Planning my monthly grocery budget, how I do it

First of all, it’s too quiet around here. Watching the news in peace. But not all is quiet. I still have a little one that talks to me all day. Almost 6 months old, eats like a horse, and rolls for days. So my planning takes me a little more time than I would like.

Now that the older kids are back in school, I can get this house back to normal (maybe, whatever that is). To me organization is key. Since the holidays were spread over 2 months everything that once had a place no longer does. My pantry is all unorganized and I have no idea what I even have anymore. Making my budget out for the month is going to be difficult. So get up and go get organized if you have the chance before you read the next part. Or just keep reading and do it all at the end. 

After you have everything organized and able to tell what you need

Start planning out your meals. Find a few recipes that you make often. Search for some new ones, because eating the same things get boring. Usually around here when we get bored of the same things we get fast food or go to a restaurant just for a change.

(on a budget that’s what we are trying to avoid)

Once you have your meals planned out go through your pantry and make a list of the things you will need. Remember, when buying on a budget name brands are not always a good way to go. Store brands are usually the same thing as name brands, in quality AND flavor. You are paying for the brand not the product.

 (i’ve mentioned this before)

Now get your local ads for whatever stores are nearest to you, whether that be online or paper ads. See what stores price match and have best deals. Make a list of each store and the product they have that you need with prices. You can either shop online, or go in-store (I don’t recommend this because I always end up buying more stuff than I planned on in my budget), most stores offer grocery pick-up on the same day. (perfect for busy moms) It is okay if you go over a couple dollars because in the long run you will eventually start to see a change in how much you are saving by putting a limit on things.

What to do now that you have your meals planned for the week or month(it’s up to you)

Make a calendar. Use an old dry-erase board, or a regular wall calendar works great. (also subscribe for a printable grocery list)

Write out the meals you planned on each day. Include your meat, veggies, and any other side dishes or breads you plan on using. Stick to the meal plan. Make sure your meat is defrosted by dropping it to the fridge the night before or taking it out a day or two ahead of time. You can pre-prep side dishes and veggies if you want, and if you have some extra time to do so. 

I suggest using this method for budgeting groceries and meal planning. Use it, if it doesn’t work out for you don’t worry! Just change some things that fit your schedule better. You should hopefully start seeing some results in your grocery bills over a couple months. 

Comment below if this has helped you, or leave me some suggestions to how I may be able to improve the way I do it.

Penny Saving Mom,

Amanda

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p.s.s. Subscribe for a free simple printable grocery list