Friendly Reminder (Disclaimer): Hey there! Just letting you know that the thoughts shared in this post are my own. While I aim to provide helpful info, please consult a professional as needed. Also, this post might include affiliate links, which means if you click and make a purchase, I could earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. Thanks for your support!
As a mom of three busy boys, I’ve learned that feeding a family while staying within budget and ensuring everyone eats healthily can feel like an Olympic sport—one where I’m constantly dodging hurdles like picky eaters, allergies, and the never-ending grocery bill. Recently, I’ve decided to embark on a journey to save our family money while also improving what we put on our plates.
This journey isn’t just about cutting costs; it’s about taking control of what goes into our food and ensuring that we’re not unknowingly serving up a side of artificial preservatives, excessive sugars, or allergens. With our oldest having multiple food allergies, this has become even more critical. So, my plan is to start with three key strategies: mastering couponing, meal planning around sales, and making our own bread and snacks.
The Benefits and Savings Goals
By focusing on these three areas, I’m aiming to not only slash our grocery bills by at least $150 a month but also to make mealtime a healthier, happier experience. The benefits are clear—less money spent on groceries, fewer allergens in our food, and the satisfaction of knowing exactly what we’re eating. Plus, there’s something incredibly satisfying about kneading your own bread dough or nailing a killer grocery deal!
Tools and Strategies to Get Started
To make this journey as smooth and successful as possible, I’m arming myself with a few essential tools and strategies:
- Couponing and Store Apps: I’m all about convenience, so I’ll be focusing on apps like Ibotta (right now you can get $5 using that link), ShopKick, and Flipp, which allow me to clip and save coupons digitally. I’ll also be using store-specific apps like CVS and Dollar General to make sure I never miss a deal. I’d prefer not to print coupons or buy the newspaper, but if I have to do it occasionally, I will. The goal is to keep it simple and hassle-free.
- Meal Planning with Google Sheets: I’ll be organizing our meals using a simple Google Sheet. If you’re interested, I’m happy to share the template—just let me know! To keep things even more organized, I’ll be creating Pinterest boards with all the recipes I’ll be using and planning around. Follow me on Pinterest to stay updated on my meal plans and find some inspiration for your own.
- Using Flipp for Online Flyers: Instead of hopping from one store website to another or physically going to stores to check flyers, I’m using Flipp to access all the sales flyers online. This app is a lifesaver—everything I need is in one place, making it easier to plan my shopping trips.
- Planning Ahead: I’ll be trying to have my meal plans ready a week in advance. This way, I’m not scrambling at the last minute and can take advantage of the best deals.
- Utilizing Online Pickup: To avoid those tempting impulse buys—especially when shopping with the kids, which can easily add an extra $10-$20 each trip—I’ll be using online pickup options. This way, I can stick to my list and budget without any extra distractions.
1. Couponing: Where Deals and Discounts Meet Dinner
When I think of couponing, I imagine those super-savvy shoppers with their binders full of coupons, scoring carts of groceries for pennies. While I may not be at that level, I’m ready to start small and build up my skills. The idea is to save money on the things we actually use—no need for 50 cans of tomato soup just because they’re on sale.
How I Plan to Coupon Like a Pro
- Start Simple: I’ll begin by using digital coupon apps like Ibotta, ShopKick, and store-specific apps such as CVS and Dollar General. These will help me find deals on items we already buy.
- Stack Coupons: Learning to stack coupons with store sales is key. If I can combine a manufacturer’s coupon with a store sale, that’s double the savings.
- Plan Ahead: By planning our meals around what’s on sale and what I have coupons for, I can stretch our grocery budget further.
Why Couponing Matters Couponing isn’t just about saving a few bucks here and there—it’s about making every dollar count. With a bit of effort, I’m confident I can save us $50+ each month, which can quickly add up. Plus, it’s a fun challenge to see just how much I can save!
2. Meal Planning and Shopping Sales: Making the Most of What’s on Sale
Meal planning might sound boring to some, but for me, it’s like putting together a puzzle—one that can save us serious cash. The idea is simple: plan our meals around what’s on sale, buy in bulk when it makes sense, and avoid those last-minute grocery runs that always seem to double our bill.
How I’m Tackling Meal Planning
- Check Weekly Flyers: Each week, I’ll check store flyers and online ads (thank you, Flipp!) to see what’s on sale. Then, I’ll plan our meals around those items.
- Bulk Buying: For non-perishables or items we use frequently, buying in bulk when they’re on sale is a no-brainer.
- Avoid Impulse Buys: By sticking to a meal plan and shopping list, and using online pickup services, I can avoid those tempting impulse buys that wreck our budget.
The Why Behind It Meal planning based on sales is a game-changer. Not only does it help us avoid the dreaded “What’s for dinner?” question, but it can also save us up to $100+ a month. And let’s be honest, less time spent at the store means more time to enjoy family meals.
3. Homemade Bread and Snacks: Healthier and Cheaper
Our weekly grocery haul always includes bread and snacks—both of which can be pricey, especially when catering to food allergies. By making our own, I’m not just saving money; I’m also ensuring that what my kids eat is free from unnecessary additives and allergens.
Baking Bread Like a Boss
- Gluten-Free and Regular Loaves: With one gluten-free kiddo, I’ll be baking both types of bread. Knowing exactly what goes into each loaf means I can ensure they’re free from allergens and preservatives.
- Homemade Snacks: In addition to bread, I’ll be making muffins, waffles, chewy oat bars, and protein bites. These snacks are easy to make, budget-friendly, and free from all the extra junk found in pre-packaged items.
Why Bother? Making our own bread and snacks might take a little more time, but the savings are huge. We’ll be saving around $100+ a month, and there’s something deeply satisfying about watching your kids enjoy something you made from scratch—no mystery ingredients, no hidden allergens, just real, wholesome food.
Wrapping It Up: Join Me on This Journey
This journey is just getting started, and I’m excited to see where it leads. From mastering couponing to meal planning and baking, there’s a lot to learn and even more to save. I’ll be sharing my successes (and probably a few mishaps) along the way, so I invite you to follow my journey.
If you’re looking to save money, eat better, or just try something new, join me! Follow us on social media to keep up with our progress and get tips, tricks, and recipes to try out with your own family.
Want more ideas on how to save? Check out this list below! Let us know which one you will try!
20 Easy and Practical Swaps Moms Can Do to Improve Their Budget and Life
- Homemade Cleaning Products
- DIY Laundry Soap
- Reusable “Un-Paper” Towels
- DIY Sandwich Wraps and Snack Bags
- Homemade Condiments (Ketchup, Mustard, etc.)
- Homemade Personal Care Products (Shampoo, Lotion, etc.)
- Grow Your Own Herbs and Vegetables
- Homemade Candles and Soaps
- DIY Pet Care Products
- Homemade Ice Cream and Dairy Products
- Switch to Cloth Napkins
- Reusable Grocery Bags
- Homemade Gifts for Birthdays and Holidays
- DIY Compost Bin
- Line Dry Clothes Instead of Using a Dryer
- Switch to LED Light Bulbs
- Use a Programmable Thermostat
- DIY Home Decor from Upcycled Materials
- Switch to Refillable Water Bottles
- Make Your Own Baby Food
Yes I definitely need to start couponing. I never thought of digital couponing. Have to look into that and making my own homemade bread. Thank u