Where do I start?

It's 5:00.
Your kids are getting irritating and restless because they are hungry.
Husband is expected home and any minute and is no doubt tired and hungry too.
You are standing in your kitchen, staring into your fridge or pantry, scratching your head.
Eventually you end up feeding the kids cereal or mac and cheese and your husband picks up take out on the way home.

Sound familiar?
How about this one?

You notice you are out of milk so you run to the store.
You leave the store with milk, a candy bar, a bag of popsicles, the new issue of People magazine, a box of cookies, package of fruit snacks, and $30 less in your bank account.

Been there too?

Let's do one more, just for good measure.

You just went to the store yesterday and spent a good chunk of change. Now you have no idea what to cook for dinner, and have nothing to make for breakfast. You think to yourself, "what in the world did I buy?"

I'm pretty sure we have all been there. The above statements could basically describe my first few years of marriage. ( Especially the takeout ). So about 18 months ago, after being a SAHM for 6 months and learning quickly that living on one income was hard, I decided to do something about it. I've come a long way in those 18 months and I feel like I am in a really good place, grocery budget wise.

So, where do I start?
You start with a plan. I'm going to give you some homework. But don't worry, you'll thank me later! 
Today I want you and your family ( or spouse if it's just the two of you) to write down a list of all the dinners you enjoy.
That's it.
After you have compiled a list of dinners that you all enjoy ( and that you enjoy cooking ) you can begin to impliment a meal plan.
A meal plan is the KEY to your success in saving money on your groceries. Without a plan, you have nothing.
So, after you have your list if you are feeling ambitious, go ahead and plan out a menu for 1-2 weeks.

That's your homework for today. Come back tomorrow and we'll talk about a meal plan and planning your shopping list!