In todays economy - we need to pinch pennies here is an article I ran across that will help all you moms save money on groceries...
Super Moms Secrets For Saving Money on Groceries
By Blair Critch
Food prices are on the rise today with no signs of leveling
off. Many people are wondering if they could be saving money on
groceries for their everyday items as well as some splurges as
well. There are still some grocery bargains to be found out
there if you know where and how to look, and we have some handy
tips that any mom or individual can use.
First, remember that saving money on groceries starts before
you leave home. Make a plan of what meals you need to prepare
for the week, including lunches and snacks. Check your cupboards
and refrigerator and make a list of the things you'll need. You
won't be saving money on groceries if you buy unnecessary items
or find you need to run down to the corner store for forgotten
items. You can also check the items you need on your list versus
what coupons you have and what you see in the weekend circulars
in your newspaper. Make sure you stick to your list, and the
only items you can buy that aren't on the list are ones that are
on sale and that are a bargain, and that you know you'll need
later on.
If you don't yet buy in bulk, it's time to start. If you go
through items like rice, flour, sugar, soup, and items that keep
a long time very frequently, you can buy larger quantities for
less money. Consider an investment in a warehouse club as an
investment in saving money on groceries; the few dollars it
costs for the membership every year is worth the money you'll
save. Remember that you can always walk through one of these
stores to check out their prices and items available before
actually purchasing a club card.
Part of saving money on groceries is making your food go
farther each meal. Trying having a small bowl of inexpensive
soup before every dinner. This will fill you up and have you
less hungry for the more expensive main dish. Forego meat in
your dinner at least once per week and opt for items like
stuffed peppers, soup and salad, or a large omelet instead. Some
even enjoy a nice pancake dinner every once in awhile, which of
course is much cheaper than a steak! You can also be saving
money on groceries by reducing how much meat you use in other
dishes; cut back on meat in spaghetti and lasagna, soups and
stew, and so on.
You could also be saving money on groceries by using a crock
pot to cook cheaper cuts of meat and marinade or seasoning
mixes. These give a lot more flavor to cheaper dishes so that
you don't miss the more expensive cuts of meat. You can also use
seasoning mixes so that cheaper brands of items like spaghetti
sauces and soups are tastier.
Many have found that saving money on groceries means cooking
more things themselves rather than relying on pre-packaged and
precooked dishes. This might mean more time in the kitchen
chopping vegetables and preparing items but it can add up to
savings in the long run. When you do cook, make enough for two
or three dinners or meals and freeze the other portions. You can
then reheat these items for another dinner or for snacks, which
means you're saving money on groceries as food won't go to
waste.
To really help, start a price book for your grocery shopping.
Compare prices at local grocery stores as well as the warehouse
clubs and places like this. Keep track of what you're spending
as well. When you see how you're saving money on groceries by
putting forth some effort with clipping coupons, shopping
around, and preparing items yourself, you may find that you
actually enjoy the effort you put into this endeavor.
About the Author: Married with two children: Jeremiah (4) and
Noah (2) Former Kindergarten Teacher Current Home
Maker/Entrepreneur http://www.supermomssecrets.com
Source: http://www.isnare.com
Permanent Link:
http://www.isnare.com/?aid=264330&ca=Home+Management
