Spending Less in 2012

Hello everybody! I know it’s been a while since checking in. We’ve been busy busy busy! Turns out planning a wedding is quite the task ;) and quite the budget squeezer. Thus, we’ve been reviewing our monthly spending and realized the grocery store is really getting us. While working to tighten up our grocery budget, I found these great tips. Hope they can come of use to you as well!

1. Cut down to one run a week

This not only saves money, but time! Try to find a day that shopping works best for you and get everything on your list. No more of this running up to the store for this or that, instead make substitutions with what you have.

2. Look before you shop

Don’t think you have enough ingredients for a meal? Take a look at what you have. Chances are you can come up with something. And if you need help, go to websites like Kraft Foods and type in the ingredients you do have. Loads of great recipes usually come right from your pantry!

3. Stock up 

Buy meats, noodles, and canned goods in bulk. I try to buy noodles, frozen tilapia, salmon, chicken and red meats from Sams – So worth it and makes recipes like these easy peasy!

Foil Baked Fish with Black Beans and Corn
Pink Parsley

Spaghetti with Sauteed Chicken and Grape Tomatoes
Skinnytaste

4. Plan ahead

Money Saving Mom has a great list of tips on her series, “31 Days to a Better Budget,”   including downloadable plan ahead sheets.

5. Last but not least, Coupons!

You don’t have to become a coupon clipper, just download a couple apps and/or take a glimpse at some websites before shopping.

Deal Detecting Diva finds the deals for you – letting you know where your coupon will go the furthest. 

Most stores offer coupons from their sites. So, if you've planned ahead for a trip to Target, see if there's a coupon for anything on your list here. Dillons comes in handy for me as well - and they'll send them right to your Plus card - no printing necessary! Click here.

Also try:

SmartSource.com

Coupons.com

Coupon Network

Feel free to comment with any more tips you might have!

Happy Savings :)