My New Food Shopping Challenge

I religiously use Mint.com and review my family's finances with a fine-tooth comb. One area that we tend to spend an enormous amount of money on each month is groceries. I realize that food is imperative, but $500-$600 a month is just ridiculous!! Our goal? Spend less than $400 a month, or $100 each week, on groceries. For a family of four, I think that's a pretty reasonable goal.

For January, we spent $397.54. Not too shabby. So, how did we do it?

• Plan the week's dinner menu.
  
  
• Make a list based upon the week's menu and stick to it.
  
  
• Use coupons and, most importantly, use them on items that are on sale. This takes a little bit of homework, comparing the circular to your coupons. But in the end it's worth it.
  
  
• Personally, I hate food shopping, so I am a faithful Peapod shopper. Yes, there's a delivery charge, but you can use more than enough coupons to make up for it. Check and see if Peapod is available in your area. Here's a coupon to get you started. Get $10 off your first order at Peapod. Click Here!
  
  
• Stockpile non-persishable items that are on sale.
  
  
• Don't take your spouse or kids shopping with you. They're budget busters!

I know there are larger families out there spending less. Any other tips that I may have missed?