Post for each so here is Facebook following!
I Follow Deals to Meals on Pintrest (donnak4)
donna444444@yahoo.com
I follow you on FB.
i am a follower on FB
i follow on pintrest
I follow on all three! Thanks for all of the very helpful info!!
I follow them all. Would love to win!
I did them all. Well I am liked the new page and I was already doing the other 2!! Thanks for all you do .
do you feel stalked? I'm following you- her, on pinterest, & FB… we all are 😉
seriously- would love to sin a free subscrip!
Following blog and on facebook!
I follow on FB and Pinterest.
I follow on FB!
I am happy to follow you on pinterest!!!
I follow your blog!
I follow Jilly's blog and thus found you, my new found blog goddesses. You have no idea how helpful you're blog already is for me! Thank you for the tremendous amount of work in putting this up. You're freakishly amazing! And I know I know…too many exclamation points but I don't care!!!! Heh!
I follow your blog and Facebook. Love your site!
Follow you on Pinterest
Follow you on fb
This is a great service; I'm a follower on FB and Pinterest! Thank you for all you do!
I follow your blog. 🙂
HOW did I miss you're on facebook?! Following you there as well!
I follow you on facebook!
I follow you on pinterest!
I follow your blog!
I follow your blog … love your concept of deals and food!
I follow the blog, pinterest and the new facebook page.
I follow the blog and facebook.
I follow your blog!
I follow the Deals to Meals Blog.
I follow Deals to Meals on Pintrest.
I follow Deals to Meals on Facebook.
I am following all 3. Would love to win!
I follow you on pinterest
I liked on fb
I follow the blog on my yahoo page
I follow your blog on Google reader (gingeroo616 at AOL dot com).
Pinterest: Oursafehaven
FB: Oursafehaven
I follow you on pinterest!
I follow you on FB!
I follow you on FB!
I LOVE following you on Pinterest!
I just signed up to follow you. I would love to try your service for a year. Currently, I check my own ads but if this proves to save me even more money through time, I would be happy to write a post about it on my blog.
I follow you guys on Pinterest. Thanks!
I am a new fan on your new FB page. Thank you!
I follow your blog and on Pinterest. Thanks.
I follow your blog and on Pinterest. Thanks.
Following on FB now.
I follow your blog
I follow you on pinterest
I follow you on facebook
Morning!! Just found your site! Love it! Following you here and on Pinterest and Facebook!!
I follow you on pinterest. I have been using Deals to Meals for several years now and wouldn't think of going to the store without first checking Deals to Meals. I have saved so much money and have a great food storage because of you. Thank you!
I follow your blog and always love your ideas and recipe's
I tried to follow you on facebook but it said you have reached the 5,000 friend limit and wouldn't let me friend you. Also there was no "like" button to click. Is there a problem?
So excited to keep up with all your amazing things on Pinterest!
I follow your blog and love the great posts and encouragement you give… You make it look so simple.j
LOVE the post-it idea, pure geunious! Can't wait to try out your bread recipe. 🙂
I follow you on pinterest and facebook. I also love what you offer as a member! Thanks!
I follow on Facebook and Pinterest. My family just moved to a small town (1,100) people and so we are relying on one big Walmart trip a month to sustain us for groceries. There's no opportunity for us to drive store-to-store, so a Deals to Meals membership would truly be a godsend, and we would certainly use it. Thanks for your consideration! -Tracy Ritchey
I follow you on Pinterest 🙂
I follow your blog and love it. Thanks for all you do and for the great recipes.
I follow you on pintrest.
I'm following you on Facebook & Pinterest. I'm so excited & you are awesome!! Thank you!! :0)
I have followed you on Facebook & Pinterest. I'm so excited! Thank you!! :0)
Thanks! You are so kind 😉 Thanks for commenting and following us.
I have followed your blog. Excited to start using this!
I am following you on Pinterest
I am following you on Facebook
We follow you on Facebook and your blog! I have used some of your ideas and my family enjoys a lot of the recipes.