After writing my ‘three-part’ monster below on May 30th, I got to thinking how those tips really need a bit more clarifying for those who don’t know how to know how to use them to the fullest. The next three tips will be stretching out the list a bit to make sure it makes more sense to everyone. I sincerely want to help those who have never before had to learn these tricks and tips (I wasn’t raised to know these!) and help you stretch your grocery dollars.
When I say “Shop first at home know-how” what I mean is to get out your weekly circular from your favorite store (the one that doubles or triples coupons or is closest to home to save gas) and shop the sales FIRST. Add these items to your list this week. There is one caution however; buy only the things you KNOW your family will use. There is nothing like a can of sardines on sale that no one will touch for years. Don’t go there. On the flip side, if you have been wanting to introduce a food to your family but it has been too costly until now, this is the time to broaden their taste-bud horizons!
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Now that you have listed what is on sale that you will use (complete with prices to the side) go make a week’s skeleton menu using those items and ones you know are in your pantry, freezer and refrigerator. Don’t forget to include desserts, sides and beverages for the meals.
Now once your weekly menu is semi-complete, fill in the blanks with what you want/need to finish your plan. With this new complete week’s menu, head back to your grocery list (the one with the sales items on it) and look over your menu for the week thinking of all the spices, oils, salts, ingredients needed to make that menu come to life in your kitchen. If you are missing something, add it (and the price estimate of it) to your week’s shopping list.
Now that you have shopped at home first, you are armed with a plan and a detailed shopping list. You are more likely to eat at home (saving money) this week. You are less likely to go back to the store (wasting precious time and expensive gas) for things you forgot. You are pretty sure how much you will be spending in the grocery budget, thus stretching that grocery dollar farther and farther.
Donna Miller is a work-at-home wife and mother. She delighted to share her trials and triumphs of learning to mill and cook with whole grains. The Millers own and operate an online Store which offers Organic and Chemical-free Whole Grains, Bosch Mixers, the NutriMill, instructional tutorials, recipes and more. Visit
