I have to admit that one of my biggest struggles right now is learning to live on a budget. Sure, I’ve got the bill-paying part down, but it’s the grocery shopping that just seems to take on a life of its own! I have been shopping with my sister, Beth, who is the ultimate coupon queen; I have read every post I can find about couponing; I go shopping with my coupon-savvy friends. Still, I find it overwhelming to put together a menu and then a shopping list and stick to it!
So you can imagine my delight when I found out that someone was having a contest to give away the book, Don’t Panic – Dinner’s in the Freezer, which holds a ton of recipes to help me learn how to prepare meals ahead of time, so I’m not wasting money! Check out Claire’s website at www.mummydeals.org to find out how you can enter her giveaway before February 1st!
Do you struggle with meal-planning like I do? I would love some suggestions on better ways to save money when it comes to food! Send me an email or post a comment on my blog, and I’ll be happy to link back to your blog!
katiecruicesmith.com 
I’ve tried repeatedly to do menu planning … and it just does NOT work for me. I think I like spontaneity too much. 🙂 Sometimes I think ahead and know what I’m making for dinner before I get up that morning, but usually not.
My shopping usually consists of buying what’s on sale and what I have a coupon for. Obviously, I get things I know we’re out of, like chicken or pasta, and fresh veggies. I also keep all staples on hand and stockpile when things are on sale.
I would suggest planning for just one or two meals a week and buying those ingredients. Then plan the rest of your shopping trip around the sales fliers. Keep a list of what’s in your pantry/freezer/fridge and go over that with the sales fliers. If we use an item on a regular basis and it’s on sale, I’ll buy it even though we might still have some. Doing it that way consistently saves us about 50% on our groceries.