[jenpen01]

I'm not sure where else to put this, but my husband and I are trying something out. Starting in October, we are going to strictly watch out budget, including spending only 25 a week on groceries if we can. My problem is that I don't know how to go grocery shopping and spend that little. The grocery stores around here do not double coupons. I feel like the only way to buy cheap items is to buy processed foods...which we are trying to avoid if we can.
I'm not a big fan of beans, I think it's a texture thing. Thanks in advance for any advice.

[pointe84]

Stock up when anything you like is on sale
Stretch more expensive ingredients - use half the meat called for in spaghetti sauce, Hamburger Helpers, etc., cut down on cheese, expensive toppings, etc.
Buy produce at a farmer's market or produce stand, not the grocery store. Go later in the day to a market to score deals from farmers who don't want to take items home with them. Look for slightly damaged produce you can use quickly, like bruised fruit, and ask for a discount.
Buy tougher (and cheaper) cuts of meat and cook them in a crockpot - they'll tenderize as they cook and taste great
Eat rice as a side dish a few nights a week
Buy whole chickens rather than chicken breasts. They are DELICIOUS roasted whole with only a few vegetables
Do not buy prepared mixes - make your own
Drink water, milk, and tea only
Order food from Angel Food Ministries -- I am not allowed to post the link but if you search on google it will come up

Honestly even with all this I don't know that $25 is a realistic budget. I am an extremely conscientious shopper who also tries to avoid too much processed food, and I could not manage that amount for my husband and myself. Particularly if you are going to buy fresh produce I don't know that it is possible.

[JaimeDae]

Great goal! Where do you live that they don't double? I wish you the best of luck!!!

[jenpen01]

Originally Posted by pointe84

Honestly even with all this I don't know that $25 is a realistic budget. I am an extremely conscientious shopper who also tries to avoid too much processed food, and I could not manage that amount for my husband and myself. Particularly if you are going to buy fresh produce I don't know that it is possible.

That's what I was afraid of. But in my attempt to get my husband on board, I threw out the twenty five dollars and he told me he would be shocked if I could do it, so now because I opened my mouth on the 25 dollar thing, I feel like I should try. Thanks so much for the advice!

[jenpen01]

Originally Posted by JaimeDae

Great goal! Where do you live that they don't double? I wish you the best of luck!!!

Central Minnesota. The closest place to me is about an hour drive, and it doesn't seem worth it because you can only use 5 coupons there.

[jeanettebr]

It's a nice idea....is it just you and your dh? Even so it may not be feasable but you could see how low you can get it to go
Our grocery stores don't really double much either...some do up to 50 cents..boooo...their prices are so much higher anyway it doesn't pay to shop there!

anyway..no real advice for you other than to cheer you on and see what sage wisdom the rest of you all have.
I feed 6 people (not sure how much I spend just on groceries) and I do some processed foods because we HAVE to...no way around it..but I limit it to one processed type thing per meal and add loads of fresh veggies, a salad and fruit and things like cottage cheese and yogurt etc...

watch those sales on meat and STOCK up when you see it cheap....thats where most of the grocery money goes

you could also try limiting your portions just a bit...you'd save a little more $ over time and possibly lose some weight in the process (if you needed too...but if your thin already..EAT)
just an idea..
anxious to see what others come up with and
GOOD LUCK

[jenpen01]

I think I'll try it for a month and see how I can do. I'm definitely going to be decreasing portion sizes. I also decided to start drinking slim fast daily...so that takes up breakfast, and lunch minus some fruit...which i can do canned-unless fresh is available. I just was looking in my freezer, and I don't have to buy meat for a while, so that should help...and usually I get that cheap/free because my parents own a restaurant-it's my payment for working. Works out great!
It is just my husband and I.

[spendingwise]

Do you have a stockpile at all to fill in the meals with?

I think it can be done... my best advise is to get the curculars from all your local stores and don't forget drug stores too and shop the loss leaders and pair up coupons and then plan all your meals from these deals.

Please keep us posted. It would be great fun to see how you make out!

Good Luck!

[jbarber8]

I think you have to coupon for awhile to get a low grocery bill. If you start buying the items you can get free or nearly free, and stocking up on things that keep, in a few months the bill will go down.

The things i don't buy anymore because I've stocked up when they were cheap or free over the last year: laundry detergent, shampoo, deodorant, shaving cream & razors, toothpaste, toothbrushes, floss, cereal, plastic wrap/bags/foil, poptarts, cat food, dishwasher detergent, liquid dishsoap, soap, salad dressing, mustard, A1, cold medicine, vitamins.... there is probably more I'm forgetting.

I buy only deals and meals (fresh fruit & meat, frozen food, beverages) when I go to the store now. I spend about $50 per week less than I used to before A Full Cup. I still spend about $100 per week to feed my family of 4. I shop only at Target... and no one doubles anything in FL either but I can stack a Store coupon on a Mfr coupon.

Good luck!

[jenpen01]

I have a very small stock pile...But my menu for september is based on that...so when it comes to planning October menu I will have to re-evaluate