Category: Budgeting tips

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

P.s. share on FB with friends
p.s.s. Subscribe for a free simple printable grocery list


How to start budgeting with a bigger family PART 2

This is a continuation from a previous post. Really good ideas! Take a look and leave a comment below and let me know what you think.

#6 Let your kids entertain themselves: Now this idea has it’s pros and cons. Pro- kids will be happy and learn how to be creative and independent. Con- Your house may suffer the consequences. Happy independent kids are all good and fun, but when it comes to cleaning up afterward, that my friends is the battle. So, try to set limits without taking the fun out of it.

#7 Don’t be afraid to share with other families: Shout it from the mountain tops- not really but let your friends and family know that you are on a budget, so when you show up to a birthday with a handmade card or some homemade treat they dont get discouraged. Some family and friends may even ask you for some tips and tricks or advice on how to save some money (send them here please! j/k), and people who budget together find great deals to share with each other. In my opinion.

#8 Be okay with saying “no”: Do i really need to explain this one? We all have kids who ask for everything when we go to the store for one thing. So, pretty simple. Just say no.

#9 Grocery shop using the sale ads: Some stores do price match, and put out competitive ads. Great way to save a penny or two. Also, a lot of stores use “undercover” shoppers so they can beat prices. Not sure how it helps knowing that but I thought it was interesting.

And finally, # 10

Find ways to earn extra cash: Download the apps you can find for selling your stuff, there are a few. Load up some stuff that is sitting around collecting dust, take a pic, and upload. You can also start a blog <<<<this is my favorite, but not an overnight money maker. If you have the energy see how you can go about delivery platforms. Most of them let you make your own schedule so you can work as often (or not), as you like.

That is all I have for now my beauties. Comment down below what you thought of my ideas. Like and share if you think these tips were interesting or may help someone else.

Penny Saving Mom

Amanda

How to start budgeting with a bigger family PART 1

#1 Create your budget: There are many ways to create your budget. Do some research and find what best suits your needs and go for it. Change if you need it. Nothing is set in stone, its basically just a guideline. If you know how much you spend monthly you will be able to see where to cut back.

#2 Plan things out: Try to make all bills you can auto-pay (make sure you have money to cover the funds before hand so you dont overdraft if its allowed on your account). Set a limit to cash on hand, and available spending for family dinner nights out, etc…

#3 Be frugal: Buy in bulk if you research prices and it seems to be better than buying single items in the long run. Store brands usually almost are better priced than name brands, and taste or quality is almost identical (you’re paying for the name not the product)

#4 Always go for secondhand stuff: Now buyers beware, you dont want to just buy from a random person you found on an app because it looked like a good deal. If possible test it out and know what you’re looking at. Thrift stores always have pretty decent clothing and even their electronics and housewares are pretty good! ( bought a waffle maker for $2 and it works great)

#5 Always shop around: Most places sell their things in store and online so just look it up. Price compare add it to your cart and checkout.

I hope these helped….come back in a couple days and I will let you guys get the part 2 to my list. Feel free to contact me with any questions or other great ideas you have.