theHword.com

There are many ways to help reduce your grocery budget.

When I started doing tip #2, I noticed a big difference in our grocery spending immediately.

Tip #2: Plan a Weekly Menu. Meal planning can seem intimidating and a lot of work – but it is really not that hard and it saves you time and money.

By planning a weekly menu, you purchase only what you need at the store for that week. It cuts down on the number of trips to the grocery store, reducing your impulse buying.

It also saves time. I love knowing exactly what I’m cooking that evening. No more standing in front of the fridge with a blank stare – wondering what to make for supper. How many times have you thrown up your hands and ordered take-out? I know I have. And the less you go out to eat, the healthier you tend to eat – yet another benefit of meal planning.

So, how do you begin?

First, keep your family’s favorite recipes handy. I keep mine printed and filed in a three-ring binder. Next, grab the grocery ads. Scan the ads for sale items that you can incorporate into your weekly menu. Also, take inventory in what you have in the pantry and freezer. Making use of these items will reduce the number of items you need to buy at the grocery store. By now you should have a good variety of meals for that week. All that’s left to do is write out your menu and make out your grocery list. Happy planning!

–
Three circulars—Smart Source (SS), Red Plum (RP), and Proctor & Gamble (PG) are available most Saturdays in the Hastings Tribune and other area newspapers. For internet printables (IP), click on the corresponding link. Have other questions regarding my lingo? Click here

Oscar Meyer Sliced Ham or Turkey (16 oz.) $2.59 ea.
$1.00 IP here = $1.59 ea.

Hormel Sliced Pepperoni or Canadian Bacon (3.5 oz.) $1.59 ea.
$0.35 (pepperoni) or $0.55 (Canadian bacon) IP here = $1.04 - $1.24 ea.

Nabisco Ritz Crackers or Snack Crackers 2/$4.00
$2.00/2 IP here or $1.00 (1.24 SS) = $1.00 ea.

Kraft Velveeta Cheese (2 lbs.) $2.99 with coupon
$1.00 IP here = $1.99 ea.

Chex Mix (6 oz.) 4/$5.00
$0.50 IP here or $0.50/2 (1.24 SS) = $0.75 – $1.00 ea.

Roberts Orange Juice (1 gallon) $2.66
$0.50 (11.15 SS) = $2.16 ea.

Roberts Sour Cream (16 oz.) $0.98 ea.
$0.30 (11.15 SS) = $0.68 ea.

Kraft Philly Cream Cheese (8 oz.) $0.98 ea.
$1.00/4 IP here = $0.73 ea.

Kraft Shredded Cheese (8 oz.) $1.99 ea.
$1.00/2 IP here = $1.49 ea.

Ragu Spaghetti Sauce (26 oz.) $1.69
$0.75/2 (1.31 RP) = $1.32 ea.

Hellman’s Mayonnaise (30 oz.) $3.39
$0.75 IP here or $0.50 (11.15 RP) = $2.89 – $2.64 ea.

Kellogg’s Raisin Bran or Frosted Mini Wheats (16 oz.) $2.77 ea.
$1.50/2 IP here = $2.02 ea.

Ro-Tel Tomatoes (10 oz.) $0.99 ea.
$0.30 (1.24 SS) = $0.69 ea.
I believe this is cheaper at Walmart.

Kretschmar Honey or Virginia Smoked Deli Ham $3.99 lb.
$0.55 IP here (when you buy 1lb. or more)

Lindsay Olives 2/$3.00
$1.00/2 IP here = $1.00 ea.

Velveeta (2 lbs.) $4.19 ea.
$1/1 IP here = $3.19 ea.

Ro-Tel Tomatoes (10 oz.) $0.99 ea.
$0.30 (1.24 SS) = $0.69 ea.
I believe this is cheaper at Walmart.

Velveeta Shells and Cheese or Delux Mac & Cheese 2/$3.00
$1.00/2 IP here = $1.00 ea.

Swiss Miss Cocoa Packets $0.99 ea.
$0.50/2 (1.10 SS) = $0.74 ea.

Welch’s Juice Cocktails $1.98 ea.
$1.00 (12.13 SS) = $0.98 ea.

Hefty Easy Grip Cups, Foam Plates, or Bowls $1.49 ea.
$0.50/1 (1.31 RP) = $0.99 ea.

Wholly Guacamole $1.78 ea.
$1.00 (1.31 RP) = $0.78 ea.

*Remember, Sunmart doubles all coupons valued up to $0.99. For example, a $0.50 Q doubles to $1.00 off

Johnsonville Bratwurst 2/$5.00
$1.00/2 (1.17 SS) = $2.00 ea.

Blue Bunny Premium Ice Cream $2.99 ea.
$1.00 IP here = $1.99

Nash Brothers Trading Co Canned Beans $1.39 ea.
$1.00 IP here = $0.39

Nash Brothers Trading Co Italian Soda $2.75 ea.
$1.00 IP here = $1.75 ea.

Our Family Peanut Oil (Gallon) $11.99 ea.
$3.00 IP coupon here = $8.99$2.59 ea.

–
Please Note: I do my best to match up deals and coupons but obviously I do not do all the deals myself. If you find one does not work—or better yet, find others—please leave a note in the comments section!

About the author: Renee Thomsen

Renee traded in her Louis Vuitton for a coupon binder after the birth of her son in 2007. Looking to save a few bucks on diapers, she found herself fully immersed in the wild world of couponing. Around that time, Renee discovered Dave Ramsey, a personal finance guru, and thus began her quest to find financial peace. Along with her husband, Renee is working towards becoming debt-free, one money-saving coupon at a time.