A few weeks ago Dr. Phil had on a guest that really got me thinking. It was the cheapest family in the world. Ok, yes I do like the show and just started watching it again. I think he really is able to help a lot of people on and off the tv. Anyway, it was a family of 7 who live well within their means(you don't hear that everyday). You can read about them here.
Some of the ways this family cuts spending are things that I would not do. They primarily shop at thrift stores for their outfits. I have nothing against it but I would not be inclined to do so for my family. I feel like I get good enough deals on our kids clothing as it is. I typically buy clothes on sale and usually have a % off or coupon from having the store credit card. Yes, I know I said credit but my balances are paid off every month. As for my clothes, I will stick with my normal routine, sale items at the mall or some other stores who run sales often.
I normally spend over $1,000 a month on my grocery bill. We are a family of 5 and normally eat out 2 times a week. My husband takes his lunch to work about 3 times a week. I feel like I spend so much money at the grocery store and feel like there has got to be a way to cut it even if just a little.
I do use coupons when I have them. My grocery store will double my coupons and once a quarter they will triple up to 20 of them. My grocery store also runs some fairly good weekly specials. I visited this website recently for tips and links for good coupons printable on-line. She was also on the same Dr. Phil show.
As much as I don't want to admit it, I went into Wal-Mart the other day to check the price on some of their grocery items. I have to say from what I saw they do have some fairly inexpensive prices on some items I use. My next step is to continue the comparison at Costco and BJ's. I have memberships to both, but I do have to say I only paid $15 for my membership to BJ's through my mothers of multiples club. That to me is an awesome deal as they have items I can't find at Costco. I will then add on to that and check my grocery store as well as Target. Can you tell that I am an accountant at heart? I love me a spreadsheet.
I am busy and can't spend my entire day driving around looking for deals. My plan is to determine where the best prices are for the items I use often (these include cereal, snack items, chips etc) and shop at that store once a month to stock up. I will still need to grocery shop once a week for perishable items such as fruit, lunch meat, milk etc. My grocery store runs promotions about 3 or 4 times a year. If you shop there for say 14 weeks out of 16 and spend at least $40 you will get whatever they are offering. I am now working towards a $50 gas gift card.
I think the most important part of this will be to plan. Meals have to be planned in advance to ensure all of the ingredients are on hand. I feel at times I make several trips to the grocery store because I forgot one ingredient for a meal. I do love to plan but not so good at planning meals to far in advance. My husband comes home from work and he says that his team will have to do more with less people. I am going to try that here, get more food with less money.
Once I get my comparison completed I will share my results with you. I am hoping to be able to cut my bill down by at least $200 a month. Happy clipping and saving.
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