Did you know that with just a little bit of prep work and an open mind you may have the possibility of cutting your grocery bill in half?
It's totally possible to eat better quality, healthy food while spending less on groceries. Here are some ways for you to cut your grocery bill without sacrificing taste or your health.
Plan Your Meals Ahead Of Time
I have many articles about meal planning, but this is because I can't stress enough how important meal planning is. Especially if you want to cut down your grocery bill.
There are two ways to go about meal planning. You can plan meals based on what you already have at home or plan based on what is on sale in the flyers at your local stores. The first option would be your cheapest option since you're using ingredients you have already purchased. It's still quite possible that you will have to fill in missing ingredients with a trip to the store.
If you go with the second option, you can then plan and base your meals on the sale items. Most of the sale items will be in season so your meals will be too. By planning your meals to match what’s on sale, you’ll be surprised at how much that will cut from your grocery budget.
Take Advantage Of Coupons
The great thing about coupons and couponing is that you'll never have to shop and pay full price for your groceries, it really becomes a fun game when you’re paying less than full price for your items. So, take advantage of all the coupons you can use to get discounts on grocery items.
You can start collecting coupons from your local newspaper or even from mobile phone apps. There are also websites like Simply Frugal that lists all the most recent Canadian coupons.
Purchase Generic Items
Name brand items can be really eye-catching but they can also have the ability to empty your pockets as well. Often the only difference between a grocery's brand-name product and a store-brand product is the packaging.
If you take a closer look at the list of ingredients, in most cases, you'll actually see that they are nearly identical. It's just the price that's different. So, before you take that name brand item off the shelf, do your research and you'll definitely be rewarded with the best deal.
Tip: Ingredients are listed in order of the amount in the item, so if sugar is the first ingredient in your cereal, you know there’s more sugar in it than anything else in the box. So, when checking ingredients between generic and brand name, be sure they are listed in the same order to ensure you’re getting the same “taste”. This is always a great way to determine which version is the more healthy version, if that is your goal with ingredients.
Buy In-Season Fruits And Veggies
Sometimes you just want to satisfy a craving with out of season fruits and veggies but to really make a dent in your grocery bill, you’ll want to purchase in season produce.
Out of season fruits and veggies will definitely be more expensive because they cost more and take more effort when they are not in season.
Buy frozen produce
Often times, buying frozen fruits and vegetables is more cost effective than buying fresh produce. Frozen vegetables are perfect for quick dinner sides and soups. Frozen fruit is perfect for smoothies, or fruit crumbles or even sprinkled over yogurt. I also like to freeze fresh cherries that we pick from a local orchard for $1.50 a pound each year.
Plant A Garden
Growing your own food is the best way to go when you really want to lower your expenses and save money on your grocery bill. A great example is having your own herb garden.
If you buy a bunch of herbs they can be expensive and you may only need them for a meal or two (this is again where meal planning can be helpful). But if you have some potted herbs in your garden or kitchen, you'll save a lot of money and have those herbs at your fingertips anytime you need them. Plus fresher always tastes better.
Cutting your grocery bill without sacrificing is definitely doable. It will just require you to make a few changes and find what works for you and your family. Taking control of how your money is spent and saved is a great feeling when you’re trying to stay within a budget.
What are your best tips for cutting your grocery bill? Please tell us in the comments below.
One of the ways I began to save extra money was by ditching some of the disposable products we used in our home and replacing them with reusable household items.
In the beginning, this did cost us a few more dollars but quickly turned into big savings each month we weren’t purchasing the disposable versions!
Now, I know the appeal of disposable items. They can be so gosh darn convenient! But by simply switching out one disposable product for a reusable product, not only will it have a positive impact on our planet, it will also have a positive impact on your wallet! Before you know it, you'll be trying to replace every household product with a reusable one!
Below, I've listed the best reusable household items that we’ve been loving in our own home lately!
Wool Dryer Balls
For years now I have been using wool dryer balls in place of dryer sheets and fabric softener. In fact it's been a while since I bought my wool dryer balls so they're finally starting to fall apart!
If I ever feel like having a bit of a scent to the laundry, I'll add a couple drops of essential oil to a couple of the balls.
When purchasing wool dryer balls, make sure they are 100% wool. This will ensure fluffiness, reduce static and reduce drying time.
Reusable Water bottles
Before we leave the house, I make sure all of our reusable water bottles are filled up so we can avoid buying a bottle of water when we're out and about.
While any reusable water bottle will work, our favorites are the ones that are insulated. They keep water cold for much longer! My husband and I are using bottles like these while I like the Thermos ones for our daughters.
