In this economy, it seems everyone is looking for one more way to pinch a penny. This would account for the notable rise in “extreme couponing” shows on tv. Mark and I are no exception but I just can’t get behind taking such extravagant measures to do so. I just don’t have the energy or the hours in a week to devote to coupon-hunting, driving to several different stores and then bringing the excess home to hoard away. All of that aside, I do understand there is some serious money to be saved but I am just too lazy.
There are a few convenient grocery stores around our house but we are decidedly Publix-loyal. I have taken to buying store brands and taking advantage of sales in the weekly ad but I knew I could do more. Since I was already browsing the weekly ad online when I made my list, I figured I could hit up a few coupon websites as well. So far I have saved a few extra dollars but nothing too notable.
How I usually make my list is, about 20 minutes before I leave for the store, I stand in the kitchen with the cabinets and fridge open and just see what’s missing. There’s no grand scheme or anything. Then, during the week, I open the cabinets again and stare into oblivion until dinner ideas pop into my head. It wasn’t until recently that I realized how inefficient this was.
A few months ago I changed my eating habits and am now a full-time vegetarian (or really more of a pescetarian. I eat fish.). The sudden lack of meat has yet to bother me but, all of a sudden, cooking became a lot more difficult. I consider myself a fairly good cook and have an extensive “mental cookbook” of recipes to choose from. That’s the main reason that I could just open cabinets and see what’s missing. My brain just seemed to subconsciously pick out the missing ingredients for recipes in my head. Once I took away the meat, I realized my mental cookbook was decidedly carnivorous. I couldn’t think of anything to make! So I bought a couple new cookbooks and set to work updating my brain.
During this process I have learned the best way for my family to save money .. meal planning! Each week, utilizing the same 20 minutes, instead of standing in the kitchen drooling on myself, I sit down with my cookbooks and plan 6-7 menus. I then make my grocery list based off those recipes. By doing this, we have cut our grocery bill significantly .. like $40-50 each time!
We never really bought excess before but because there was not a plan, it always seemed like we had “nothing” to eat when we really did. Now, when I get home from work and am tired, all I have to do is glance at the list of recipes and page numbers on the fridge and get to work! It’s much more hassle-free and quite enjoyable.
Seeing as most of the things we buy (fresh fruits/vegetables, dairy, etc.) aren’t coupon-type foods, I am not sure if I will ever fully commit to couponing. Now that I have seen that there is an alternative method to saving tons, I am totally at peace with that now. If you are like me, I encourage you to try meal-planning. It could save you a bunch, too! Happy shopping! :)
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