1) Plan your meals around the sales. Stores routinely rotate sales items every 6 weeks so plan accordingly and stock up. Are the big packs of chicken breast on sale this week? Instead of buying one pack purchase several packs, separate into family size portions and freeze. If you routinely purchased only what was on sale (besides the perishables you need each week) you will soon have a well stocked freezer and pantry as well as a smaller grocery bill.



2) Avoid purchasing boxed foods. Most boxed foods are full of preservatives and trans fats so it is best to avoid them. Do you like the convenience of boxed foods? There are several good cookbooks and recipes online for making homemade mixes to keep on hand. You can find homemade muffin mixes and rice mixes to name just a few. Put these mixes in a pretty jar with the directions to prepare and it also makes a nice frugal gift!

3) Use coupons wisely. How many times have you found yourself spending more than you planned after using coupons? The key to saving with coupons is to only purchase the items you would normally use anyway. You will also find that the store brand may still be the better bargain. An even better idea is to hold onto that coupon and wait for the item you want to go on sale.

4) Do a coupon exchange. Check with family and friends who get the Sunday paper and exchange coupons for ones you can use. That way you can really stock up when your favorite items are on sale and you have coupons.

5) Buy produce in season. It will taste much better and you will usually pay less. Also in the warmer months be sure to take advantage of farmers markets for low prices on produce. Buy items like peppers and onions when on sale, chop them and freeze them for quick recipes during the week. Zucchini can be shredded and frozen for zucchini bread and other recipes.

6) Make your grocery list and stick to it. Beware of those impulse buys! The only exception is when the store might be having an unadvertised sale on products that you currently use.

7) Shop after dinner. You wont be tempted to pick up take out because you are too tired and hungry to cook when you get home. If it isn't possible to shop after dinner then be sure to have a snack before you go to curb your appetite.

8) Shop alone. Nothing blows a budget quicker than when your kids are with you! You will also get out of the store much quicker which will actually save you money.

Think of creative ways you can use meat and poultry for more than one meal. Meat sauce is just as satisfying with half the amount of ground beef. Slice up other cuts of meat for stir fries or to put on top of a nice salad and you have a quick healthy meal.

10) Don't be loyal to just one store. Most grocery stores have certain items priced really low to get your business. If you have several grocery stores in your area try and take advantage of what deals each store has to offer. Of course with the high price of gas it helps to plan these trips when you are in the area, such as stopping at stores that are on your way home from work.

11) Have breakfast for dinner once in a while. French toast with fruit and milk is quick and economical and the kids will love it for dinner.

12) Think leftovers! When planning your meals think ahead of creative ways you could use the leftovers. Did you roast a whole chicken? Shred the leftovers for a quick chicken casserole the next day.

13) Invest in a freezer. If you really want to stock up on meats and other frozen foods then you will find that purchasing a freezer will pay for itself rather quickly. Watch for sales in your local paper. We found the best deal at our local warehouse club.

These are just a few simple tips to help you stretch your budget. I hope that you find some or all of them useful for your family!