If you have cut back on entertainment, shopping, and extra spending, and still feel like money is slipping through your fingers, then it might be time to maximize your dollar when purchasing the necessities. Without a doubt, you have to buy food to live, but you can learn how to save on groceries with these tips.
Coupons
Coupons are great, but are they really helping you save? You have a coupon for 55 cents off of a name brand laundry detergent, but there could still be a detergent that is cheaper than the discounted name brand. Check prices carefully to make sure. Just because you use a coupon does not mean you are getting the best price on the item you’re purchasing. And, if you don’t use coupons, now might be the time to start. There are some great resources for free grocery coupons on the web, and the Sunday paper will have coupon inserts on a weekly basis.
Meal Planning
This might take some time to get organized, but one of the best ways to save on food is to set up a meal planner. This way you can see exactly which foods you need and won’t pick up extras that might not be necessities (like chocolate cupcakes and potato chips…you know what we mean). You’ll also see that there might be an overlap of ingredients.
For example, you may need potatoes for a beef stew and for mashed potatoes on another night. You could buy a big bag of potatoes rather than taking several trips to the store to pick up a few items at a time. Also, when you plan meals ahead of time, you’re less likely to pick up fast food or take-out. Getting all of your ingredients for the week’s meals at one time will also reduce your stress of having to stop by the grocery store everyday.
Food Prep
Is the frozen pasta dinner that costs $8 better than the noodles ($1) and sauce ($3) that you could purchase separately? That frozen dinner may take only 10 minutes to heat through and have all the sauce and fixings mixed in, but it will only last for one meal. A big box of pasta will last for several meals and you probably won’t use one whole jar of sauce at one time. Think about things like this when purchasing prepared meals or items. You can always shred your own cheese, dice your own vegetables, cook your own rice, or chop your own fruit. Why pay more to have someone else do it?
Consider All Options
You don’t have to have chicken tacos every Tuesday of every week. If the chicken looks pricey, get something else. You can still have taco night. Just see what the beef, turkey, or pork cost that day to save a few bucks. Buy fruits and vegetables that are in season because out of season produce will cost you more. Frozen or canned vegetables may be a better and cheaper solution for those that are out of season. Check out this list of seasonal produce for your state.
So, get in there and use your Albuquerque apartment kitchen to cook up some healthy and cost effective dinners. You’ll find that you have less stress and a few extra dollars in your pocket when you consider all of your options, plan ahead of time, and have all the ingredients you need on hand.
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