Tip #2 Make a Plan.
They say, "Time is Money"... And to me that is untrue unless you are a 1980s stock broker or unless we are talking about planning your menus.
Yes- planning takes time. But it can save your health and save you an INSANE amount of money. I've always been amazed that Honey Boo Boo's mom is somehow a better couponer than I am. Granted she stocks up on white pasta and butter... But I have to hand it to her- that's one area of her life where she has a clear-cut plan.
Tip 1.
Check the sales. Make a menu.
I have several friends that swear by sites and apps like "pushpins". I am a pretty giant fan of "southernsavers.com" myself. I can go to this handy website and look at what's on sale at different grocery stores, make lists and stock up (tomorrow we will talk about how to cook/freeze meals and snacks). The thing I like about Southernsavers is that they have downloadable coupons available AND tell you where any hard copy coupons can be found. If you can get your Sunday and Wed paper for a month and just file the coupon pages (like red plum etc) by date, southernsavers will tell you where to find those. Most stores will let you use a manufacturer's coupon AND a store or competitor's coupon. Some stores will even double a coupon below 50 cents.
Or you can just be simple and download Walmart's "savings catcher". It compares what you bought to other stores in the area and puts that money on a gift card.
But plan. Look at what is on sale. Buy it. Make meals out of it!
Tip 2. Shop discount grocery stores
like Aldi and Trader Joes. I bought a giant amount of peppers from Aldi last week (6 yellow, orange and red peppers) for 6$. I had to cook them in 2 shifts. That coupled with 2 packs of turkey sausage at 2.50$ a package made close to a week's worth of lunches. Less than 2$ for a filling lunch chock full d fresh veggies and lean meat.
Tip 3. Be flexible
this may be the most important rule to healthy shopping on a budget. Don't shop for your favourite things at 20 different stores to cobble together your favourite meal. Try and make those lists and keep your store trips to 2-3 stores. Get creative and make meals out of the sale items. Make a menu before you leave the house and try not to buy unnecessary items.
Tip 4. Don't waste your food.
Get some good freezer containers or freezer bags. While no one wants red beans and quinoa for 7 days straight... There is no need to eat what you want and let it sit in the fridge until it is inedible. If you made a menu and that item is not on your menu for the rest of the week, portion and freeze for a quick and easy meal. Plan holes in your menu for frozen meals to come out and play before they expire.
With these tips in hand... Go on! Prep.
