My family has settled into the school year, and things look a bit different for us now since both of our teenagers are being homeschooled.
One thing I didn’t anticipate with having them home all day is the increase in our grocery budget!
If you’ve ever had teenagers at home, you know they can eat!
So, homeschooling has unexpectedly led to a larger grocery bill — and I don’t love that part!
When people first talk to me about coaching, almost all of them mention they’re spending too much on food — especially at restaurants.
This got me thinking about how many people struggle with food expenses, so I wanted to share a few strategies we’re using to control our food budget.
My family is just like yours — we’re busy!
My husband and I both work, and we spend a lot of time running the kids to activities. It’s easy to fall into the drive-thru trap when we’re too tired to cook.
Honestly, I don’t even enjoy cooking! But we’ve been working on being more intentional with our food spending because there are so many other things we want to prioritize.
Now, I’m not a frugal shopper by any means. Back in the day, I used to coupon and hit all the sales, but I don’t have time for that anymore. If you do, more power to you — I’m here cheering you on! But I suspect we might be in the same boat. Here’s what we’ve been doing instead:
1. Meal Planning (not prepping)
To start, I created a list of all the meals I can make — cooking isn’t my favorite activity, so I like to take all the decision-making out of it each week. Instead of wondering what to cook, I simply refer to the list. I call this our “Williams Family Menu.”
Each week, I plan our dinners from this menu and take note of days when quick and easy meals are needed due to our busy schedules. We eat out once on the weekend and usually have one night where everyone fends for themselves.
When I had toddlers and worked at the law firm (mentally and physically exhausted ALL. THE. TIME.), my aunt made a simple statement that changed the way I approached dinner when I was worn out. She told me it’s okay to have cereal for dinner.
It seems simple, but that line gave me permission to keep dinner simple and really changed my perspective on meal time. After a long day at work, simplifying meal planning with options like frozen pizza or cereal is especially helpful on days when we are too tired to cook.
This approach gives us permission to skip cooking without breaking the bank, and these options are definitely cheaper than a trip through the drive-thru. It reduces stress and helps keep our priorities in check while making life a bit easier.
2. Grocery Store Strategy
I shop at multiple stores but try to keep it simple. We get more for our money at Aldi than Walmart, so I shop there regularly.
I also use Walmart’s app for ordering groceries, which saves me time and money. For meat, I make a couple of extra trips to a local grocery store throughout the month, but I try not to go too often since doing so increases my chances of spending more than I planned.
I also enjoy shopping without the kids when possible for the same reason. 😉
If you’re someone who runs into the grocery store several times a week for dinner ingredients, be aware that you might be overspending with impulse purchases.
3. Buying in Bulk
Although we don’t have a Sam’s Club or Costco nearby, I buy larger packages from Walmart when it makes sense financially.
I’ve had a Costco membership for a year, and it looks like I’ll be placing orders twice a year for items that are less expensive than Walmart. I order online and have those items delivered to my doorstep.
Ordering online is also less tempting — fewer impulse buys!
4. Minimizing Food Waste
We’re focusing on eating all our leftovers and only buying produce if we’re sure we’ll eat it.
No more buying produce with the idea of “I’ll eat healthy next week” unless we really mean it!
Every bit of food we waste is money down the drain, which breaks my heart and our bank account, so I’m being more mindful of that too.
That’s how we’re managing things right now, and while it’s a work in progress, these small changes are making a difference. I hope this gives you some ideas for your own household!
Our food budget is just one part of our overall financial picture. One thing I know to be true is that feeling overwhelmed in one area likely means you’re feeling overwhelmed in other areas. As a money coach, that’s where I come in! In our coaching sessions, we cover much more than just budgeting — we strategize to help you spend money on what truly matters to you. Let’s work together to make your financial priorities a reality. Click HERE to schedule a consultation and start taking control of your finances today!
