Burgers from a Fast Food Joint.
If you eat this type of food because you think it is cheaper, you may be in for a surprise. CC by Marshall Astor/Flickr

When it comes to saving money, it’s easy to become overwhelmed, but it doesn’t have to be that way. Many people believe that saving money on food, vacations or even retirement is a difficult task that requires a lot of skill and sacrifice. However, it doesn’t have to be that way, particularly for those who start off small and slow with a few small changes at home.

Saving money on food buys

Let’s keep it simple and focus on relatively easy ways to save, such as saving money on food purchases. The price of food is on the rise, but you can still prevent the need to spend more at the grocery store by learning a few tricks on how to effectively save money on food. Remember that every little thing adds up, and you will soon notice positive changes in your finances and health, if you continue to practice good eating and spending habits.

Stick to buying store brands

Buying store brand foods is an easy way to cut the grocery bill. Budgets are getting tighter and food prices are running high, and more people are now turning to store brands to help trim the costs. You can find many store brand offerings that are just as good as or even better than name brand items. More than ever, many supermarket chains are offering store brand products of better quality, so you typically can’t even tell the difference with name brand items.

The benefit of buying in bulk

One other way to save money on food and avoid the probable need for credit is to buy in bulk. Find out which items cost more and consider whether buying in bulk will save you money. There are certain things you may want to stay away from when buying in bulk, like fruit and vegetables, but things like beans, rice, pasta and potatoes can be stored for a significant amount of time. However, buying in bulk can work against you if you are not careful to avoid overstocking. Spoiled food can lead to a spoiled budget.

Stay away from impulse buying

Write a shopping list before you head out to the supermarket. Write down your weekly or monthly necessities while understanding the difference between your needs and wants. Impulse buying is damaging to any budget, so always plan ahead of time and stick within your boundaries. Write a separate list for things you want for no real good reason other than to boost your morale, and put it aside for a later time. As you start to see your money grow, you can go back to your “want” list and budget for one item at a time. It’s important that you reward yourself every once in a while for your efforts to save money.

Shopping Tip: The busiest time of the day is the best time to plan a small shopping trip. With your shopping list handy, you can quickly get in and out and avoid the urge to look around and ignite temptation.

Make your own food at home

If you have a busy day-to-day schedule, cooking at home can be a bit tricky. However, always consider the amount of money you can save just by cooking your own meals at home. Another thing to keep in mind is the fact that excessive intake of processed foods and eating out constantly can have a negative effect on your weight and overall health. Planning ahead of time can help a lot, especially for people with busy schedules.

Take advantage of the magic of the crock pot. Start preparing the night before by putting all the ingredients in the slow cooker. On your way out the door the next morning, pull it out of the fridge and have it cook all day while you’re out and about. When your day is over, you can return to a home-cooked delicious meal.

Post By bryanh (1,420 Posts)



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