Extreme couponing wasn't going to work with my 40+ hour work week. I just didn't have enough time to research, plan, and stack coupons. Instead, I found ways I could still use coupons to my advantage but would fit within my lifestyle and work week. This way I could still save money on groceries but didn't have to take up a second job doing market research for items I may not even need.

One of the most consistent, largest monthly expenses my husband and I have is food. Whether that be food we purchase at the grocery store or food we consume eating out. Food accounted for nearly 30% of our monthly expenses.

We took drastic steps to reduce our food budget, which went from $800 to $400 per month. Here is what we learned to help us cut our grocery bill in half.