Save Money on Food
In tight economic times, there are some creative strategies you can employ to save money at the food market. Taking more time finding deals and preparing food yourself can translate to money savings at the end of the month. Those few dollars may mean the difference between meatless meals or a nice, juicy pork loin. Even if you are clipping coupons like mad, there are some other tried and true methods of saving money on food. They aren't for everyone, but there are probably a few that will work at your house.
Instructions
1. Avoid processed food. Those microwave meals are mighty convenient, but you're paying for the privilege of saving a few minutes of prep time. Instead, make meals from scratch over the weekend that you can heat up during the week. A box of rice can go a long way, as can a good old fashioned bag of potatoes.
2. Take your lunch to work or school. While you're prepping the week's dinners, get the fixings together for a few lunches too. You don't have to go cold turkey and take your lunch every day, but cutting back on the fast food can save quite a bit at the end of the month.
3. Buy in bulk, but be careful. You know it's true that buying in larger quantities means a smaller unit price for you. Bulk packaging saves the manufacturer on containering and transportation costs. This is usually true, but it pays to read the labels just to be sure. Most grocery stores have a unit price sticker on the shelves that will give you a handy per unit breakout that you can compare with other offerings. Be sure to use good judgment when selecting items that you can safely buy in large quantities. If your family won't eat it, it's no bargain. There is also some support for the notion that the more you buy, the more you'll eat, effectively foiling your attempts to save money.
4. Use outlet stores. Bare bones shopping outlets may not have all the bells and whistles, like a pharmacy, deli and beauty salon, but the food is less expensive. Packing your food yourself and bringing your own bags can make sense if you're trying to save a few dollars.
5. Grow some of your own produce. Next spring, start a vegetable patch. This guarantees a fresh supply of veggies, teaches your children about nature and saves you money. It's also good for the planet.
6. Buy local produce in season. When crops are in, the supply brings down the cost. Get in the habit of eating fresh produce, and learn to eat new things. Squash, sweet potatoes, cauliflower, cabbage, vine-ripened tomatoes and other vegetables are available through mom and pop outlets and can be a bargain when you get them from local farms as seasonal crops come to market.
7. Cut out some of the soda and liquor. Beverages can be expensive, so try for some less costly options. Tea and powdered drinks are good choices. Water from the tap is still a good alternative in many areas.
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