Aside from "Where do you get your coupons?" probably the most asked question I hear is "How do you save on meat at the grocery store?"
I know that when you watch shows like Extreme Couponing on TLC, you don't see those couponers buying much meat. That's because there are very few coupons out there for meat. Sometimes you'll find a coupon for free meat when you buy another product, but $1 off steaks or chicken is something you will rarely see.
Still, there are ways to stretch your grocery budget even without coupons.
1. Check out the mark-down bin at your store. I've found some great deals there. The items you'll find marked down are usually say to sell by that day's date, so if it's not something I plan to cook that night, it goes into the freezer until I have a chance to cook it.
2. Stock up when possible. By that, I mean instead of just buying one turkey over Thanksgiving when the prices are really low, pick up a couple. You'll pay less in the long run. Do the same with holiday hams. That way you can pull one out to cook in January or February.
3. Have meatless Mondays. No one says you have to eat meat every day. That doesn't mean you're a vegetarian either! Have grilled cheese and tomato soup for dinner or pasta and sauce. Pasta, sauce, bread and salad is definitely a filling meal!
4. Don't buy your meat at the grocery store. Instead, look for a local butcher shop. They'll often have meat packages that give you a large selection of meats to last you for a month or more. Buy in bulk. You'll save money, plus you will most likely get better cuts of meat and fresher meat from a butcher shop. I've found a place locally and while it is a little bit out of my way, the flavor of the meat makes the trip worth it. Plus, the meat is local and without growth hormones, but the price is less than my local grocery store for most things!
So even without coupons, there are ways to save on meat so you can feed your family the food they love.
