My family's grocery bill was $2,300 one month. When I told my teens, they surprisingly helped reduce the cost.

• I made changes to my grocery list and let my teens shop, which all led to out-of-control spending. • When I worked up the courage to tell my kids our grocery bill was over $2,000, they helped us save. • Together, we saved $750 by being more mindful of our purchases.

When my kids were little, I couponed, planned meals around the weekly specials, and tried to keep a tight rein on our grocery budget. But as they grew, I began working more. We all got busier, and I let some of those habits go.

Slowly, without really realizing it, our grocery costs inched up. A few months ago, I tracked every grocery expenditure for the entire month and discovered our bill totaled $2,300. I about had a heart attack.

I knew it was time for a change, and thankfully, the whole family pitched in.

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