Finding ways to save money on food is one of the most difficult tasks of keeping the household budget in check out of all the household expenses. Fortunately, there are a few general guidelines that can assist almost any household in saving money on groceries. Here are some suggestions that can be tailored to any size family.
One of the most effective ways to save money on food is to examine the types of foods purchased on a weekly and monthly basis. People with hectic schedules frequently purchase processed foods that can be quickly warmed in a microwave or toaster oven. While convenient, these options tend to be more expensive per serving than cooking meals from scratch. For many households, spending a little more time preparing meals from scratch and avoiding the more expensive ready-made meals can be a money saver. Reduce your intake of junk foods as well. For many households’ food budgets, these are often real budget busters.
Meal preparation in advance is an excellent way to save money on food. It is possible to determine what foods to buy and in what quantities by creating a meal plan for each of the three daily meals. While some people go as far as to lock in a specific menu for each meal, many people find that general meal planning within a given time frame works just as well. Plan seven breakfast meals, seven lunch meals, and seven dinner meals, for example, if you go grocery shopping once a week. The day-to-day preparations can be decided as the week progresses.
Far too many people choose to go to the supermarket without first making a list of what they need. As a result of this action, impulse buying occurs, and the money set aside for food is quickly depleted on unnecessary food purchases. At the same time, necessary items are forgotten, necessitating a second trip and providing more opportunities for impulse purchases. If you never go to the grocery store without a list, you’ll be able to stay on track and save money on food.
Use coupons and store sales in addition to the list to stretch your purchasing dollar. Both of these methods are tried and true ways to save money on groceries. However, one point should be kept in mind in order to save money on food using these coupons and sales. Unless the food item and brand are ones you regularly buy, the coupon is unlikely to save you money. On a sale item, the same is true. Unless the sale is on food you would normally buy and eat, the purchase will not benefit your food budget in the long run.
Finally, if you have the necessary storage space and funds, consider purchasing staple food items in bulk. This method can save money on food shopping for large families, but it can also save money for single-person households. Assuming the staple will be used within a reasonable time frame, buying in bulk can be seen as paying a little more now to save money in the weeks and months ahead.