Groceries are a super large chunk of everyone’s budget but there are some key things that you can avoid that will help to drastically reduce your weekly and monthly costs. I know many of these are “fun” items and it kinda feels like I’m putting you on a diet, but at least try this challenge for me before you give up on me…
A Grocery Challenge:
The next time you are in the grocery store focus on just things for meals and keep any extra items in a different part of the buggy (or even better have a kid push a smaller second buggy). Anything “extra” I want you to pay for separately. You are going to see right away just how much of your grocery costs went to things that weren’t for a main meal.
Top Things That Break Your Grocery Budget
Soda & Sparkling Water
Remember when your grandmother used to only offer you water… yeah she was smart. If it drives you crazy then grab a couple lemons from the produce department usually around 50¢ and you’ve got some flavor added in.
Crackers & Chips
In most stores these are right across from soda… so maybe just skip these aisles completely! These are not providing any nutrition, just calories. If you have to pay for something grab a bag of grapes on sale at the same price and you’ve at least gotten some vitamins added in.
Juice
Don’t miss this easy freebie! Head in to your local Walmart and buy one Brainiac Foods Breakfast Blends pouch and you can get the full purchase price back via Venmo or Paypal!! Just enter your email and phone number here to get started.
Check out more great freebies!
If you are looking for some new home items, check out the clearance deals on Mainstays Home Collection by Becky G. & Alejandra!
This collection is full of the cutest things ever, and I want them all!
Deal Ideas
Mainstays by Becky G. & Alejandra Oblong Decorative Pillow, Beige Cabana Stripe, 14″ x 20″ – $7.44 (reg. $12.94)
Mainstays by Becky G. & Alejandra 9.5″ Artificial Grass in White Two-Tone Ribbed Ceramic Pot – $2.68 (reg. $5)
Mainstays by Becky G. & Alejandra Bamboo Melamine Dinner Bowl, Lemon & Green – $1 (reg. $1.50)
Mainstays by Becky G. & Alejandra Indoor/Outdoor Layering Rug, Orange Stripe, 24″ x 36″ – $2 (reg. $10)
Go ahead and start shopping for new winter boots at Woot! Find styles by Hunter, Koolaburra, and Sorel!
There are styles for women and men.
Deal Ideas
Hunter Original Tall Women’s Rain Boots – $59.99 (reg.$185)
Koolaburra by UGG Women’s Koola Ultra Mini Platform Boot – $29.99 (reg. $65)
SOREL Women’s Whitney ll Plus Tall Lace Waterproof Boot – from $39.99
price varies by size
Sale ends 10/14. Shipping is free when you log in with your Prime credentials.
Read More→
Shop at Walmart for storage containers. Right now you can get this Hyper Tough 27-Gallon Storage Tote for just $9.97 (reg. $14.97)!
This storage container with snap-on lid features notches for zip-ties or locks. They are also stackable. These are great for storing items in the shed or garage.
Go ahead and grab them while they are on sale!
Hyper Tough 27-Gallon Storage Tote with Snap-on Lid – $9.97 (reg. $14.97)
Shipping is free with Walmart+ or free with orders of $35+.
See more deals at Walmart.
This is such a fun deal! Speed to Walmart where you can score $100 off a Blackstone Outdoor Tabletop Propane Pizza Oven!
This makes it just $97 – regularly $197!
Even better, this pizza oven has great reviews. This is the best way to upgrade homemade pizza!
This deal is good for a limited time and while supplies last. Shipping is FREE.
See more online shopping deals!
I make this hamburger soup pretty often for a few reasons: it has tons of veggies (yay nutrients!), it freezes really well, and it’s really, really tasty.
It’s great served with grilled cheese sandwiches! This recipe is adapted from The Pioneer Woman’s hamburger soup.
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 large onion, diced
- 2 stalks of celery, diced
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 can diced tomatoes
- 1 32 oz container of beef broth (you can use chicken broth if that's what you have on hand)
- 1 yellow bell pepper, diced
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 2 large carrots, peeled and chopped
- 3 medium-sized russet potatoes, peeled and chopped into 1" cubes
- 3 tbsp ketchup
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- pinch of cayenne pepper (optional)
Directions
- In a large Dutch oven over medium heat, add the ground beef, onion, celery, and garlic and cook until the beef is completely browned. Drain off any excess fat.
- Add the diced tomatoes (with their juices), broth, bell peppers, carrots, potatoes, ketchup, salt, pepper, oregano, Worcestershire sauce, and cayenne.
- Bring to a boil, reduce to a simmer, cover, and cook 25-30 minutes more (the potatoes should be soft, but not mushy).
See more frugal recipes!
Macy’s has a fun deal on holiday bedding! Get 3-piece twin size bed sheets for just $12.99 (reg. $30) and a 4-piece queen or king size for $21.99 (reg. $72).
Grab a few sets or look around and grab something else to get you free shipping at $49.
This deal is good through 10/13. Shipping is free at $49+.
See more household deals.
Right now, hurry to Walmart to grab great deals on toys! They’re offering up to 80% off LEGO, Fisher-Price, Bluey and more!
This is a great chance to grab toys for upcoming birthdays and Christmas!
Deal Ideas
Fisher-Price Laugh & Learn Learn & Serve Coffee Café $17.49 (reg. $32.39)
KidKraft Lola Mansion Wooden Dollhouse with 30 Accessories $50 (reg. $75)
LEGO Friends Cotton Candy Stand and Scooter – $5.99 (reg. $9)
Squishmallows Bluey 10-Inch HugMees Medium Plush – $9.74 (reg. $20)
