Moving back on my own I'm finding myself in a need to start grocery shopping wisely. I've done coupons but to be honest savings on brand name are a great savings only when that brand is on sale or it comes with something free . Let's why I usually buy store brands after comparing the unit price to brand name counterpart. The only way I go brand name is if I tried the store brand and didn't like the taste. My go to stores after comparing prices Walmart I love how they honor comparative pricing. Now I don't have to shop numerous store online (like the internet) save me some time but now Walmart does it for you with their saving catcher. Save-a-lot and Wholesale clubs (BJ Club) are my bulk where I buy bulk on store and those name brand I like. Sometimes bulking isn't about the saving cause it bulk for I like buying bulk cause it lasts longer. We're a family of two so learning how to cook in smaller portions is something I'm learning with trail and error. I'm going my daughter more involve in the shopping, meal planning and eating what I cook. Let face if I cook too much and she doesn't like it I'm (we're) losing money that could be use for something else. Some here my steps on savings money on groceries.
1. Buy food when it on sell now and plan your menu this is something I'm (we're) new to I'll keep you updated on my process last month I bought some k cups pasta sauce on sell and my daughter replied we don't need that cause we have it at home. My response was its on sell 50%-60% off and we use it weekly.
2. Make a list of what you need and have at home and plan a menu on what you family eats. Try a new menu twice a month to include new food and/or a new way of eating your favorite items. I also buy foods that you can use in many menus. We like cheeses , fresh fruits and vegetable and pastas. So I usually make salads with a fruits and vegetables as a side dish (adds the cheese of your choice) Sometimes the fruit is a apple , pear or grapefruit.
3. The grocery store is for shopping I only buy laundry detergent (looking into making my own) and soaps when it $2 and under while I'm grocery shopping. I don't buy a lot of cans good and process food its not the most healthy. If I can make I buy the fresh ingredients to make it. Something new I'm trying adding all my dry ingredients to a plastic gallon and quart size bag when I'm ready cook my bags ingredients I'll throw in a bowl with the perishables and mix. I'm trying this with my cake cookies dumpling and pancakes.
4. Create a storage area with the foods and products your uses family in a month that will last you till it's on sale again. Everything your family uses won't be on sell when you need it but build you stock weekly or whatever works best for your family. I recently moved into an apartment with few closet cabinets and counters (my other apartment had lots of storage). I'm (we're) trying to adjust to less space by using baskets and bins. I'm looking into buying a cabinet, island and cutting board. My food, personal care and laundry stocks are stored in area when I use them.
5. Here something new to me but I'm going to try it finally(it only took me sixteen years) an acquaintance of mines created a menu made a grocery then went grocery shopping. I'll keep you posted on creating menu and shopping. I personally always base my shopping or what we like or wanted to try. Then I stocked up on baking goods during November and December cause I love to bake and that's when most of my baking needs are on sell.