Is it possible for a family of four of spend less than four hundred dollars a month on groceries?

I’m here to tell you that yes, it is possible. In fact, my husband and I spend less than $400.00 on groceries and toiletries combined (and that includes diapers, dog food, toilet paper, cleaning supplies, etc.-EVERYTHING we buy for our home).

It’s possible…but that doesn’t mean it’s easy.

Here are a few tips to help make it happen:

1. Plan your meals ahead of time. 

Along with saving money, meal-planning has other benefits. First of all, it takes the stress out of the 5:00 hour. We no longer have to stare into the fridge every night and try to find something to put together for dinner. Now, we just look at our monthly calendar and choose an entree. Plus, when we are planning our meals, we can intentionally plan healthier options.

One thing I’ve done that has sped up the meal-planning is this: I made a list of 28-30 dishes our family enjoys. Then, we just rotate the meals in any given month (and I usually throw in a new Pinterest meal to try too).

2. Stop buying luxury items. 

Don’t buy (or limit the amount of) pop, juice, alcohol, chips, cookies, junk food, etc. Not only will this help your pocketbooks, but it will also help your waistline.

3. Buy generic. 

I used to think generic wasn’t as good as name brand, but really, I can’t tell that much of a difference. The money you can save just by switching to generic is huge, so it’s totally worth a try.

4.Watch for deals. 

But be careful. Don’t fall into the trap of buying something you won’t use just because it’s on sale or you have a coupon.

5. Shop at Aldi or another similar store.

These grocery stores really can save you a lot of money. Yes, it takes a bit more time because you have to go to another store. But, if you really want to save money, it’s worth the time involved.

6. Shop with a list (and only buy what’s on the list). 

Along the same lines…don’t shop while hungry. Your willpower will be much stronger when your stomach is full.

7. Use cash.

There’s just something about dishing out two hundred bucks that makes you want to do a better job about spending less. Another thing about using cash…if you are diligent and only carry the amount of cash you budget for the month, you will be much more careful about your purchases and much less likely to make an impulse buy you’ll regret later.

Let’s talk: What tips would you add to this list? 

*If you are interested in getting your finances in order and would like a little more help, please sign up to receive your free copy of Financial Freedom on a Fixed Income. You can sign up on the right hand side of this blog.