One of the hardest, yet easiest, areas to cut your monthly expenses is at the grocery store.  We’ve been able to cut our grocery budget just over 60% by keeping the following thing in mind.

• Cash. I strongly believe in cash for all grocery shopping endeavors. It will save you tons of money and you will end up with things you actually need.  All by being in full control!

• Watch those sales and pair with coupons. It is unbelievable how much money you can save by pairing those 2 together!

• Meal Planning. Knowing what you are making for dinner and writing down all of the ingredients you need from the store will not only keep you on track , but it will save you unnecessary trips back to the store inevitably ending up with more than you needed, and spending more in the process. You will end up with more time, less stress, and saving money in the process!
  

• Use that list! That is why you made it, so stick to it! My only exception to this, is if I know I need orange juice (or another actual needed item) and I forgot to put it on my list. I try not to break budget for that one item, so I have been known to knock something else off so that I can get that  item.

• Watch the prices. Buying in bigger packages isn’t always cheaper, so make sure that you are getting the best deal. I’m that crazy lady standing in the aisle checking out every brand of product and figuring out the best deal. And a “sale” isn’t always a sale.

• Shop multiple stores. This one obviously isn’t feasible for everybody, but it is something that you should check into and weigh. Shopping these multiple stores gives a better idea of prices and in turn, you will have a better idea of what a good sale price is.

• Price Book! This helps to have a better grasp on what a good deal is and whether or not it is stock up price or not.
  

• If you can buy it, you can more than likely make it. Making most of what we eat from scratch has really cut our costs. In return I have been able to make my family healthy foods for less than half of what I could buy them for, and I am at peace because I know exactly what is in it and where it has been. No need to worry about some 14 letter ingredient that I have never heard of and cannot pronounce!

Photo by http://flickr.com/photos/seanomalone/111081810/

Phoebe is a stay at home mother of three and wife to an amazing husband.  She blogs daily at Cents to Get Debt Free where she shares her family’s journey at cutting costs and getting freedom from debt.