Home School Heartbeat Radio Program

Mike Smith:
Lisa, last time you explained why attitude is a good place to start when it’s time to economize. The next focus is probably the family grocery budget! Is it possible for homeschooling families to eat well, be healthy, and still watch that budget?

Lisa Baughn:
Yes. This is an absolute favorite. We try and squeeze maximum nutrition out of every bite, focusing on whole foods, fruits, vegetables, and meats. Many of us have to look at food in a whole new way, budgeting for food allergies and special needs, and the grocery budget is a great area to prune extras, like processed food.

You can actually save money eating healthier. Homeschoolers are generally home, which allows much more freedom in cooking, feeding the freezer, and getting really creative with meals to stretch the budget.

Some great money saving tips we use—create a master list of your staples. Assess you freezer, pantry, and fridge. What do you have on hand? What do you need? Now compare those to all the local grocery adds. See what is on sale, match up your coupons. Then, and only then, make a grocery list.

Buy lots of seasonal fruits and veggies, shop farmer’s market, and find out when your store has marked items down. The first thing I do in a grocery store is pray, “Lord, what do You want me to buy today?” And I’m always amazed at what He provides.

Mike:
Lisa, thanks for sharing those great suggestions with us today! And until next time, I’m Mike Smith.