So... did you all see Crystal at Biblical Womanhood    did  this pod caston Easy Steps for Grocery Savings? 

 Even I with dial up internet could listen to it today while doing the dishes!!

Well after listening I realized it was time to do an "inventory".  I do pretty good at doing this 1x a month.  I should just keep a running total...but that is just TOO much.  So I enlisted my HELPER and we started with the "big" freezer.  (other brother exited to bedroom to play "civil war")

Then I got out the list...(which is just a simple spreadsheet) and I simply erase the quanity columns each month.  (also, I have one list for the freezer and one for the pantry).

Then my helper writes down the totals (using tally marks...which he is proud to know how to do)

After taking inventory and putting things back "nicely" we are ready to hit the pantry...

Before pic of the pantry:  (so embarassed)

Again...my helper keeps track of our inventory...(he actually loves helping to do this...he is also learning to READ the words on the sheet)

And lastly....it goes into my HOME KEEPING BINDER....to help in future menu plans...

Ta da... all done in about 40 minutes!!  Now I KNOW what meals I can plan easily with what I have in pantry already!

Today I also took a brief stop in the refrigerator (although usually I do not do this, because turnover is so QUICK in there...)

Just a quick side note.... I don't think I've posted this...but this little thing-ey has made our lunch times SOOOOO much nicer and easier....

 no more pulling out 10 containers...just one BIG salad bowl and this thing-ey and lunch is ready to roll (and packing hubbys lunch at work too).

So... how did you like Crystal's pod cast?

What did you learn?

What I do already:

-  I do menu plan

- I do inventory (monthly) what is in the pantry/freezer

- I do make a menu (but I SOMETIMES DRIFT from it...I do think I would do better if I went by myself...but hubby prefers to go with me...so that is how it is...)

-  I do shop 1x a week

- I do have dinner planned by lunch and usually WELL underway and ready to go....

- stock up (buy in bulk)

What I need to work on:

-  sticking with the grocery list

- doubling up some meals-- while I'm making them...and then freeze for later

- plan meals around sales.....(I really struggle with this, not sure why??)

- Figure cost per meal per person... see how it adds up

Not sure I'll even be a coupon queen--- it just doesn't work for me...(especially with 3 kids with me). 

What are some tips YOU have for triming the grocery budget???

Of course...I'm not going to repost my "BIG" Saving Money On Grocery Entry  that has TONS of links!!!

 my top 3 tips would be:

1-  SHOP WITH CASH...(I need to get back to this...it works 100%)

2-  Per Laine-   "I pray before I shop, while I shop, and then after I shop as to what I will cook. I love shopping with the LORD! ~Smile~"

3-  BEANs BEANs BEANs

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