Save a Fortune on Food

Your food budget is the most flexible area of your household budget. Grocery savings will free up a significant amount of money if you need to balance the budget, or fund your savings accounts.

Eating Out

Eliminate eating out! FULL STOP! O.K. if you’re family is screaming mad at you then make it an occasional treat and not the norm. Your family will appreciate a dinner out much more when it’s not such a regular event. Consider it “quality time out”. And, remember to look for deals at local restaurants for additional savings.

Reduce the use of convenience foods. You can make it yourself for a fraction of the cost, try it! Many of us are so accustomed to convenience foods that we forget we can make it ourselves. You’ll find substitute recipes for everything from cake mixes to salad dressing. All it takes is a little extra time. Even if you had to pay yourself for doing the cooking you would come out ahead.

Meal Plan

Plan your meals and do your homework! I know it takes a little extra effort but planning your meals will be such a help. Know what’s on sale and plan your menu around the weekly offers. Investing a little extra time in planning will help reduce the food budget and food waste!

Eat meatless meals at least twice a week. lentils, beans and rice are inexpensive and really stretch a meal. Egg dishes are a nice change in routine for dinner. Try a vegetable stir-fry or casserole. If you’re stuck for ideas the internet has, literally,  millions of suggestions

Make it Yourself

Don’t use packaged mixes. Cake, breads, muffins, etc. all cost more than making them yourself. It takes a bit more effort but costs a lot less. If you have kids then try and get them involved. That way you’re keeping them busy, teaching them a life skill and you’ll have a delicious meal at the end of it.

Buying tinned or frozen food rather than fresh can also save a lot of money. Keep some bags of frozen fruit in your freezer and you’ll be able to knock up delicious smoothies in minutes.