Need ideas - how to reduce grocery bill

[Willow]

*I breastfeed and use cloth nappies, so that cuts down a lot

Me too! But DS is a toddler now so he needs some food! LOL. I spend $16 a month on nappies because he wears them at night (he wakes if he's in cloth which seems to be a common problem in older bubs)

* I buy cheaper cuts of meat and make YUMMY meals in the slow cooker or we bbq

We do this too and yep Trish, we have a slow cooker too but I haven't really used it in summer. It's cooling off a bit so might get it out again.

* I buy all shamp's, cond's, toothpaste, loo paper etc at the "cheap" shops

I'm not fussy, I get all of this at Aldi these days so it's pretty cheap!

* I use only bi carb and vinegar for cleaning,

I need to learn how to do this! I don't get how bi carb or vinegar is going to get my shower clean

I do use vinegar on our floors if I'm not using my steam mop. I do buy surface cleaner, loo cleaner, window cleaner (tried vinegar and it just didn't work??). I don't buy these very often though, maybe once every few months.

I am going to try meal planning next fortnight and see if that helps, should have done it this fortnight because I've been thinking about it for a few weeks but wasn't organised enough.

I generally do cook from scratch but will use the odd packet side dish too - again these are only 99c from Aldi and my kids love them unfortunately I do need to bake more. I was thinking on the way home I should start making pancakes from scratch rather than buying the packets. I've been making the kids pancakes for afternoon tea lately and they love them.

Thanks for all your tips, keep them coming if you think of any others!