Kitchen towels
Ditch the paper towels once and for all! I have one roll of paper towel on hand and that is to check the oil in our vehicles and for wiping up cooking grease. Other than that I use kitchen towels, cloths, and big bath towels for cleaning up spills, and wiping dirty fingers and faces. Basically reusable towels are used for everything paper towels are typically used for.
It's so easy to make the switch to reusable straws! We've got two different kinds that we use at home. Stainless steel and super fun silicone ones. I don't have a preference for myself, but my daughters like the silicone ones the best. Probably because they're soft (safer for kids!) and fun colored.
Be sure to get a small straw brush to keep your straws clean!
Reusable K-Cup
We were gifted a Keurig coffee maker years ago and it's still one of our favorite appliances and gets daily use. The one thing I don't like about it is the k-cup waste. However, we recently switched to a reusable K-Cup and love it! It's so easy to use and the coffee tastes just as good. Plus now we can get a big bag of ground coffee beans (cost effective) or use the locally roasted beans that we love.
Reusable shopping bags
Now that most grocery stores are charging for plastic grocery bags, I want to avoid that unnecessary expense as much as I can! I have reusable grocery bags stashed in the car and both of my bags in hopes that I won't have to use a plastic bag.
The reusable shopping bags that I have are similar to these ones and fold up really small and are so easy to stash in my purse. I love that they are washing machine friendly so I can toss them in the wash once in while!
Silicone baking mats
With silicone baking mats, there's no need to spray your cooking sheets or use parchment paper. That means you could possibly eliminate two grocery items from your list saving you a bundle in the long term.
Silicone baking mats are really easy to clean and hardly take up any space in your cupboards.
Mason jars
Open up the cupboards or even your fridge and you're bound to find some sort of glass jar! Wash and reuse the glass jars that you find for so many things. I use mine for storing dried beans/lentils/rice, freezing broth, holding makeup brushes and so much more.
Mason jars are fairly inexpensive to buy if you want matching jars. Scour the garage sales too!
Reusable Sandwich Bags
This is a new purchase for us and I'm loving it! I used to wash our plastic sandwich a few times before tossing them, but I'm liking this alternative way better.
These reusable storage bags are freezer friendly, leak-proof, come in various sizes and clean easily.
Travel Mugs
These are a must-have in our family! Every morning, instead of hitting the drive thru, my husband makes a travel mug full of coffee for his morning at work. Saves a ton of coffee money over the long run! I'll bring mine along when I've got a bunch of errands to do. But even if you do go to a coffee shop or something, many places offer a small discount if you bring your own mug. (Starbucks, for example.)
Using these reusable household items is such a great way to begin moving towards a more eco-conscious way of living plus you’ll be saving a lot of money over the long term!
I'd love to know what reusable household items you would add to the list!
Here is what I would like to know: a friend of mine is trying to start a pantry or a stockpile so that she is not constantly out of everything and so that she can maybe save a bit of money.
What would you consider your must-haves in your pantry? What staples do you always have on hand?
Over the years, I've learned a few things about building my daughters' wardrobes cheaply. (I just have to be careful I don't overbuy because girls clothing can be so cute!) But as you know, kids outgrow their clothing very quickly so buying clothes can become quite expensive. But, by planning ahead and taking these tips into consideration, you'll be sure to build your children's wardrobes cheaply.
Accept Hand-Me Downs
Nothing is as cheap as free! I took full advantage of the clothes my sister-in-law offered to lend us for the first six months or so of Sienna's life. I know hand-me downs are normally meant to be kept, but our borrowing situation was ideal since we didn't have to store any of the clothes once we were finished with them. We just gave them back!
Buy off the Clearance Racks
Buying off the clearance racks is especially handy if you're stocking up for next season. Last Fall/Winter, I stocked up on quite a few items that will work for Sienna this coming winter, including a snow suit for only $10! Had I waited until she needed the snow suit, I'm sure I would have been paying close to full price. Currently my favourite stores to shop at for clearance prices is the Joe Fresh section in our local Superstore and Old Navy.
Shop online
Similar to shopping the clearance racks in a brick and mortar store, shopping the sale sections online can save you a bundle. Last Summer I stocked up on quite a few outfits when Old Navy had one of their better coupon codes. I think I averaged about $3.00 a piece! I also enjoy shopping online at The Children's Place and Joe Fresh.
Buy used
Garage sales and thrift stores can be a great place to look for gently used clothing. Although I haven't had much opportunity to shop at garage sales myself, I know that the clothes I was selling in our recent garage sale were hot sellers! I'm sure most cities offer this, but our town also holds a twice annual kids garage sale at our Recreation Centre. I picked up some cute sweaters, jeans and PJ's for about $0.50 a piece. I find buying used clothing an excellent way to build a kid's wardrobe cheaply because the items are usually only worn a few times before they're outgrown.
