Saving Every Day - Food for Thought
Whether you are feeding one person or an entire brood, the most effective way
to save money is by planning your meals and cooking at home. There is nothing
quite as tasty and satisfying as a hearty home-cooked meal, and if you enlist
the help of others, cooking can be a lot of fun. Follow the simple tips below
to save money when grocery shopping.
Save Money on Groceries
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Shop with a list. This can save you hundreds of dollars annually. Marketers
design stores to entice you to buy as many items as possible, some that you may
not need or even want. It is easy to fall prey to clever advertising. Avoid
impulsive buying by sticking to your list.
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Never shop on an empty stomach. Hunger can drive you to purchase items that are
not on your list, but will satisfy your current hungry appetite. Shop after you
have eaten and you won't be tempted to buy items you don't really need.
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Pay for the product, not for the packaging: try generic brands. These products
often include the same ingredients and quality as name-brand items, only they
are less expensive.
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Read your weekly grocery store circular and clip coupons, but remember that
advertised items are not always the cheapest. Be sure to compare the "price per
unit" of different food brands posted on store shelves.
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Stock up on items that you use when they are on sale.
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Shop alone. Others, especially your child, may help fill your cart with
unplanned and unnecessary items.
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Use the self-service checkout lane, if available, to avoid those last-minute
purchases at the candy and magazine displays.
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Don't shop at a gas station convenience store; you will pay for convenience
with higher prices.
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Always check your receipt at checkout to make sure discounts have been taken
for using coupons or preferred customer cards.
Take it on the Run
Mornings are a busy time to get going and to get everyone out the door on time.
If "time equals money," then using these time saving tips can help you save on
both.
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If you drink coffee, it's tempting to stop for a quick cup of java on the way
to work every morning. To avoid the temptation, before you go to bed, prepare
your coffee and water for the coffee machine at home. Then all you have to do
in the morning is turn it on. You'll be surprised how much you can save in a
week's time if you don't stop for a pricey cup of coffee.
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When you eat out, order water for your beverage. Not only is it healthy choice,
it is usually free.
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Brown bag it. Packing your own lunch is almost always more economical and more
healthy. Preparing your lunch the night before will save rushing around in the
morning and having to possibly resort to buying your lunch.
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Pack snacks to avoid vending machine costs or the need to run out and grab "a
little something." Remember, little things add up. Plus, a cup of coffee, a bag
of chips, or a candy bar may not be the healthiest of options for snacks.
Prepare veggies or cheese snacks at home. Not only will you save money, you can
help improve your eating habits.
Choosing healthier eating habits can have the added benefit of saving money on
food expenditures as well healthcare now and in the future.
