For many of us, food is one of our largest monthly expenses. Whether it is grocery shopping, a quick stop at the drive thru, or a nice evening out, these transactions can really add up! This is also one area where we can have a BIG impact on our budget by making small changes each day. Enjoy these 31 ways to cut down on your food bill, and put them into practice this month!
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Set a food budget, and stick to it!
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Bring your lunch to work instead of buying!
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Clip coupons for things you already use.
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Shop BOGO sales for things you already use.
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Check out prices at different stores.
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Consider a store membership for bulk shopping.
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Thumb (or click) through this week’s newspaper adds for BOGO meat.
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Order water when you go out to eat.
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Split a meal with your date at a restaurant.
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Cut out one restaurant meal per week.
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Plan a weekly menu around sale items.
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Freeze appropriate leftovers.
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Buy store brand instead of name brand.
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Use a list when shopping.
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Buy produce in season.
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Check the price per unit, not the price per item.
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Check your receipt for pricing errors.
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Save half your restaurant dinner for lunch the next day.
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Eat out on “kids eat free” nights.
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Have a pantry/fridge clean-out period — only eat what you have.
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Grow your own fruits, veggies and herbs.
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Don’t shop hungry.
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Have a meat- free dinner.
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Use leftovers to create a new meal.
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Don’t buy more fresh produce than you will eat before it goes bad.
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Cut your portion sizes.
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Buy dry beans instead of canned ones.
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Buy chicken thighs instead of breasts
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Do your shopping without the kids when possible.
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Plan ahead and skip the drive- thru.
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Keep track of everything you spend, and re-evaluate the budget!
by Selena Garrison
