Setting and Keeping a Food Budget

Step 1

Plan it out. Make a weekly or monthly menu to determine what you will eat, and what you will need to buy. Weekly menus are easier to plan, but monthly menus allow you to save more money. Remember to include food from all food groups as this is essential to remaining healthy and satisfied with your food choices.

Step 2

Evaluate. Reduce "high-cost" meals that rely heavily on premium cuts of meat, large quantities of pre-cooked or refrigerated foods, and meals in restaurants. Use a lot of pasta, potatoes, and rice. There are a number of delicious casseroles that you can fix that are actually quite cheap.

Step 3

Make a list. Make a list of not only what you will need, but also how much you will need of each item. This helps you shop more effectively by reducing the number of "on the spot" trips to the grocery store (which increases impulse spending) and also reduces the amount of food that is wasted due to spoilage.

Step 4

Coupons and ads. Search the internet and your local paper for specials and coupons at stores. Remember that a coupon or special is only a "deal" if it's something you are already buying, and if it is cheaper than anywhere else. Make special note on your shopping list if you want to buy that item at a particular store, or note the price in case you find a better deal somewhere else. Generally, try to consolidate your shopping to no more than 3 stores, as you will spend more money in driving around than you would save if you are trying to visit too many places.

Step 5

Indulge yourself. Build in small rewards such as cookies or yogurt. It is very tempting to see "treats" on sale and want to buy them, but this can sabotage your whole budget. Build in little treats for yourself such as cookies by buying the mix and making them yourself. There is almost always a coupon for cookie mixes, and at less than a dollar a package, these mixes are much cheaper than buying the pre-made alternatives (whether in the snack aisle or in the refrigerated case). Buying yogurt cups that are on sale and freezing them is a great way to provide a sweet snack for yourself that is inexpensive and also good for you. There are almost always coupons for yogurt, too, so this can be a big savings.
Another way to indulge yourself is to plan meals out. Generally, planning one meal out per month is a great way to reward yourself for staying on track with your budget and your menu. Look for local restaurants that offer coupons, special nights, etc and take advantage of these deals. It is not impossible for a family of 4 to eat out for less than $25 if you know where to look.

· Buy in bulk whenever possible and whenever items will "keep" for a while.

· Buy frozen and canned fruits and vegetables, especially when they will be cooked into foods anyway.

· Buy value packs of meat instead of smaller or pre-cooked packages.

· Buy generic when it is cheaper

· Compare the price per ounce or price per count whenever possible, as this gives an accurate reflection of which brand will be cheapest overall.

· Be aware of extra bonuses. Some stores may have a slightly higher price on an item but offer a "rebate" if you buy a certain quantity, making your overall price cheaper.

· Beware of in-store specials as this is often just a store's attempt to push an overstocked item.

· Beware of buying more than you need when food will spoil. Remember, it doesn't save you money if you're just going to end up throwing part of it away.

· Don't cut nutrition. While it is tempting to live on Ramen Noodles and popcorn, these foods to not provide adequate nutrition and may lead to fatigue, depression, and an overall inability to cope with life's challenges