I use a cash system and only have a certain amount per week set aside for groceries. That really helps “keep it real” as far as how much I have to spend.

One thing that is always great and fun…is to make cooking a family affair. Have everyone come together and cook something or help prepare something for dinner that night.

Between menu planning and cutting coupons I save a lot. OH, and checking the sales on sundays. I love that time too, sitting and drinking coffee and reading the sale ads. And this year I even planted a garden! that has just now started to help save on tomatoes and sweet peppers.

I wait for the really good sales, then stockup.

The major grocery chains around here offer several BOGO items every week in their flyers. I study them religiously and stock up on any item we normally use. Of course I always check for expiration dates when doing so, because I don’t want something to rot in my pantry, but I notice even dairy products have dates well into the future.

I use thegrocerygame.com I have saved so much money on my grocery bills that I am able to donate bags full to the food pantry. It’s a great feeling knowing that I can help my family stay on budget and still help others. I buy 5 newspapers a week and the coupons save me so much more that is really worth the time and effort.

I love to shop in bulk! I also like to support our local farmers….you can useally get a good deal when you pick your own things (blueberries,strawberries, corn ect) It’s saves some money and is fun for the kids too :O)

I know it’s probably been said before, but sales, store brands, and home gardens are the way to go. If you can, grow some herbs and veggie staples. That way, you only have to buy one thing like chicken or pasta, etc. and you have the flavor and seasonings already at home waiting. You are only limited by your imagination.

About 2 months ago I found my favorite gallon of organic milk on sale… what usually would cost me close to $7 cost me $5, so I bought 5 and emptied about a few cups out of each gallon. I then froze them. I had enough milk on sale that helped with my grocery budget for the rest of the month. Wish I could have bought more! Think ahead, catch things on sale and freeze them!

We’ve been eating cereal a few nights a week to save on money (and calories)! We’ve also been buying less bottled water and drinking more tap water — which can actually be healthier for you. (http://www.cheapskatemonthly.com//ed_cheapskate.asp?ID=38968)

We buy in bulk when the best sales are on and have a large pantry in the basement to keep things organized.

We eat dinner around the table every night – it’s a fun way to reconnect at the end of the day and it’s a tradition we want to keep going as our kids grow older…

Grocery prices have skyrocketed and we’re definitely feeling the affects of the price hike on my wallet. Lately I’ve been trying to plan out our meals more carefully so we don’t spend too much money on “extras.”

I use Tofu instead of meat. I cost so much cheaper. All you have to do is to use seasoning or spices and it takes that flavor.

We use to eat out a lot – four times a week. Now it is more like once a month. That has saves us a ton of money. Also we live on a 2 ½ acre lot. We have lots of fruit trees, and also grow artichokes. Right now the apples are ripe; so I spend part of the day making apple sauce and apple crisp. All the excess is frozen for use later. We trade our produce with other home farmers for variety. That also saves us a bunch of $$$$$. Of course I could still use the $500.00!

I use coupons, they and meal plan, and try to keep my shopping to just a few stores and only once or twice a week. Trying to cut down the gas. I also have a small garden and a few fruit trees so I can food for later.

I’m going to say something preachy, something my Mom used to say and but which, only now that I’m a Mom I’m beginning to realize is utterly true – waste not, want not.

My family uses coupons and always makes a list before going to the store, And never go to the store hungry because your more likely to get things that arent on the list!

The easiest way for my family to save money on food is no not eat out. We thought it was so much cheaper to eat fast food then it was to buy food and make it…which we found out was wrong. We spent $150 more on fast food then when we purchased groceries and made lunch and dinner. So my tip is to not eat out…its bad for you and your pocket book will thank you later. Also, when you walk into the store know what you are going to purchase ahead of time…that way you won’t just start putting itms in your cart that you really don’t need.

With a large family ~ The key is menu planning. I try to watch for sale items and use coupons as much as possible. Once a week shopping to avoid over buying unnecessarily. With seven children and two grandchildren. I try to be a good scout for sales and holiday items that are staples to use for the next year. An extra refrigerator keeps my dry goods pest free and gives me added freezer space for leftovers. I buy snacks in large quantity and divide in my own ziptop snack bags about once every two weeks. I love this comment area, people really have some useful ideas. I am definitely going to put some of them to use. Thanks for helping stretch my dollar even more.

sales and coupons!!!