Unlocking Family Savings: Discover How I Feed My Family of 4 for Just $120 a Week Using These Essential Grocery Hacks!

When my son was just a baby, I made a silly mistake. I bought a $5.99 sweater, and it caused me to overdraft our bank account. It was impulsive, but I thought it would be fun to dress him like a little professor.

This moment taught me a hard lesson about money. After that, I started budgeting carefully. With my husband and I relying on one income, times were tight. There were bills to pay, and not much left for groceries. So, I changed how I shopped.

Now, I spend about $120 each week on groceries. Here’s how I do it:

1. Understand Sales Cycles: Grocery stores operate on sales cycles, which means certain items go on sale regularly. For example, many canned goods are part of a six-week sales pattern. If I find canned tomato sauce on sale this week, I will buy enough to last until it’s on sale again. This same strategy applies to things like condiments and snacks.

Meat has its own schedule. I’ve noticed that chicken, ground beef, and pork often go on sale every three weeks. I buy whichever one is on sale that week, then freeze it in smaller portions. This way, I always have a rotation of meat without overspending.

Fresh produce follows a similar pattern. I know my stores and try not to spend more than $2.50 per pound on fruits and veggies.

It’s smart to watch the sales ads and learn your store’s patterns. Don’t be shy about asking store employees questions. They can help you find the best times to shop for various items.

2. Start with the Basics: When I hit the grocery store, I begin by shopping around the perimeter, picking up fresh produce, meat, and dairy first. This way, I can see how much money I have left for other products.

3. Take Advantage of Seasonal Sales: There are some great deals just after holidays, like the day after Valentine’s Day. That’s a perfect time to stock up on chocolate. I use it in cookies and other baked goods.

4. Get Creative: Learn how to substitute ingredients. For example, you can use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream or applesauce instead of oil in recipes. These swaps can be healthier and reduce the number of products I need to buy.

5. Look for Markdowns: Like any retail store, grocery stores put items on clearance to get them off the shelf. Slightly past-its-prime produce can be used for making soups or roasted dishes. Fruits can be frozen for later, too!

By following these tips, I keep our grocery budget in check while stocking up my pantry and freezer. Grocery shopping no longer feels like a chore; it’s like a fun game to get the best deals possible!

For more insights, check out the original article on Business Insider.