Which Saves More Money?

[Nada.Leona]

I am going to try something over the next two paychecks.

This Friday, I am going to budget myself a specific amount of money to be used for two weeks for groceries. I think I am going to make it $60 for two people and a cat for two weeks.

Then, I'm going to compare exactly how much I spend on groceries using these two methods.

1. Split my $60 over two weeks and spend $30 a week on the best deals from my local supermarket flyers.

2. Stick to my grocery list and meal plan and budget exactly what I am going to eat based on my tried-and-true method.

My questions to be answered: Which method...

a. ...saves me the most money?
b. ...gives me the most food?
c. ...allows me to stockpile the best?
d. ...provides us with the foods we like?

Any bets on which one will win?

[Mojjo]

This should be interesting...I'm betting it will be a mix of things.

[lilk]

I'm not sure but I'm going to guess splitting the 60 into the two weeks . I hope it comes in less than 60 for you. Good luck, and keep us posted.

[pita1213]

i think you'll save the most money by doing a combination of both. look at what you have in the pantry and what is on sale, and build your menu around that. if chicken and potatoes are on sale for a great price, then you can have chicken and mashed potatoes one night, and plan some other meals from leftovers. if it's pot roast and veggies on sale, make a roast one night and stew later in the week with leftovers.

[Darlene]

Originally posted by pita1213
i think you'll save the most money by doing a combination of both. look at what you have in the pantry and what is on sale, and build your menu around that. if chicken and potatoes are on sale for a great price, then you can have chicken and mashed potatoes one night, and plan some other meals from leftovers. if it's pot roast and veggies on sale, make a roast one night and stew later in the week with leftovers.

Looking forward to hearing about your experiment.

[Michelle]

Originally posted by pita1213
i think you'll save the most money by doing a combination of both. look at what you have in the pantry and what is on sale, and build your menu around that. if chicken and potatoes are on sale for a great price, then you can have chicken and mashed potatoes one night, and plan some other meals from leftovers. if it's pot roast and veggies on sale, make a roast one night and stew later in the week with leftovers.

Can't wait to "hear" the results

[sanderson76]

I would say a combination of both. However, I do notice that I spend alot less by sticking to my menu plan. That has helped me more than anything..Plus, I say that I will not get over $45. Wow, it is amazing how fast one can reach that amount. But once I hit that amount, I leave and that is that.

This is something I am trying for this month and so far it has worked really well and makes me feel as if I have accomplished something. Although I set my goal at $75 a week, I have yet to touch it so far

[favesis37]

not sure but can't wait to see what you find out

[Renee-2kids]

I vote to stick to a menu plan, but that is if you plan low cost meals around what you have!

[Katybird]

I voted with sticking to menu plan also. I think that if you have a concrete solid plan that you will not be tempted to purchase other items and that it will be easier to stick to your budget. I am looking forward to hearing how it turns out.

[canadian gardener]

I do both, so I'm fascinated by what you'll find out since I never compared the two techniques against each other.

I love your experiment.

Way to go.

[PrairieRose]

I voted shop the flyers but honestly that and sticking to a menu plan based on sale food items will work the best, or so I think.

[schellie69]

I plan my weekly menu from the sales ad and what i have on hand, so I use both last week i spent a $140 for 6 people and 4 dogs and 2 cats, which included groveries and non food items. So i agree a combanition of the 2 things is the way to go,