My grocery bill was $400 every month. I was shocked when I calculated it. Now I spend only $150 and I still eat healthy and delicious food. Here is how I did it.
1. I Meal Planned Every Sunday;
Before, I went to store without plan and bought random things. Now every Sunday, I write what I will eat Monday to Sunday. I check what I already have in fridge first. This stopped me from buying double. Meal planning saved me $100 alone.
2. I Shop With a List and Never When Hungry;
I write list based on my meal plan and I stick to it. I never go to grocery store when hungry because you will buy everything. I also eat before shopping. Simple trick but it works.
3. I Buy Store Brands and In Bulk;
Store brand rice tastes same as expensive brand but half price. I buy rice, beans, pasta in bulk. I also buy meat in bulk when on sale and freeze it. Bulk buying saved me $80 per month.
4. I Use Cashback Apps;
I use Ibotta and Checkout 51. I scan my receipt and get cash back. Last month I got $18 back just scanning receipts. It's free money. Also I check store flyers for sales every Wednesday.
5. I Cook More and Waste Less;
I learned to cook with leftovers. Yesterday's rice becomes today's fried rice. I also freeze vegetables before they spoil. No more throwing food away. Americans waste 30% of food - I stopped that habit.
My family still eats chicken, vegetables, fruits, everything. But now I spend $150 not $400. That's $250 saved every month, $3000 per year. That is vacation money or emergency fund.
You can do it too. Start with meal plan this Sunday.
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