Plan

Why plan first?

Spending too much on food? Spend a little time and energy with the ideas on this site, and you can save a chunk of change every month. Save food dollars by substituting more of your time and knowledge to make a plan for saving money.

Plan for Shopping

What would you do with an extra $75 a month? If you spend $500 a month on groceries, the tips and ideas below can help you save $75 a month (15%). But it will take a little effort on your part, and some practice. Before long, your efforts will start to pay off and you’ll hear a little more coin jingling in your pockets.

Have your plan ready!

In the next step, Shop, you will get tips and tricks to save while you are at the store.

4 Rules of Food Shopping

Use grocery store ads.
Make a menu plan.
Make a list.
Use unit pricing.

RECIPES

ALL

Apple Smiles

Tips:

Use 3 mini marshmallows in place of the 3 or 4 raisins.

How to get it on SALE--EVERY TIME

Check grocery ads and store websites for sales and coupons.
When you see an item advertised on sale, add it to your shopping list and stock up, making sure to note the brand, package size and cost.

Check and chuck! Check your refrigerator every day, your freezer every week and your pantry at least once a month. Add it to your meal plan before you have to toss it.

When you plan ahead for healthy snacks, you're less likely to reach for the bag of chips when you're hungry.

Ensure a healthy diet!

Include something from each group: fruit, vegetable, protein, bread, and dairy.

Pay attention to prices!

If you know how much something usually costs, you'll know if it is a good deal when it's "on sale."

Plan for double portions

Prepare one portion to cook and serve, and the other to freeze for later.