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A Balanced Budget
Feeding Your Family Frugally
By Cheryl Loux
"We buy what's on sale and plan our weekly menus around those items," says Jones. "I look at the grocery flyers each week and decide which meats and produce I'm going to buy and which sales I can pass on ... I select some additional healthy items that might not be on sale, but are necessary for a balanced diet, such as salad, nuts, yogurt and milk."
Erica Montanye, mother of one from San Antonio, Texas, does something similar. "I shop at least once a week and get items to make meals for that week," she says. "I also take advantage of store coupons."
Using a calendar is another good way to plan your meals. "Calendars have multi-purposes; [they] help you plan meals, decide what you'll buy and keep you from making the same meal over and over," says Peck.
And you shouldn't shop hungry. Making a list on a full stomach will help you cut down on that grocery bill.
"I've developed a plan for when my children are with me," says Jones. "I remind them ... that they can choose one item they'd like to buy. ... After they choose that item I remind them they can only have [that] one item."
Another step you can take is to repare a snack for your children before leaving home. This works well for toddlers. The snack can be dried cereal or raisins. Also allow one toy for the trip to help keep your children preoccupied while you shop.
