6 How to Save Money on Groceries Tips

Everyone is looking for ways to save money these days, and saving on food and meals is one area that is often the focus. I was having a discussion with a friend of mine about what it means to be frugal, and to enjoy a frugal lifestyle. In my opinion, being frugal is NOT about deprivation! It is about spending your money wisely, planning your purchases, and not spending more for an item than need be. Here are some frugal tips to save money on food and groceries:

1. Plan a week's worth of meals in advance and shop for the ingredients once each week. Take some time to research recipes that your family will enjoy, and then shop with a list.
2. Check your newspaper or online for coupons for food and household items that you use regularly, and don't be shy to use them. Save on Groceries at Coupons.com!
3. Find out what items are on sale each week at your local grocery and decide if you can fit them into your menu plans. Many groceries offer 2 for 1 specials or other discounts that you should not pass up if they are items you use regularly. My husband never leaves the grocery without checking if his favorite breakfast cereals are on special - lol.
4. Look for cuts of meat that are more economical. For example, if a whole chicken is 99 cents per pound this week, and that boneless chicken breast that you usually buy is $4.99 per pound, try the whole bird this week and save. You can roast it whole, or cut it into parts yourself for major savings. Same goes for beef - if you were planning porterhouse steaks which can be as much as $14.99 or more per pound, you may be able to substitute New York strip or even sirloin, and still have an enjoyable meal. Ground meat is a great meal stretcher too.
5. Shop at the big warehouse clubs like Sam's or Costco. Purchase those items that you can easily use, or that have a long shelf life like rice or pasta, canned goods, frozen food items, etc. In addition, you can save on paper products, too
6. Always shop with a list, and avoid making impulse purchases. There is a reason that grocery stores place items where they do - it is to help you make those impulse purchases for things you didn't actually go to the store to buy.

Here is a tasty "frugal" recipe that won't leave you feeling deprived:

Beef & Broccoli Stir Fry with Ramen Noodles

1 package beef or spicy beef ramen noodles
2 cups water
1 pound beef steak strips
2 teaspoons oil
2 cups broccoli, cut up
1 cup green onions, cut in strips
1 tablespoon soy sauce
1/8 teaspoon crushed red pepper (optional)

Cook the ramen noodles according to package directions and drain. In skillet brown beef and drain. Add oil, 1/2 seasoning packet, broccoli and onions. Stir-fry for five minutes. Add soy sauce and red pepper. Simmer for five minutes more. Serve over noodles.

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