Grocery Lists? Budgets?

$50 a week is a very steep budget. BUT! it can be done. If you need vegetables on a daily basis, buy some fresh and some frozen. Frozen veggies will last a long time but with fresh veggies you'll find it is necessary to eat them sooner than later and therefore, you go through your veggie reserves quickly. Meat is an item that's best bought in bulk, wrapped up in individual servings and brought out one-at-a-time (this is best if it's just you that you are feeding). This is what I do with boneless/skinless chicken breasts.

Have you been on Pinterest? There are tons of budget friendly meals and snacks. Also, this time of the year don't forget to check for a local farmers market. They usually have fresher and cheaper veggies than the store and sometimes they will "haggle" with you on prices.

Look for coupons in your local circular, and if you have a walmart in your area, they will price match, even the coupon price specific for another store. Start your list with the most needed, and plan how many meals you need, and how far your foods will go. Make meals that will last a few days! Good luck, it can be done!

You can definitely eat on 50 a week. You just need to shop often to get fresh veggies. Frozen are fine, stay away from canned. You get far more nutrients and less sodium that way.

As crazy as it sounds I shop at Aldi and at Kmart to get good veggies cheaply. I get my meat there too. Shrimp and salmon frozen.

There are good options and if you are ok with going to the store a couple of times a week, you can do it with 50 dollars.

I spend $80 for 2 peeps and a dog a week. I found Trader Joe's to be my friend in that regard. I buy store brands when buying package items. Buy what you love to eat one week - see how far your money goes. Decide then if everything you wants is possible or if you need to up your budget. Meat is more economical in places that sell only meat. Also consider your local Latino or Asian grocery. My pennies go a really long way in these stores.

Also consider your local Latino or Asian grocery. My pennies go a really long way in these stores.

I agree! You can get some really good deals at the asian markets. Plus try some new fruits and veggies so you don't get bored

Do you live near Aldi? You can buy tons of stuff at Aldi for less than buying at a regular grocery store. They have fresh produce and a Fit & Active brand that is really good and affordable. I can buy for a famiy of 3 for $60.

You can definitely eat on 50 a week. You just need to shop often to get fresh veggies. Frozen are fine, stay away from canned. You get far more nutrients and less sodium that way.

As crazy as it sounds I shop at Aldi and at Kmart to get good veggies cheaply. I get my meat there too. Shrimp and salmon frozen.

There are good options and if you are ok with going to the store a couple of times a week, you can do it with 50 dollars.

I love Aldi, and it's not crazy at all!

As far as grocery budgeting goes, I've had good success by taking cash out of my bank account every week, and dividing it into enveloped earmarked for groceries, dog food, etc. I put the week's grocery budget in one envelope, and write the week and the starting amount on the front. Then I take it with me to the store, pay for my groceries only with that cash, and put the receipt in the envelope. When I get home, I subtract the amount spent from the starting amount, and write the current amount of money remaining in the envelope on the front. This helps to figure out where your money is going, and helps you easily see how much you have left for the week's food.

To conserve money spent on groceries, I check grocery fliers each week to see if anything is on sale. If it is, I will stock up on a few weeks' worth. Canned tuna and salmon can be cost-effective proteins. Sometimes buying larger volumes of dry goods like oatmeal will save money. Processed foods, and even things like bread, are often very expensive for the amount of food, so avoid these if you can. Cheese is astronomically expensive, so go without if you can.

I have to stick to a fairly tight budget as well. Only buy what is on sale (especially in the produce and meat sections), buy what you'll need for 2-3 months while it's on sale, and use coupons when you can. If you play your cards right, you can fill your freezer and pantry for next to nothing and get fresh produce, meats, and dairy for 30-50% off. I spent $100 today and got enough produce for the week, ground beef, bacon, chicken, and breakfast sausage to last two months, frozen lunches for 3-4 weeks, pasta for 2 months, and several staples like milk, bread, etc. This is going to feed both of us plus the 2 house guests and 2 more dinner guests we'll have this week. You don't have to do the crazy junk they do on extreme couponing to make coupon/sale shopping work for you. Check out KrazyCouponLady.com if you want a crash course in getting started.

Hi, I am always watching my money concerning my food budget as well. Try: www.poorgirleatswell.com

She gives great tips on how to make the most out of your weekly shopping cart (sometimes only ends up being $25), great recipes, and just some ingenious money saving tips.

Hope that helps!

I buy my own groceries and my budget is $50 a week. Sometimes, I'll push $70, but that's rare

My list varies and I don't buy these things every week. I can live off some of these for 2 weeks

Fresh fruit: oranges, apples, blueberries, strawberries, melon, watermelon (not at all once)
I can't cook fresh veggies yet (learning) so I usually stick with frozen broccoli, peas, corn, cauliflower. I live in Indiana so....fresh corn on the cob is dynamite and dirt cheap.
Chicken breast...at little high here (I think)
Romaine Lettuce hearts... I usually buy the bag that has 3 of them in there. It's a lot better than buying the Dole bagged lettuce.
Marketside Chiptole Ranch dressing...they have several kinds...just my fav and full fat.
Shredded cheese
Lay's Light Potato Chips...No fat and taste like real potato chips (can't give them up)
Special K Cracker Chips....Cheddar, Sour Cream & Onion, Southwest Ranch
Diet Coke
Lean Cuisine (eeeek, yes I know...I try to only eat them during the week.)
Fat Free Milk (only way I can drink it)
Multi-Grain Cherrios (big box) or Kashi
deli meat
eggs
Greek yogurt
Honey
PB2 (tad pricy, had to buy it last week)
Peanut Butter & Co (You can buy serving size packets at Walmart for 69 cents.)
Healthy Life hamburger buns and english muffins

I think that's it... I'm sure I'm missing something though hahah...Like I said though, I don't buy everything on that list all at once.

http://budgetbytes.blogspot.com/

my new favorite budget food site. also check out the book "cooking for one." stock your pantry, freeze, don't be shy of leftovers and get creative! 50 a week is easy.

I spend $150 a week for 6. I use coupons and have for a while. I buy fresh fruits and veggies each week. Most of my money goes to that. I buy meats on sale and stock up. Pantry, personal, paper items are bought with coupons. I would look for sales on things that don't have expiration dates and slowly stock up. Watch for clearance, like my store puts things they are not going to carry anymore on clearance for like .10-.25. Buy enough for like 6 months. That way eventually you will only have to buy produce, milk, cheese, that kinda stuff.
I do go to the local farmers market too. Check your dollar store too. Mine carries cleaning stuff.

I keep my pantry stocked with staples, and replenish when things go on sale. Same with meat - for instance, when chicken breasts go on sale, I buy about 10 lbs, and freeze them individually. Buy spices in bulk - it's much cheaper than buying the pre-filled jars. (You don't have to buy a lot at once; in fact, you can buy as much or as little as you want.) If you like to bake and are so inclined, try baking your own bread. It's so much cheaper than store-bought, and tastes better, too.

Farmers market for veggies, or grow your own. Try to cook from scratch rather than buying prepackaged foods. It's cheaper, and better for you.