How to Save Money on Food
You will probably have heard of and/or used some of the following
suggestions on how to save money on food. But there are some
less-common ideas here as well, so read on to learn how to spend
less.
1. Buy whatever is on sale. It's an obvious idea, but most
of the time people just see sales as a bonus, and buy a few cheap
things in addition to their regular purchases. Instead, look
at all the foods that are on sale to find the ones you like,
and primarily those. Next week something else you like will be
on sale, so you'll still get all the variety you need in this
way.
2. Stock up during sales and when things are in season. Buy
non-perishables when they are at their cheapest. Most canned
foods have expiration dates that are at least two years away,
for example, so if you see a price that is not likely to be cheaper
in the next year or so, buy enough to last that long.
3. Buy large when food is sold by the piece. Buy the largest
pieces when fruits and vegetables are sold by the piece. This
gets you more for your money.
4. Buy small when food is sold by the pound. Buy the smaller
pieces when fruits and vegetables are sold by the pound. This
is because you'll pay less per piece, and probably still eat
just one at a time, saving you money (and calories, incidentally).
5. Reconsider using coupons. Use coupons only on products
that you actually buy normally. If you use them as an excuse
to buy products that are still expensive even with the discount,
you will spend more, not less.
6. Double-coupons. Shop at stores with "double-coupon"
days, and buy the smaller sizes. A fifty-cent coupon doubled
means a cheap product if it was two dollars, but FREE if was
just a dollar. You lower the unit cost by using doubled coupons
on smaller sizes.
7. Bring a list. This is so you don't impulse shop.
8. Never shop hungry. In fact, get in the habit of eating
something before you go grocery shopping. It is a sure way to
save money on food.
9. Compare unit-prices. Look at the price-per-ounce labels
on the products - don't assume that the larger sizes are cheaper.
10. Try store brands. Many of these private label brands are
made for the stores by name-brand manufacturers. They cost up
to 50% less.
11. Set a limit on your impulse purchases. Stick to a shopping
list, allowing yourself just three things that are not on it.
12. Buy and freeze. Some foods, like green peppers, for example,
can be cut up and frozen in a tight container, for later use
in cooking. Green peppers are a good example, because the cost
can vary by 300% from one season to the next, so you can stock
up when they are cheap.
13. Eat less to save money on food. This isn't quite a joke.
Most of us eat more than we need, so try stopping sooner when
eating. Wait to see if you're really still hungry. Most of the
time you'll find that you feel full enough once ten minutes has
passed.
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