People are always asking me how we get our groceries for such a small amount compared to what they spend. So I post our grocery trips here so you can see what we buy. We currently budget $150 a week for a family of 4 to 5 (big girl is at college most of the time) food, non food grocery items, cleaning supplies, pet food, health and beauty, over the counter medicine and some car maintenance items. This amount is still a bit higher than I would like, but I am learning that with the items included in our budget and the price of items in our area, this amount is really not that bad. When you are trying to eat a healthier diet consisting of leaner meat, lots of fresh produce, and more real food, your grocery bill will tend to be a bit higher. You just get creative and find other ways to save.
The grocery list was pretty long for the week. I just knew I would be over budget.
I spent $111.28 at Walmart on the items in these two pictures.
I did ad match a couple items and I used $12.95 in printable coupons and manufacturer coupons.
I also spent $37.18 at Sam’s on bulk Nature Valley Granola Bars, Almonds, dried blueberries and 2 pounds of fresh blueberries.
That makes my total spent on groceries for the week $148.46. So I actually came in under budget by $1.54! See there, if I had not ad matched or used coupons, I would have been over budget by about $15.00.
Sure I could save more if I was a more involved couponer, but I have a few rules I like to follow:
- buy what we will use
- low stress couponing – I do what I can and don’t get stressed out for not being able to do more. I want the savings to be a blessing to my family, not something that stresses me or them out.
- don’t buy just because it is free – we still pay taxes on pre-coupon price where I live and shop
- follow the rules
- don’t clear the shelves
So if you haven’t already given coupon use a try, and are really thinking about it, I suggest taking it slow. Give yourself time to figure things out and get a system. I promise you that it is worth every little dollar you save.
So how did your grocery budget look this past week? Find any great deals?
making a habit out of living frugal…..
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