More Tips for Saving Money on Groceries
Extra Ways to Trim your Grocery Bill this Summer
May 20, 2009
Limiting the weekly budget and using up pantry items are basic ways to save on groceries, but if you are willing to put in the extra effort you can save even more!
Many tips for saving on groceries are pretty straightforward - don't buy what you already have, buy only what is on sale, etc. - but for those who are more than a little cash-strapped or who want to see some serious savings in the monthly grocery bills, there is extra work to do.
Here are some tips to consider for saving even more on groceries:
- Grow your own food, without the farm. Some places sell potted herbs, baby tomato or pepper plants, or seeds for a dollar or less. With a little upfront investment and some elbow grease, unlimited (and basically free) vegetables and fruits are within reach. Even growing a few of the regular vegetables and herbs your family consumes can add up to a lot of money over time.
- Consider going meatless at least one day each week. Beef, poultry, and fish can be the most expensive part of any grocery bill, and limiting the intake of red meats can also improve health. Try pasta with vegetables, bean soups, meatless chili, mushroom burgers, and other meat substitutes as a healthy and hearty way to trim the budget without sacrificing taste. The less often you eat meat, the more you can potentially save.
- Avoid paying for convenience. Prepackaged or prepared meals and snacks can dramatically increase the price of a food that can be prepared at home. In many cases, these prepared foods are also less healthy than fresh options, so preparing them yourself can save money and calories! Chop up your own vegetables, marinate your own meat, make your own sandwich, brew your own coffee...the list of prepared foods most people consume on a regular basis is rather long. Write down some of the prepared foods (and drinks) you had yesterday and see how many you could exchange for foods prepared at home.
- Limit dining out to once a week or month, depending on how much you want to save. Restaurant food costs more than food you make yourself, so stop eating out if you want to save. Pack your own lunches and dine at home whenever possible.
- Be smart about portions. This is another way to get healthier while saving money. Most people assume portion sizes are much larger than they really are (a serving of pasta is about the size of an ice cream scoop!). Be realistic about how much you need to eat to feel full. Cut back on portions, save money.
- Cut coupons and take advantage of stores that match prices. It is highly likely that a store in your area matches the deals that other local stores have that week, and some will even beat or double competitor coupons. Shop around, look online, and go to the grocery store prepared to get everything on sale from one place.
- Don't shop while hungry, and stick to the list. Know in advance what you will purchase and avoid impulse buys. Research shows that people who shop while hungry tend to buy more, so have a snack before you head to the store.
- Avoid bottled beverages. Bottled water costs dozens of times more per bottle than tap water - buy a reusable bottle and fill up at the fountain. If giving up bottled or canned drinks is not feasible, switch to a generic brand. In many cases the taste difference is unnoticeable (this goes for everything - buying generic can save a ton of money each shopping trip).
The copyright of the article More Tips for Saving Money on Groceries in Food Trends is owned by Katherine Brind'Amour. Permission to republish More Tips for Saving Money on Groceries in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.
