The average family spends more than $4,000 a year on groceries and spends nearly $2,700 a year eating out. Combined, food amounts to the third biggest budget expense after housing and transportation.
The grocery store knows that if you wait in line long enough, you’ll eventually buy something you don’t need and heaven forbid your toddler see a cool toy he wants. You’re not leaving the store without that plastic squirt gun.
First, eat a good meal before you go grocery shopping. Shopping on a full stomach means you won’t be tempted by the empty calories in those frosting-covered sugar bombs and chocolate-covered regret-me-laters.
Try eating only at home for one month, and that includes no take-out or pizza delivery. If you eat out for lunch or find yourself visiting the vending machine, cutting back can save a bunch of money.
The crock pot is your new best friend for saving money on groceries without pending a lot of time in the kitchen. Figure out when you’ll be busy at work and might not feel like cooking up a meal.