We are really watching the grocery ads, cutting coupons, etc. to make ends meet at my house. Most stores will let you use one store coupon and one manufacturer’s coupon, as well as offering you to double 3 or four manufacturer’s coupons. Watch for loss leader items and prepare your meals based on what you catch on sale that week and what you have stored in your pantry or freezer. Eggs have been on sale recently here for .99 cents a dozen, so we have been stocking up and then having breakfast for dinner one night a week. Kielbasa has been on sale for $1.39, and onions for .49 per lb. I cut up two onions and one kielbasa and cook it together until the onions are nicely carmealized, cook up some scrambled eggs, hashbrowns and biscuits and I have served our family of 5 dinner for under $5.
I am feeding my family for less than $10 everyt night of the week and by watching the sales and using coupons, most dinners are around $5.00 or less for 5 people. With the money I am saving on every day meals we can afford to stock up on staples like rice, sugar, salt, honey, cooking oil, and meat when it is on sale. We are keeping our large freezer as well as the freezers in two refrigerators filled. We have been using the second refrigerator to stock extra cheese, eggs, and other perishables which keep fairly well in the refrigerator for longer periods of time and just rotate those items. We have stocked our pantry with canned goods and stocked up on household items like soap, toothpaste, etc.
If I can do it, any one can do it!
Eggs at .99/dozen? Fantastic!
I too am a big believer in freezing the loss leaders.
I have noticed also that it helps to have a friend at the grocery store who can guide you as to the best deals of the day.
I know it sounds crazy but I have always been very respectful of grocery employees (having been one [GIANT in Maryland]) and have made a habit of knowing one or two, greeting them as a matter of course, and asking them about the day’s special deals.
They are always happy to be of assistance, and I have had many wonderful rewards, such as thick steaks at bargain prices!
Not picking on you, I’m just using your post as a chance to illustrate what has happened in agriculture in the last few years.
I would like you to note that just a few of years ago, when the complaint here on FR and elsewhere was that the farmers were being paid not to plant, food prices were at their lowest level in the history of humankind. And farmers were in a constant state of poverty and dependant on government just to stay in business.
Now they are receiving a fair return on their investment and labor from the open market. And, for the most part, they no long want any part of the government handouts; instead they are planting every square foot they can. No more payment not to grow crops.
The consumer got what they wished for, few or no farm subsidies. Now the consumer is REALLY unhappy.
Careful what you wish for.