Some of you have asked why I bother to shop at several different stores in a week. It’s very simple: I have found that buying groceries at the rock bottom lowest price enables me to feed my family of 6 (including a teenage boy and two preteen girls!) for around $100/week. This includes expensive gluten-free items for one of my children who has a wheat allergy.
I will admit that it takes some organization. I search websites and newspaper inserts for the sale prices each week and I make a menu from the sale items. We don’t cook something for dinner just because we feel like it. We plan our meals. I do, however, have flexibility in which meal I will cook on which day.
I also have to plan because we are a one car family and I can’t make a quick trip to the store when I run out of something. I usually take my husband to work one day a week so I can run errands. The Kroger and Publix are within a mile of his work place. The Walmart, Ingles and Piggly Wiggly are all within a mile of home.
I spend about 2 hours stopping at the stores for that week, but I use no more gas than I would normally use because I am driving right by the stores on my way home.
Most people I know (with even smaller families) spend a minimum of $150/week on groceries and nonfood items, and for most it is closer to $200/week. I am essentially getting paid $25/hour for my 2 hours of shopping time. I’ll take that pay rate!
{ 2 comments… read them below or add one }
I like your blog. I’m a family of 6 as well with 3 month old twin boys, a 2.5 yo and 4.5 yo. Our budget is also $100/ week and includes formula and diapers for the babies and pull ups for the 2.5 yo. Its great to read your blog and know that I will be able to continue with the budget I’ve set. Where do you typically find the cheapest meat when shopping?
Hi Lara-Wow! I had mine close together, but no twins. You are a very busy woman!
I find the best sales on meat at Ingles, but I often find marked down meat at Kroger and Walmart by going early in the morning. I try to buy meat for around $2.00/lb but I have paid close to $3.00/lb when we are running low. If I find a good deal I usually buy as much as I can afford and put it in the freezer for later.
Thanks for taking the time to comment.