Experts recommend that we spend 18-20% of our monthly income on food. However, many of us spend much more than that. In fact, grocery shopping, combined with the money we spend "eating out," makes up a huge portion of our monthly expenses. While this sounds like bad news, it also means that making wise choices in the grocery store can help us save a considerable amount of money each month. Learn how to save on groceries this summer with these practical money-saving tips:
1. Choose Less Expensive Drinks
Water is the cheapest drink, of course. But if your kids want something a little more exciting to drink in the summer, try stocking up on lemonade mix or making your own sports drinks.
To make your own sports drink, mix unsweetened Kool-Aid with 1/2 cup sugar, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and 2 liters of water. Or try mixing half a glass of fruit juice with half a glass of water and a pinch of salt. (It's the salt that increases your potassium.)
Another alternative for saving money on drinks is to buy generic sodas, at least half the time. Or make an effort to purchase brand-name sodas only when they're on sale.
2. Avoid Pre-packaged, Single Serving Snacks
We spend a lot of extra money on the packaging when we opt for convenient, single-serve items. Instead, buy a large container of your favorite pretzels or chips and divvy them up into Ziplock bags. This takes some time, but it keeps them fresh and really does help you save on groceries each week.
3. Stock up on Your Favorite Cereal When it's on Sale
Specialized cereals can really cost a lot of money, especially if you're feeding hungry teenagers! If your kids have a particular favorite, buy it in large quantities when you see it on sale. You may feel silly buying five boxes of Cinnamon Toast Crunch, but eating a complete breakfast can help prevent the more costly grazing that can occur when your kids eat every snack in the house before 10:00 a.m.4. Make Homemade Ice Pops
This snack will save a lot of money over ice cream and fancy popsicles. Plus, it will help ensure your kids are hydrated this summer. Simply puree 1/2 pint of strawberries in the blender. (Add some honey for taste, if you desire.) Then pour the strawberries into the ice pop molds, filling each mold only halfway. Place the tray in the freezer for 2-4 hours. Then add fill the ice pop molds with lemonade and and allow them freeze for at least four hours or overnight. Enjoy!5. Be Realistic About the Amount of Food You Need
We tend to eat less in the summer, so another way to save on groceries during the warmer months is to simply buy less food. In addition, some foods don't last as long in the summer. Make plans to use your fresh fruits and vegetables within a few days of buying them so they don't go to waste. Also, try serving vegetarian meals, like pasta and salads, in the summer, which can also save you money.
