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             Welcome and thanks for taking the time to visit! I'm a domestic engineer, wife, and mother to five wonderful children. Having a family with limited income is challenging, but also very feasible , if you learn to become penny wise.  My goal is to give some simple money and time saving tips and ideas, and hopefully, help you have a little fun along the way. Let's get saving!!!

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                   More Money and Less Grocery Shopping


        Just the thought of going to the grocery store can make me cringe. As I picture my bi-weekly (at least) trip to the supermarket, dragging my munchkins with me, my palms start to sweat; and my heart starts racing. The fighting, whining, and begging in public can make my veins bulge and my patience deteriorate to nil. I leave with much more than I planned on buying, but not half of what is on the list. Of course, this begs yet another trip to the market. My pocketbook is empty, and I'm scrounging in the couch cushions for change to buy Taco Bell for our next meal. Sound familiar? 
     But what if there's a better, easier way? There is....read on! There are only 3 keys to grocery saving success. And no, I'm not advocating spending hours cutting coupons and searching store ads. (That would take too much of our precious time!)


1. SET YOUR MONTHLY GROCERY BILL GOAL.
Figure out what you currently spend on food and toiletries every month, including fast food, eating out, and the daily trip to Starbucks. (I swear they put something addictive in their drinks to make me keep coming back.) Then, make a reasonable goal of what you will spend this month on groceries, and stick to the decision amount. You'll be glad you did at the end of the month! And even happier at the end of the year!  


2.  PLAN AHEAD. 
I couldn't type those letters big enough, because they are the most important key. There are three parts of this step. First, take inventory of what you have and what you need in your cupboards, fridge, and freezer. Second, write a sample menu of what you will eat for two weeks. If you want a bit of a challenge, write a menu for an entire month. Third, find a discount grocery store. My favorite is Grocery Outlet, and they almost always have what I need and much cheaper than Super Walmart!


3. SHOP AND SAVE.
Hit the grocery store of your choice. If you have a large family, you may need a grocery cart or five, so bring a husband, friend, or child to help with the extra load. Buy only what is on the list (unless it is an absolute necessity that you forgot to add.) Count the savings at the register! 


     This sounds too simple, but it's tried and true. I promise! My family could blow through half a paycheck in groceries without batting an eyelash, but with this trick, we can cut our grocery bill by 60%; and with the extra time saved from only 1-2 monthly grocery trips, I can do what I love most, spend it with my family!






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