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This post contains affiliate links. Please see the disclosure policy for more information. After major expenses, like the mortgage and daycare, it feels like grocery bills are an out of control monster eating away at the budget.  Every day, every week, every month, the groceries seem to take over.  It never feels like there is enough food or at least not the right kind of food in the pantry or fridge.  Sometimes, even good food goes to waste when there isn't time to prepare and cook it.  Here are some of the ways I've have been able to curb food costs while maintaining my sanity. Store Brands I rarely buy branded items.  It used to be that branded items were superior or higher quality.  That doesn't seem to be the case anymore.  Oftentimes, the store brands are just as good or indistinguishable from the name brands.  I have also had good experiences at stores that stock primarily store brands, like Aldi and Trader Joes.  As with anything else, you need to know you

A lot of people comment that they are surprised when I shop at a dollar store.  Isn't that a bunch of crap?  And while yes, there can be a lot of junky quality items, I have found a surprising number of items that I can use to make my life easier and save a lot of money along the way.  Here are some of my favorites: Party Items Any time we have a party, I'm at the dollar store.  Birthday parties, showers, graduations, Mother's Day, Father's Day, Halloween, Christmas, you name it.  It's my go to spot for plates, plastic silverware, napkins, plastic table covers, cups, etc.  They also have a variety of serving dishes and serving cutlery that is perfect for one time use (or wash and use again).  I also love the serving dishes when I go to family or a friend's house and need to bring something.  Then, I can leave the dish behind without needing it retur ned or worry about it breaking.  Also, don't forget the decorations.  Your favorite dollar store h

This is my go to budget recipe. We eat this at least once a week at our house. The kids love it and the ingredients can be easily substituted so you can use what is on sale any given week. What more can you ask for? Cheap, fast, and delicious. No wonder it is a staple at our house. Enjoy! total time: 15 min ingredients: 1 lb. ground beef (easily substitute ground turkey, ground chicken or other desired meat or veg) 1/4 cup light brown sugar, packed 1/4 cup soy sauce 1/4 cup water 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger (substitute grated fresh ginger, if available) 1 teaspoon garlic powder 1 teaspoon cornstarch (optional) 1/2 teaspoon sesame oil (optional) crushed red-pepper flakes to taste (or omit if too spicy for the kiddos) chopped green onions and/or sesame seeds (optional as garnish) directions: In a measuring cup, whisk together brown sugar, soy sauce, water, ginger, garlic powder, cornstarch, sesame oil, and red pepper flake. Add ground beef to a skillet and cook on med