What are your tips for building a kid's wardrobe on a budget?
While spending less is often the best thing to do financially, sometimes it’s good to earn more money if it means it will push you closer to your financial dreams faster.
But before you get excited about the idea of earning more money, it’s important to make sure you manage the money you already have well. If you’re financially strapped, there’s no point in earning extra cash if you’re just going to spend more money for short term satisfaction. Focus on getting a monthly budget figured out and learn how to maximize the money you already have before you go out and try to make more money.
Once you have that out of the way, you can read these ideas to help you earn extra money:
Earn money from your hobbies
I’m sure many of you have a hobby that you enjoy and are quite good at! Why not turn that hobby into extra income? Here are some ideas to get you thinking:
Earn Cash-Back for shopping like you normally do with Ampli(Canada only)
Sell your baking during coffee breaks to local businesses
Enter your work in contests with cash prizes
Paint business windows for the holidays
Bonus idea: If you love visiting websites or blogs, sign up for UserTesting. You’ll be paid $10 for each website or app that you complete a set of tasks on, while speaking your thoughts out loud.
Sell things you no longer need
Clear up some space in your home by selling things you no longer need or care for. Have a garage sale or try selling items on Kijiji, Craigslist, or eBay. Or give a Buy & Sell group on Facebook a try.
Rent out your space
If your home has an extra bedroom or empty space, you could become a landlord. Students and recent graduates are often especially eager for affordable and small spaces to call “home”. Your extra garage space might also be perfect for someone needing to store their collector car, for example.
Try a paper route
Earn a bit of extra money by doing a paper route. Get some fresh air and exercise while you’re at it!
Offer to babysit
Give some friends or even neighborhood families some time away from the kids so they can go on a date or get errands done by offering your services as a babysitter.
Start a part-time business
If you have a bit of time to devote to money making, why not consider starting a part-time business from home? You could try these ideas on for size:
Life/Business Coaching – are people always asking your advice on a particular subject? Consider charging a fee for your advice.
Teach English at Home with VIPKID
If you have a Bachelor’s degree from a US or Canadian University as well as experience with children (such as: teaching, mentoring, coaching, tutoring, babysitting, etc.) you could possibly earn up to $22/hour (USD) teaching online with VIPKID. VIPKID needs thousands of work-from-home teacher’s to teach English online to kids in China. This is an amazing work-from-home opportunity – and don’t worry, you do not need to know any foreign language or have formal teaching experience. Find all the details here.
All in all, get creative or meet a need you see around you to earn a bit of extra money you can put towards reaching your financial goals!
What are your ideas for earning extra money? Do you have any stories to share about how you’re currently earning extra cash? Please share in the comments!
Having Christmas on a budget can be challenging, especially when it seems like you're surrounded by reminders of everything you're "supposed" to buy. It can be easy to start feeling like you're letting your family down if you can't afford to do it all.
But here's the thing: your family doesn't need an expensive Christmas to have a wonderful Christmas.
Some of the holiday memories that stick with us for years have very little to do with how much money was spent. They come from traditions, laughter, time together and those simple little moments that make Christmas feel special.
If you're planning Christmas on a budget this year, don't focus on everything you can't afford. Instead, look for ways to make the Christmas you can afford feel meaningful and fun.
Here are some ideas to help you make the most of Christmas without spending a fortune.
Focus on What Christmas Means to You
Before you start worrying about gifts, decorations, food and everything else on your Christmas to-do list, take a step back and think about what you actually want Christmas to feel like.
Maybe it's spending time together as a family. Maybe it's slowing down, enjoying traditions, eating good food or simply having a few days where everyone can relax.
You don't have to recreate someone else's Christmas.
Decide what matters most to your family and put your limited money toward those things. Everything else can be simplified, skipped or done for free. A smaller Christmas isn't a failed Christmas.
Make a List of Free Christmas Activities
You don't have to spend money every time you leave the house during December.
Look for free or low cost Christmas activities in your community. Libraries often have holiday story times, crafts and family activities. Schools and community groups may have concerts or performances that are free to attend.
Have a family baking afternoon using ingredients you already have
Free doesn't have to mean boring. In fact, some of these activities can become the traditions your kids remember most.
Use What You Already Have
One of my favourite strategies for Christmas on a budget is to stop assuming that everything needs to be new.
Before buying decorations, craft supplies or holiday entertainment, shop your own home.
You might already have:
Craft supplies
Christmas books
Board games
Baking ingredients
Leftover wrapping paper
Decorations that haven't been used in years
Candles or other items that can make your home feel festive
Supplies for a fun family activity
You don't need a completely new Christmas every year.
Pulling out the same decorations, books and games year after year can actually make Christmas feel more special because they become part of your family's traditions.
