My grocery bill went from $180 a week to $95 by switching up one simple thing

For the longest time, I'd just go to the store and grab whatever looked good, which meant a lot of pre-made meals and snacks. My weekly trip to the big chain store was always around $180, and I never had much left over. About three months ago, I started planning five dinners before I even left the house and writing a strict list. I also switched to shopping at Aldi first for the basics, then getting any special items elsewhere. The first week I tried it, my total was under a hundred dollars and I was shocked. Now I stick to that list like glue and only buy what's on it, no extras. It feels like I got a raise without actually getting one, you know? Has anyone else found that meal planning was the key to cutting their food costs?

2 comments

2 Comments

the_beth3d ago

Wow, cutting your bill almost in half is incredible! I believe you, but it's still hard to picture. My own cart just seems to fill up so fast, especially with those convenient pre-made things. To go from $180 to under a hundred in one week is a massive change. It really shows how much those little unplanned grabs add up.

emmag402d ago

Wait, $180 for ONE week? That's the part that got me. I can't even imagine a cart that big. My whole family of four barely hits $150 and I thought we were splurging. What are you buying, like, all name brand stuff and fancy snacks?