Well, I budget $20—$30 a week for myself…and usually don’t go over that.
I’ve found that not buying convenience foods (i.e. Hot Pockets, frozen meals, pre-marinated meat) is the best way to spend less.
Also, shop the sales—figure out what you’re going to eat for b/l/d each day of the week, and match that to what’s on sale.
Only buy fruit that’s in season—grapes, citrus, stone fruits, apples, etc. all taste better when in season.
Learn how to cook a few basic things—french toast freezes well, chili is easy (in the crockpot), chicken is easy, breakfast for dinner, muffins, granola, yogurt, etc.
Also, if you start making things at home—i.e., toothpaste, cleaning supplies (vinegar and/or baking soda cleans most things), shampoo, etc., this will cut down on your expenditures as well.
Helpful?