Make Your Own Christmas Decorations
You don't need to spend a lot of money decorating your home.
Paper snowflakes, popcorn garlands, paper chains and homemade ornaments can all make inexpensive Christmas decorations. If you have access to evergreen branches, you can also use them to add some natural greenery to your home.
Turn decorating into a family activity rather than something you have to buy.
Put on some Christmas music, make some hot chocolate and spend an afternoon creating decorations together.
The memories are worth far more than the decorations.
Don't Underestimate Homemade Gifts
If you need gifts but don't have much money to spend, think about what you can make, bake or give as an experience.
Depending on your skills and what you already have at home, you could make things like:
Cookies or other baked treats
Homemade hot chocolate mix
A simple photo gift
Handmade ornaments
A coupon book for things like a movie night or breakfast in bed
A handwritten recipe collection
A homemade craft
A "date night" or family activity that you plan yourself
You don't have to make everything yourself, either. Even choosing one or two homemade gifts can help stretch your Christmas budget.
Start a Few Simple Christmas Traditions
Traditions don't have to cost anything.
Maybe everyone watches the same Christmas movie on a certain night. Maybe you make pancakes for Christmas morning breakfast. Perhaps you read the same Christmas book every Christmas Eve or take an evening walk or drive to look at the lights.
You could even start a tradition of letting each family member choose one free activity to do together during December.
The important thing isn't how elaborate the tradition is. It's that you do it together and repeat it year after year.
Make the Most of a Small Number of Gifts
If you can't afford a lot of presents, don't feel like you need to fill the space under the tree.
For younger children especially, you can make the experience of opening gifts last longer by wrapping individual stocking stuffers separately.
You can also make opening gifts an event rather than a race. Take turns opening presents. Let everyone see what each person received. Put on music. Take pictures. Have a snack or hot chocolate afterward.
A few thoughtfully chosen gifts can still feel exciting.
And if your children are older, consider talking honestly about the budget and making Christmas about experiences, traditions and time together rather than a mountain of presents.
Simplify Christmas Dinner
Christmas dinner is one area where you can save a surprising amount of money when you're having Christmas on a budget.
Choose a few foods your family genuinely enjoys and skip the pressure to make a huge meal just because it's Christmas. A simple meal eaten together can feel just as festive as an expensive one.
And don't forget leftovers! Plan meals around what you already have and look for ways to stretch your Christmas dinner into another meal or two.
Have a "Yes" to Free Fun Day
Here's a fun idea for families: have a day where the goal is to find as many fun things to do as possible without spending any money.
Make a list together. Maybe you'll:
Make breakfast together
Go for a winter walk
Look at Christmas lights
Come home and make hot chocolate
Have a family game tournament
Watch a Christmas movie
Make popcorn or another inexpensive snack
Read Christmas books before bed
You might be surprised at how quickly a completely free day can turn into one of your favourite Christmas memories.
Look for Ways to Give Without Spending Money
If you have limited money, you can still give to others.
Shovel a neighbour's walkway. Write someone a thoughtful note. Call a family member you haven't talked to in a while. Help someone with their Christmas baking. Donate items you no longer need if you are able.
Small acts of kindness can make a difference, and they don't have to cost anything.
It's also a great way to remind ourselves that Christmas isn't only about what we receive.
Give Yourself Permission to Say No
Saying no is an important part of having Christmas on a budget.
You don't have to say yes to every Christmas event, gift exchange, school fundraiser, holiday outing or expensive tradition. If something isn't in your budget, it's okay to say no.
You can suggest a free alternative. You can participate in a smaller way. Or you can simply skip it this year.
Protecting your family's finances is more important than keeping up appearances. Don't feel guilty because your Christmas doesn't look like someone else's! Social media can make it seem as though everyone else is having a picture perfect, perfectly decorated, incredibly expensive Christmas. Remember that you're seeing a tiny snapshot of someone else's life. Your family doesn't need Instagram worthy Christmas memories.
They need you.
Remember What Your Family Will Actually Remember
Years from now, your kids probably won't remember whether you bought the most expensive gifts, had the fanciest decorations or served a huge Christmas dinner.
They'll remember the things you did together.
The movie you watched every Christmas. The cookies you made. The Christmas lights you drove around to see. The silly traditions you repeated every year. The hot chocolate before bed. The games you played. The stories you told.
You don't need a big Christmas budget to create big Christmas memories. If you're celebrating Christmas on a budget this year, give yourself permission to simplify.
Spend less. Buy less. Do less.
And then use the time and money you do have to create a Christmas that feels good for your family.
Because a meaningful Christmas isn't measured by how much you spend. It's measured by how much you enjoy the people you're spending it with.
What are your favourite ways to have Christmas on a budget? Share your ideas that make Christmas special in the comments!
