Grocery Budget

Have you read Steve and Annette Economides book Cut Your Grocery Bill In Half with America's Cheapest Family?  If you go to their web site page, http://www.americascheapestfamily.com/, you will understand why this dynamic duo is making headlines regarding the infamous grocery budget that us Americans overspend and throw away excessive amounts of food spoilage because of low turnover or whatever the reason may be.  The book itself is great, simple and full of good tips for the stay at home mom or homemaker who is seeking alternative ways to do it better. 

There are other authors great at tackling this one area of the budget that is challenging.  Mind you, if you don't know how to cook, then you should even if you've never taken a cooking class or had a mom teach you.  It's fun to get in the kitchen, cook and have pride in saving on the grocery bill.  You won't be in the drive-thru line.  You may lose some weight.  You can have quality time with family in the evening.

Mary Hunt authors many books, and her web site page http://www.debtproofliving.com/ is full of financial information written by a woman.  She offers DPL membership for access to her articles such as Food May Eclipse Oil as the Next Spending Threat and travels to speak to many.  I like her approach and read her Debt-Proof Your Marriage book. 

Ellie Kay offers some good financial advice having been a military wife and homemaker.   She wrote a Mom's Guide to Family Finances as well as many other great reads.  She is on ABC news as well as CNBC's Power Lunch and has an amazing speaking schedule that includes military audiences.

Dave Ramsey recommends watching your grocery budget and endorses EZMealz for menu planning.  Also, a FPU graduate hosts a real nice blog called http://thecheapskatecook.com/. 

Couponing is popular, and there are some who amaze me with their stories.  Saving with coupons is a good idea; however, you must weigh the time versus savings aspect when it comes to your schedule. 

These authors and ideas are just a few that are out there. 

If you search the Internet or Facebook or grocery ads, you can learn more about coupons in your local area.  Sometimes calling the manufacturer directly means them sending you free coupons via mail.  If you search the manufacturer's web site page, there are coupons available.   

Coups for Troops is a great way to pass along your coupon savings to military families living overseas for those coupons are good six months after the expiration date.  Many military families have been able to save on their grocery bill.  The Happy Housewife blogger helped pioneer Coups for Troops.  Here is how to partcipate in the Coups for Troops program.  Wives of Faith is a big supporter of Coups for Troops.