Getting by on a budget

I often get asked how we keep our grocery down with a family of 5, we used to spend almost double what we do now but due to buying our first home we had to shut that down so fast, it wasn’t easy but I have learned so much through this process so I thought I would share my top tips to how we do it:

1-      Skip the convenience isle- anything in a box is usually unhealthy and double the price

2-      Make everything you possibly can from scratch packet sauces and easy meals cost more because they are convenient.

3-      Make a monthly meal plan

4-      Make a grocery list and stick to it, if is not on the list it’s a no go

5-      Leave the kids and hubby at home when shopping if you cant then make it clear that they can pick one thing if they behave or just make it clear that if it is not on the list is is not going into the trolley, also make it fun by asking them to find things on the shelf.

6-      Make meat go further by adding beans, lentils and mixed veg, even bread

7-      Allocate a vegetarian meal once a week (meat is expensive)

8-      Make a lunchbox treat day once week and cut out all other treats and luxuries

9-      Use bicarb and vinegar to clean or even wash laundry it is so much cheaper and better than chemicals anyway

10-  If you have extra at the end of what you spent put it away for a rainy day

11-  Create a recipe file eventually you will not need to look for recipes, Google has so many cheap family recipes

12-  Finally shop the specials always keep an eye on what is going on special and even work your meal plans around it if need be

It is something that takes tweaking and getting used to, it also takes a few hours to get recipes together and meal plans every month but it is well worth it, I have seen the difference it has made to our health and our budget and will continue to do this and teach my boys to do this with their families one day as well, it is a really valuable life skill that teaches planning, budgeting and healthy smart eating.