17 of 51

Write now Article Tools

For years, I cooked for two. It was easy, to the point and I didn't have to normally watch what I spent on a meal. Seven years later, however, cooking for a family of five has been an adjustment and a learning experience. Here are some tips for those of you who may be experiencing some growing pains of your own:

10) Clip Coupons - Cliche as it might seem, the weekly practice of clipping Sunday coupons can really save you a bundle. With most big grocers offering double coupon benefits, average weekly savings in addition to grocery club savings could be higher than $50.00.

9) Shop the Discount Bin - Some shoppers may cringe at the idea of buying discounted meat, but it's perfectly safe to eat, can still be frozen for future use and is usually for sale at a fraction of the original cost. For instance, if you buy 4 New York Strip steaks at $12.00 total, you can bet that would be a savings of at least $7.00.

8) Visit Super-centers - Though most of us dread the crowds, if you go early, not only will you miss the hedonistic broods of shoppers, you might save a few bucks. The fact is that Super-centers have the buying power that the little guys don't and are more than happy to pass the savings on to customers just to keep the business.

7) Cut Down on Snack-food Purchases - Not only is less snacking healthy for your waistline, it's healthy for your checkbook. Skipping the snack isle altogether could save a family of four and average of $5.00 per week.

6) Plan a Menu - Planning ahead cuts down on needless waste in the kitchen and senseless purchases in the store.

5) Expand your Recipe Chest - Sure, mac and cheese is cheap, but just wait until you hear the kids complain about how sick they are of that empty meal. Keep your balance by researching healthy alternatives that keep your taste buds on their toes and your brood from boredom. Full, healthy meals also cut down on the urge to snack.

4) Establish a Budget - Tried and true wisdom won't lead you astray. Giving yourself a budget cuts back on the urge to impulse shop. Most families of four should be able to eat well on $175.00 per week or less.

5) Crock-pots Work Wonders - The budget minded usually work full time and on average cave to eating out at least once per week. Who can blame them? Life is hard work and restaurant food tastes great. But learning how to make your crock-pot work for you not only can give you some great meals, but will save you time and money spent eating out as well.

4) Grow Your Own - Not only are fresh vegetables from your very own garden cheaper, they taste ten times better than store bought veggies. With a little research and some good old-fashioned elbow grease, you could be a mini-farmer in no time.

3) Eat Before You Go - Shopping when you are hungry spells disaster, especially when you are watching your wallet. Studies and common sense demonstrate that grocery shopping when you are hungry is a recipe for impulse buys, making it more likely that you will buy junk food and/or expensive items that you don't really need.

2) Make Dessert Special - Sure, we all love cookies, cakes and pies. But we don't need them every night. Try skipping the dessert most nights and instead reserve it for one night a week or special occasions. The sacrifice will help your wallet and your waistline.

1) Take a Break - They may not be the healthiest choices, but TV dinners are inexpensive and easy to prepare. In fact, some TV dinners can be found for a dollar or less. Give your family and yourself a break and eat as a group in front of your favorite show.

Learn more about this author, Jessica Kaaz.
Click here to send this author comments or questions.

Add your voice

Know something about Family cooking on a budget: Tips and tricks?
We want to hear your view. Write now!