For years, we have lived on a severely tight budget. Our bi-weekly grocery budget is a MAX of $300, but we strive for $150. We USUALLY meet it. It really is not hard to feed a family of 4 for a little amount of money. I have found the trick, along with coupons, is to venture to different stores. It is not always easy to have just ONE store that has the cheapest prices for everything you need. Our store of choice usually varies based off what sales are going on at the time.
This shopping trip was on the high end of $300. This was because we were out of EVERYTHING! Lately, we have been spending around $150 every other weekend. However, we were in need of toilet paper, paper towels, and everything else that we don’t typically need every shopping venture.
I have to say, do NOT be afraid to travel to different stores. We typically go to 2-4 different stores to get what we need. I collect my coupons, check store ads, check my apps, and head off based off those. We did most of our shopping at Target this go around. We spent $220, saved $50 in coupons and discounts, and got $15 in gift cards back. They are amazing when it comes to little money saving tricks. Their mobile app, Cartwheel, offers on average 5% savings on their Up&Up or Market Pantry brands. Then they have a buy more; save more advertisement. These typically also include a free gift card. I got 16 rolls of paper towels and 36 rolls of toilet paper for$40 on sale, then $3 in coupons, 5% off from Cartwheel, another $1.50 off from the mobile coupons I get via text for paper towels, and $10 in gift cards. So I ended up only REALLY spending $23.50 for them all. We then ended up getting our produce at our local Village Market. They have a lot cheaper produce. We got a whole cart FULL to the brim of fruits and veggies for $47.
So many times I have heard people say that they would like to be able to eat healthier or make their families healthier meals, but they cannot afford it. I have honestly found that buying healthier options is cheaper than the processed boxed meals. The meals end up healthier and yield a lot more as well. We may have spent $300 on groceries today, but it will actually probably last us a little over a month. We may have to buy eggs and milk in two weeks, but come on…. the hubby can just pick that up on his way home.
People complain that they cannot afford to keep that much food in their house, or feed their families, or what have you. It does not take that much. Yes, we have been in a position where we only had oatmeal in the pantry for over a month, but we didn’t know then what we know now. AND we only had $30 for groceries that month and we had to buy formula too. If you are really, hurting, then you would find a way to stretch your dollar.
That's what I call the Max-Max style of living. Clever actions to optimize resources.
Thank you for understanding)
Maybe work to grow some vegetables at home... better quality and the veggies are a major expense.
I agree with you, I plan to grow vegetables at home soon. Thank you!
Have you ever looked into the FIRE (financially independent, retired early) blogs? They have a radical take on finances, and thought someone like you living on a budget might've been interested. I can post a link if you want to one of them.
Thank you, will be grateful to you!