Saving Money:How I Spend Less Than A $100.00 On Groceries and Household Items A Week Without Using Coupons

Written By: Felecia Causey

For me, spending money on groceries and eating out, can be expensive. The constant viewing of my bank account, with numerous transactions from restaurants and grocery stores was ridiculous. I am talking about almost $30.00 per fast food restaurant visit and grocery stores bills would be over $200.

I know the struggle of having a busy schedule and the convenience of take out food. As a mother of two kids, who participate in several extracurricular activities, stopping by to pick up a burger is the easy thing to do.

I decided to come up with a game plan to limit eating out, and spending an extreme amount of money on food and junk.

I started my journey and decided to feed my family with a budget of a 100.00 a week. This budget included all house supplies without being a coupon fanatic. I have nothing against coupons, but I personally, do not have the time or the desire to do so.

Before I share my own personal experience on how I changed spending over $300.00 a week on eating out , house items, and groceries, down to $100 or less a week, you will
need to do the following:

1. Throw the mentality away of only eating name brand items. Go generic.
2. Stop throwing away things that can be used. Why waste practically good food that you can put in the fridge?
3. Change your eating habit. I have began to eat less and a little healthier.   


The first thing you need to do is see what you have in your fridge, freezer, and pantry.

The main objective is try to stay out of the stores as much as possible to save money.

I started my list for household items. For example cleaning materials, toiletries, and etc. My budget for my house was $15.00. I spent $8 my first week. I got everything I needed from Dollar General. If you don't need it, put it back.

The most important part was sitting down preparing a seven day menu for a whole week. Why? This right here saved me time on deciding what to cook and helped me prepare a great shopping list.

After writing a complete seven day menu, I then was able to write everything I needed down.

I am sure many are asking what if we want expensive steaks and expensive seafood.  My answer: You may can find some of these things on sale, but are you willing to let certain things go, to save and reach a goal of saving money. If it's not a step you are ready to take, then this blog is not for you.

Once, I completed my menu, it was time to go grocery shopping.  I didn't spend any more time than I needed in the store. I knew the longer I would stay, I would find myself buying things, that were not on my list.

Two things I had to make sure I remembered before even getting out the car, was my list and having a self discipline mind.

THINGS I HAD TO LOOKOUT FOR!
*Sale items-There is nothing wrong with stuff on sale and on clearance, but I didn't want a haul because it was on sale. I didn't want to be off course from my menu, and most importantly my budget.

*Generic items- Most stores put most of their non-brand items on the bottom shelf. I made sure I started from the bottom of the shelves to find what I was looking for.

* Keeping food fresh- The store I shop at has a meat department, so to keep the meat fresh, I asked them to break it in half for me. Most times they are very friendly about it.

* I don't buy more fruit or vegetables than my family will eat. These items can be expensive, so I didn't want to waste money on something that will eventually rotten. Like my kids I will not eat a banana that has spot on it.

My first week I only spent $96 and the 2nd week $93, and my 3rd week $95.

Where do I shop? Please be sure to check back on an upcoming blog. I will share what I buy and where I buy them. I will also share some of my quick meals that I have on my family menu and how I prepare 3 to 4 meals a day to save  time.

If you need help on how to start your family on a saving money journey, you can contact me via my contact form. I also offer menu and shopping list planning for a special price before the end of the year.

Popular posts from this blog

Interview With Mom of Nine, Photographer, and Boutique Owner Karissa Collins