Right know this has been done before but....

[jenk1]

ive 4 weeks to our holiday and with all thats been going on in the last months we have got behind in our savings and now have to really scrimp and save.

So.... i have a shopping budget of 50-60 pounds a week for 2 adults 1 child and a toddler.

Havent done this since i was a single parent and have forgot how to economise this way

Can anyone give me some suggestions, i will be really really grateful.

Thanks

make things like stews which you can use cheaper meat for, and bulk it out with potato and veg and lentils (or other pulses)... red lentils are good as they break down and thicken it and can't be detected easily by children

look for bogofs, especially on things like pasta sauce, that's a nice cheap meal

meal planning may help too... make a list of meals for the week and what you;ll need to buy and stick to the list!

If you haven't already tried it, give Lidl a visit -there were some excellent threads on here a while ago recommending their best products.

They frequently have half-price fruit and veg too.

Or are there any local markets near you for cheap fruit and veg?

aldi or lidl for some grocery shopping. Second what starlover says about meal planning and pot meals/ casseroles.

I cook most of our meals but occasionally on work days I do 2 aldi four cheese pizzas (99p), put extra toppings on and hey presto four of us fed for £2.50ish. OK for a treat now and again!

Thanks for the tips, i do live near to a Lidl and an Aldi so will pay them a visit, i also have a slow cooker so will have to use that but i only know how to make stew in it. can anyone recommend nice recipes for it?

Thanks

You have more of a budget than I do for two adults and two four-year-olds! I plan meals, not strictly but in a sense that I buy what I need rather than have anything go to waste. Also if there are special offers on I tend to buy them and just alter the plan!

Be flexible but strict, if that doesn't sound the biggest contradiction ever!