Couponing seems to be all the rage during these times of economic meltdown. But is it really all it is cracked up to be? Websites, commercials, clubs and even church groups are devoted solely to the belief that coupons can save your grocery budget. There's just one problem: most coupons require the shopper to purchase a product that she would normally never have purchased. Or, if the item is free, it's an unhealthy item like soda or a boxed item full of pseudo-ingredients. What is the money-saving, savvy shopper to do? It is possible to save money in your grocery budget, and you can do it all without coupons!

Have A Plan

The first step to saving money on groceries is to have a plan. Sit down and devise a two-week meal plan, complete with side dishes and even dessert if you wish. Under each meal, list the ingredients that you don't already have in your pantry. Now think about which meals will provide leftovers. If you have two to three meals that can last more than one night, you don't need fourteen different dinners.

Made From Scratch

While boxed dinners provide ease and convenience, they are not good for your health or for your budget. For example, you can make a simple pizza at home, including making the sauce from scratch, for about half the price of a gourmet frozen pizza. Spaghetti sauce, seasonings, and snacks/desserts can all be made from scratch as well in order to save several dollars a month. Nestle Tollhouse Chocolate Chip cookies are much tastier and go much further than a box of Little Debbie snack cakes.

Breakfast

Breakfast should be, by far, the least expensive meal of your day. Rather than wasting money on Pop Tarts or frozen waffles, opt for a warm bowl of instant oatmeal (not the individually packaged kind). Or, on the weekend, prepare a batch of waffle/pancake mix from scratch using a recipe from your favorite cookbook. Serve with a glass of orange juice and your breakfast just cost you less than a dollar per person.

Lunch

For the budget conscious grocery shopper, it is not acceptable to eat out for lunches, at least not on a regular basis. Sack lunches should be prepared in advance, like sandwiches or left overs from the night before. A lunch sandwich can be as simple as peanut butter only, or as elaborate as a sub sandwich. You can even get creative and turn the leftover roast into beef or pork brisket, just add some barbecue sauce! Top off the sack lunch with a serving of fresh fruit and potato chips.

Saving money on groceries without the aid of coupons takes determination and sacrifice. It isn't always the quickest, most convenient option. But in the long run, you will be glad you made the sacrifice. Your diet will be healthier, and your budget will have more room to breathe!

Learn more about this author, Sara W..
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