Spending less on groceries

L and I have decided we need to budget our grocery spending. Compared to what we make annually, our grocery spending is astronomical. This is partly due to the fact that we purchase quality organic products, but it mainly has to do with the fact that we don't plan our meals beyond a few days or use what we already have (I can be blamed for latter).

This is a list of what we've decided to implement:

• a strict meal planning system
• making an effort to use what food we already have
• trying to limit ourselves to a set $ amount each month
• a Google Calendar to assist in planning and storing instructions/recipes

You knew I'd find a way to involve Google Products.

These will be the initial efforts. I know that there are many more options like clipping coupons, buying in bulk and joining a co-op. We may be able to employ some of those tactics in the future, but we want to get comfortable with our own system and see how much that effects our bottom line.

I have also subscribed to some gluten-free recipe blogs. One of my issues is that I'm not terribly helpful when it comes to deciding on a menu. Having more recipes at my disposal, that meet L's dietary requirements, will help me in creating our weekly menu.

I'm hoping to save a few hundred dollars in this area of our budget. That money could go towards more important things, including building our emergency fund (I realize how grown up that sentence is). Time to grow up Bri Guy!

If you have any tips that might be helpful, let us know.