Check out these tips to help you stretch your grocery budget!

Top 10 Ways to Stretch a Grocery Budget

Spread the love

When your grocery budget is stretched tight and you have little money to spare, these tips might help you stretch your dollar further. 

My husband and I married at 19 and 20 years old, so we learned early how to survive on very little income. At the time we married, we were both college students working part-time jobs.

Looking back now, I’m amazed we were able to live on so little. One good thing about starting out relatively poor, though, was that we learned early how to stretch our money.

Here are a few of the things we learned.

Top 10 Ways to Stretch a Grocery Budget: 

  1. Buy generic.

Often times, there is very little taste difference between name brand and generic. If you’re not sure if your family will eat generic, try it once (don’t tell them), and then see if anyone notices.

Hopefully, they won’t notice the difference, and you’ll be able to save a lot of money in the future.

  1. Shop with a list (and only buy what’s on the list).

This one is huge! If you’re shopping without a list, you’ll probably buy several things you don’t need (and neglect to buy several things you do need). 

  1. Never shop hungry.

When you shop hungry, you tend to buy things because they look good, rather than because you need them. Eat a snack or meal before you shop to prevent impulse hunger purchases. Or…bring along a snack from home to munch on as you shop.

  1. Plan your meals in advance. 

I plan my meals by the month, but I know many people plan by the week. Find a system that works for you and stick with it.

The important thing is to plan your meals in advance, so you’re not scrounging for ideas at five o’clock each night.

  1. Stock up during sales or when you’re at a bulk store.

This costs more money upfront, but it’s better in the long run. If your budget allows, this is a great way to save money on products you are certain you will use.

  1. Eat less meat.

If a recipe calls for one pound of ground beef, you can often use half of that and not notice a difference. You can even leave the meat out of some recipes.

  1. Don’t waste food.

Use leftovers for lunches throughout the week. Plan one night a week for eating what’s in the fridge. Or cut your recipes in half. Do whatever you can to prevent waste.

  1. Limit certain foods and drinks.

Stop buying pop, alcohol, fruit juices, chips, junk food, etc. Your family will not only save money when you do this, but they’ll also be healthier.

  1. Use coupons only on things you actually need.

Don’t fall into the trap of buying something because it’s on sale or because you have a coupon if you’ll never use the item (or if you could easily do without). Only use coupons when they actually save you money.

  1. Shop in your pantry first.

Before heading to the grocery store, see what you already have in your kitchen. You might be able to make a meal with things you already have on hand.

Let’s Talk: How do you save money as you shop? 

Financial Freedom on a Fixed Income, only .99! Looking for more money-saving ideas?

Check out this ebook: Financial Freedom on a Fixed Income.

It’s only .99 right now, so grab it while it’s cheap! 

Lindsey Bell
Connect on:
Latest posts by Lindsey Bell (see all)
Share