How to Save Money on Groceries Atlanta Style

Howdy Folks Cheap Mama ZombieMommy Here!

I am an expert on saving money on your grocery bill. I was recently talking to a lawyer (don’t ask) about how I am able to live so frugally.

Knowledge, curiosity and of course the Good Lord.

Before I stopped working in corporate America, I started devouring frugal living books. Somehow my friend, a mother of 2 was able to live off of $32K a year. And not eat at the Dollar Tree (at least not everyday).

Here are 3 ways to Save Money on Groceries Without Reading 3 Books About It

1) Gather Data

What do you buy every month? I buy the same thing every month. Milk, flour, meat, eggs, cheese, half and half, coffee, mayonnaise (a lot of this), butter (even more of this), lunchmeat, bread, chips, pasta, rice, tuna, potatoes, oats, grits, cereal (sometimes), parmesan cheese green can, canned tomatoes.

2) Analyze Costs

Where do  you get the best deal on these items? Does it go on sale every 4-6 weeks at Publix lower than the cheaper Aldi everyday price? Then buy 6 weeks worth when Publix drops it.

It depends on your needs. Personally even using coupons, for most items I buy for my family,  I save more at Aldi then Publix and Kroger. However, Publix buy one get one free is cheaper on pickles and pasta.

I wrote up a great post Whats Worth Buying at Aldi  Check to see if these are items your family buys on a regular basis. Did you know Aldi has a double back money guarantee, they are like Trader Joes they want you to try their products. They not only refund your money, they replace the product too. Smart marketing in my opinion. This encourages you to try products out, taking the fear out of possibly wasting money. And then if by chance you don’t like it and return it, they are giving you another chance at trying it twice for free!  Aldi does not pay me to write this stuff, I am just a big fan after having 4 kids and not being able to run to every sale every week.

Do you have a Bread store near your house? I do and I buy the good bread 4 for $5.00. I have a deep freeze so I stock up 12 loaves at a time. Once they had it for a 4 for $1.00. Guess how many loaves I bought:)

3) Spend Time and Money Wisely

Yes, clipping coupons can get you some great deals. But add up the time you spend doing it. Getting papers (opt for home delivery sometimes it’s only ten cents  more a paper-worth not running to the QT/convenience store every week). Clipping. Sorting. Matching and then using it before the sale or coupon expires. If you don’t have an Aldi, it can be worth trying a service like the Grocery Game to do the matching for you. After 4 kids I couldn’t do it. I can’t run to CVS for that great deal on diapers, I can’t run to Walgreens when glue drops down to 4 for $1.00. My time is better spent buying it for more money once a year when I need it.

Buy your groceries once a month if you can. This saves you a lot of time. I make pretty much the same meals every night basically simple meat, starch (rice/potatoes/pasta) and a green frozen vegetable.

Here are some things I have learned are NOT good deals

Most food from Dollar Tree (made in China, therefore suspicious in origin and quality), sanitary products from the Dollar Tree, lets just say stapling your pad to your underwear is not practical for more reasons than I can mention, the 15 garbage bags for a dollar at Kroger (Aldi is better).

What is your Saving Money on Grocery Tip That People Need to Know? Leave a Comment!