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Step 1
Make a List
Never go shopping without a list and money saving coupons in hand. However, preparation is necessary and the only true way to save your money and still eat the things you enjoy. Sundays are the best days to go food shopping, the isles are fulled stocked and new sales items are in the weekly ads. Plan your meals around these sale items and add to list.
Also, keep in mind cooking extra for another meal, another meal could be for the next day or freeze it, up to a week. For instances, turn left over meat loaf into chili for the next day. -
Step 2
Monitor how much you are Buying
If at the end of the week, perishable food that has to be discarded because it never was eaten, start buying the item in a smaller size. Ask the deli for slices by pound, ask for exactly what you need. You can ask the deli for 10 slices if you want.
Also, watching your purchases of produce, skip the bagged lettuce and purchase romaine in multi-packs. These packs stay fresh up to a week verse a few days with bagged lettuce. When buying produce always reach to the top for the freshest product. Again, only purchase what you need. -
Step 3
Avoid all Snack-Packs
Buying for convenience will cost you money, snack packs are a waste of money. Instead, buy your snacks in bulk and dividing into ziptop bags. Mix different snacks into one, use popcorn, pretzels, peanuts and some raisins, makes a great snack, anytime.
Another tip; purchase plain uncooked oatmeal and pour each packet into a ziptop bag and add your own flavorings. Try cinnamon, wheat germ or brown sugar, just to name a few. Also, add flavoring after the oatmeal is prepared. Try some honey or maple syrup, just stir in while hot. A teaspoon of peanut butter adds a lot of flavor, mix in with the hot water in the bowl.
