Can you Handle a Grocery Budget of $300 per Month?

There are so many ways that you can lower your grocery budget and eat amazing — we have mentioned many over the last few years.

Even more, you don’t always have to use coupons to do so… you just have to be focused, and have some discipline to stick with your regimen…  This week, we had a random comment on a VERY old post on the blog ~ this person mentioned that they have been trying to stick with a grocery budget of $75 per week {or, $300 per month} and wanted to know IF that was possible, and if it was, our tips to help them DO that {successfully!}

When talking about opening up money in your budget (or finding money), one of the easiest areas to save is on groceries. Of course you can cut cable, trim your phone, and eliminate eating out, but for MANY families, the grocery budget is entirely out of control. All you have to do is go to the grocery store and stand behind people at the checkout to see them plop down $200 – $40o on a simple trip in for a few things.

I think some of us have been there at one point in time. I, myself, have to REALLY discipline myself NOT to go to the store, because every time I do, even if it’s just for milk, is risky. You walk through ALL that temptation, in all those aisles, just for that gallon – that was their goal, after all, most stores have the milk as their Advertised Special – they are hoping that that “loss leader” will lead to spending on other areas.

Here are OUR tips for dealing with a set grocery budget (and maintaining it!)

Use Cash or Gift Cards

Carry CASH – it’s harder to spend and will make you more aware of what you are actually paying for than using a card. Set aside $75 each week in an envelope and use that to pay for your trips.  I have been paying in cash for YEARS and although some may say there is risk in carrying cash – the same risk exists carrying your card. I’ve been paying in cash for YEARS and even amidst having 4 rambunctious kids with me, I have yet to lose it or drop it.

Cash is PAINFUL to spend, and I can guarantee it will make you think harder about each purchase than as if you had a plastic card.

If you are shopping .. plan your trip in advance and try to use your phone or a simple calculator as you shop so you don’t spend over .. and keep your receipts as you get home so you can tally as you go.

If you can’t envision carrying cash, then use your $75 per week to buy a Gift Card to that store – once your gift card runs out, then you HAVE to stop shopping.

Plan a Menu

Oh my, we have mentioned this so many times!  Once you start to get the hang of planning and following a menu, you will love seeing the savings.

Gather the store sale fliers, and give them a once over – see what’s on special that week and use that sale to base your menu plan. Combined with what you already have on hand, it should be relatively easy to whip together recipes for a week or two at a time.  See our tips HERE to help you, too!

Eat from your Pantry

This is always a fun challenge, and believe it or not, it’s so easy to accumulate TOO much in your pantry. Avoid going to the store, and challenge yourself to use ONLY what you have on hand.  

Not only will this force you to think outside of the box, you may even come up with some really radical dinner ideas that the family may love based on what is available in the nooks and crannies of your cabinets. If you need inspiration, turn to the Ingredient Search Tool on AllRecipes.com and it will give you some ideas based on what you have on hand.

Cook from Scratch

As much as we all love going out, the cost can add up so terribly fast. Find a great source of Freezer Recipes and find a few hours to cook a week or two of recipes to pop in the freezer for ready made meals – or, ask a friend to do the same – each of you can double your recipes and give the second to each other to swap.

Buy in Bulk

Many of the items that you may use regularly may be a great deal at Costco or Sam’s, or even on Amazon – without doubles at your local Fry’s or Safeway, many of the items are very comparable to those at the warehouse stores.

Determine price per ounce on some of your favorite/most purchased items, and determine if it’s cheaper to buy in bulk than at the regular supermarket. Consider using Zaycon for bulk meat purchases and consider sharing the cost with a friend if you are limited on space.

Use the $.99 Store

This one can be SO tricky!  They have SUCH great deals (on Organic AND even Gluten-Free).. but if you aren’t careful you can spend ENTIRELY too much! I would suggest bringing cash and even at that, LIMITED cash. Give yourself a pep talk before walking in. Stick to your guns, and try not to be enticed by all those great deals. 

You can find the best deals on Bread, Tortillas, and even Gluten-Free Pasta there, in addition to Organic Salad.  See our tips for shopping there on our last post.

Be Confident

Don’t get yourself down ~ keep yourself motivated, ask a friend to support your endeavor.  Although it MAY get frustrating to be on such a limited budget, look at the positive points and try to let those carry you through the difficult times.