Everything seems to cost more these days, prices of food are expected to raise 2.5 to 3.5 percent in 2013. That doesn’t seem like a lot but when you include gas, clothes, rent and groceries, it becomes harder and harder to stretch an already thin paycheck.
Options for saving on gas might be to ride a bike to places close to our homes. And the best way to stretch the food budget is just to learn a couple of tricks. Let’s explore a couple of ways on how to save money on food while still getting the things that we need and want to feed our family.
Here are 6 tips to try the next time you go to the grocery store:
- Use Coupons. I figure you all know this, but sometimes we get out of the habit. Coupons are a great way to try new items for a discount. Plus you have to remember that new items are often offered on sale anyway to get the word out, so a coupon might get you a super cheap or even free item to stock your pantry. Makes sure you always match the current sale ad to coupons you have. To do that easily make sure you visit the Thrifty Wifey Coupon Database to see if any coupons are currently available to match up or head to Coupons.com to see what is available. Just an hour of coupon cutting and planning could save you as much as $100.
- Use more staples and less processed items. Sometimes you can use coupons and boxed items are very cheap or even free. My advice, do a lot of “staple shopping” and make your own. You will find that the foods are healthier and you can control how much fat, salt and sugar goes into your food. Stock up on tuna, beans (canned or dried, pasta, even freezer items like meats when they go on sale). When at the store yourself if you can make that at home for less money. If think you can (with the help of Pinterest..lol) , then put the prepared item back in and buy the staples.
- Stock up or buy in bulk. Think about all food items that you use most often, even go as far as make a list. Items like cereals, canned foods, meats, vegetables, condiments, juices, and many paper products can be purchased in bulk sometimes at a lower price at food warehouses like Costco or Sam’s Club. You can also just wait for the sales cycles at your regular store and stock up when they go on sale. Buying a freezer or extra storage shelves in your garage is a great way to keep all those great stock up deals.
So what are your favorite tips on How to Save Money on Food? We will give you three more tips tomorrow, but in the meantime leave a comment.
How to Save Money on Food
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