Budgeting. Image source: Pixabay.
Trying to plan a budget for a family is a little bit of a nightmare when you have far too much month at the end of your money, rather than the other way around. When there are kids at home, you do not just have the mortgage, utilities and council tax to worry about, but you also have a food budget to think of and the unmentionable, unpredictable expenses like replacing shoes and uniforms. It sometimes feels like it is never ending and it can be difficult to catch up. Rather than go onto Goldbuyersmelbourne.com.au and sell some old jewelry, why not pay attention to your shopping budget and make good choices on your outgoings?
The best thing you can do, instead of wallowing in worry, is plan a food shop every week. Being a savvy shopper means planning and this, moms, is something we all know how to do!
Planning a menu is the first step so sit the kids and the husband down and as a family, decide on some meals you all love. You want at least two breakfast options, lunch options and meal for each evening. Choose to have meatless meals for at least four nights a week and you will be able to make good savings on your shopping budget. Coming up with the meals you eat as a family will be the best way of ensuring everyone eats the right meals without you having to cook more than one a night!
Grocery shopping. By Bill Branson (Photographer) [Public domain or Public domain], via Wikimedia Commons
When you have your menu, pop it on the fridge to avoid the constant ‘what’s for dinner’ questioning and if you can, aim to batch cook a few dishes that you can portion and freeze for all the family. This kind of planning will allow you to buy vegetables, potatoes and stock in larger batches that in the long run can work out that you spend less each week.
A good, large freezer is a bonus as you can freeze large family meals like lasagnas and cottage pies. By keeping meals in the freezer, you will save on fridge space for fresh vegetables and salads and you will only need to do one big batch shop per month and the rest of the time, just top up the essentials. Switch out the brands that you use and shop cheaper in the supermarkets. Buy dishes like spaghetti Bolognese and soups with lentils that are low in cost and a great filler!
If you get the chance to go to the supermarket without the kids, you could walk around and take the time to get to know new brands. If this is not possible, using shopping comparison websites to plan your food list can help you decide where you shop. You will be able to choose the best option for your budget and possibly discover some fantastic new food options.
Being a mom has its ups and downs, but do not make your food shopping one of the downs. Make it fantastic and fun and you will make brilliant savings!
