One of my #MoneyChat’ers asked if they were spending too much on groceries. Interesting and valid question. Outside of the fact that EVERYTHING is so expensive right now, starting with groceries, sometimes we can get too happy in those specialty food stores with the highest quality this or that. They have the fancy stuff we’ve seen on those cooking shows but maybe don’t know what to do within our own kitchens. LOL. I’m not opposed to spending more when you can afford to, have budgeted for it and you are actually using all the high-end groceries you are purchasing.

But for the average person, we may not be spending enough! Food is the first thing that takes a hit when the budget is tight. Instead of healthy fresh items, people may opt for pre-packaged, processed foods because they are convenient and at times cheaper. What we may not realize is that the additives and other ‘stuff’ in this processed food can cause health problems later down the line that cost way more than buying fresh food and cooking. I’m not suggesting you have to buy all organic – I know that is very expensive if you are feeding more than two people. But I do suggest that you consider your long-term health and cook your own food.

I know it may be hard to determine what you should be spending on food, I’ll share with you how we do it in the Kelly household!

First of all we shop every two weeks. When I met my husband he went every other day, uh, WHO has time for that?? For the most part we know the meats and vegetables we are going to eat some variation of each week. I create a grocery list by food category (my mama taught me this – thank you mama!) It looks something like this:

• Dairy – Eggs, milk, cheese, yogurt, etc.
• Vegetables – broccoli, green beans, peas, collard greens, etc. – I buy frozen, not canned – too much salt, processing
• Fruits – apples, oranges, pineapples, bananas, etc.
• Meats/Fish – chicken, salmon, tilapia, ground turkey, etc
• Pantry Items – bread, rice, potatoes, (when we aren’t dieting #sigh), cereal,
• Snacks/Extras – chips, snacks for kids school or adult work lunches

Notice snacks are last, after you have bought the necessary food, you then check the budget for how much ‘fun’ food you can buy … best if snacks can be healthy fruits, veggies instead of chips everyday, but hey, we all need a treat every now and then.

Another way is the tried and true planning out your meals. I did this when my children were younger. Decide what you are going to cook for each week, and buy groceries based on those meals. Think of how often you will go out to eat as well, say for lunch, and add that in. I liked this as a young, busy mother because we had a lot going on. It kept my budget in tact and my household eating for the week organized.

If you aren’t sure of the amount you normally spend, do a ‘dry run’. Do your ‘regular’ grocery shopping, buying only necessities for each meal. How much did you spend? Write that down and then budget in a reasonable amount for snacks and eating out.  We start with your ‘regular’ grocery shopping because that is normally the largest amount and most difficult to get a handle on for a family. Each month monitor to see the average you are spending to know if you need to adjust.

Average monthly amount that a price-conscious family may spend on groceries:

Size       Amount
2              $450
4              $600
8              $850

Don’t forget your coupons! Definitely check your local circular for coupons. Staples like butter, bread, rice, lunchmeat, in addition to household items like deodorant and toothpaste, often have coupons. I use coupon apps and love the Coupon Mom! http://www.couponmom.com/

Your Financial Coach,

Dorethia