Saving 200 euros monthly on groceries for a family of four: Here are 4 strategies to consider
In the face of financial uncertainty, a four-member family, consisting of a 14-year-old and a 15-year-old son, has implemented a disciplined and efficient approach to grocery shopping. The family, who have always been solidly middle-class, have made changes to their spending habits, with a focus on maintaining nutritious, appealing meals while lowering their bill.
The family discusses money openly with their children, explaining the need for store-brand products instead of name-brand ones due to financial constraints. They have cut back on many extras and postponed larger purchases for the next twelve months. One of their largest monthly expenses, besides their mortgage, is their grocery bill.
To effectively reduce monthly grocery expenses, the family has turned to systematic meal planning. This approach creates precise shopping lists that limit impulse buys and minimize food waste. They plan their weekly meals around ingredients they already have and those on sale or in season, generating a detailed shopping list from this plan.
Utilizing online grocery platforms such as Instacart and Clicklist, the family sticks strictly to their list, which helps prevent impulse purchases and allows easy price comparison across retailers, a practice that can save significant amounts of money. Using meal planning apps can streamline this process further by organizing recipes and grocery lists simultaneously.
Other beneficial tactics include shopping alone to reduce extraneous purchases, joining store rewards programs, using grocery credit cards that offer cash back rewards, and shopping across multiple stores to capitalize on each store’s strengths in prices for specific items. Preparing and storing meals properly, creatively repurposing leftovers, and building flexibility into their meal plan further reduce waste and overall spending.
Leftover vegetables are finely chopped or pureed and added to soups or sauces to add nutrients and reduce waste. The family eats leftovers for lunch since they work from home, further reducing food waste and saving time and money.
The family's primary grocery store is Walmart, and they have a Walmart+ subscription for free home delivery and gas discounts. They also use an Amazon Alexa digital shopping list to order groceries online. The family avoids impulse purchases by shopping online, a practice that has helped them manage their expectations and prioritise free time and relaxation over certain purchases.
By implementing meal planning and online grocery shopping, the family's monthly grocery spending was reduced from approximately 1700 US dollars (1500 euros) to around 1400 dollars (1230 euros). The family's children understand the importance of these changes and are supportive of the family's new approach to grocery shopping. The family continues to find ways to save money while maintaining a balanced and nutritious diet.
[1] "10 Ways to Save Money on Groceries." Consumer Reports, www.consumerreports.org/food/10-ways-to-save-money-on-groceries/
[2] "Meal Planning Apps to Help Save Money." The Balance, www.thebalance.com/meal-planning-apps-to-help-save-money-2894157
[3] "How to Save Money on Groceries." Forbes, www.forbes.com/sites/advisor/2020/05/12/how-to-save-money-on-groceries/?sh=62f4d6e04a57
[4] "10 Ways to Save Money on Groceries." Kiplinger, www.kiplinger.com/slideshow/spending/T055-S001-10-ways-to-save-money-on-groceries/index.html
- What about exploring other strategies to save money on food-and-drink expenses beyond meal planning and online shopping, like budget-travel techniques applied to home-and-garden expenses or travel?
- The family's new approach to grocery shopping not only reduced their monthly expenses but also encouraged open discussions about money with their children, teaching them about lifestyle adjustments and budgeting.
- With the savings achieved from efficient grocery shopping, the family could potentially allocate some budget towards travel experiences, broadening their perspectives and creating unforgettable memories while still maintaining financial stability.
