Saving Money on Groceries #9: Why bother?

Saving money on groceries requires time, energy, and forethought. Why bother? Here are five reasons:

1. Obviously, so you have more money in your pocket at the end of the day. Inspired by Dave Ramsey, we are trying to increase our emergency fund, save for home improvements and eventual car replacement, invest for the future, and give to our church and other charities. If I want to accelerate our progress, it's logistically easier and personally preferable for me to spend less rather than earn more, at this stage of life. We already live in an affordable home, drive one old used Toyota, and buy mostly secondhand clothes. The one category in our budget that has the most "wiggle room" is our grocery spending. For this reason, I've noticed that the grocery budget is a common topic on personal finance and simple living websites such as Simple Mom, The Minimalist Mom, and The Simple Dollar. Spending less on groceries might also help you save for a house, afford a family vacation, or just survive the lean student years!

2. Children benefit as they help you grow a vegetable garden, bake homemade bread, and creatively make do with what you have. As Amy Dacyczyn says:

But children of frugality have an advantage. They grew up watching their parents fixing things, making Halloween costumes, and cooking from scratch. Those images were stored in their "mental banks." If needed, the information is there to retrieve in their adult years. Because Jim and I were raised by thrifty parents, changing economic gears was a natural process for both of us. (from The Complete Tightwad Gazette, p. 296).

3. Your diet will probably be healthier, fresher, and more varied. Websites like Pennies on a Platter can offer new and fun ideas for budget meals at home. If you experiment with international cuisine, your whole family can learn about other countries together.

4. You will tread more lightly upon the earth as you buy less packaged food, waste less, and grow more of your own food. (Genesis 1:26)

5. It's a challenge! Some people think of it as a game! Maybe some of us are easily entertained... ;)

Do you have any more reasons to add?