Thursday, October 30, 2008

Eating On A Budget

By Judy Turner

Just imagine how much money we would have at the end of each month if we did not need to budget for groceries. However, we all need to eat so we can't get rid of that expense. There are many things we can do however, to cut costs every time we go to the grocery store.

Here are just a few tips to help you get started on your grocery shopping budget.

1) Plan your meals in advance: Create a weekly or even monthly menu. Make a list and check your fridge and pantry for items that you already have. This will cut down on unnecessary purchases.

2) Stay organized: Organizing your pantry and checking expiration dates will help determine what you need to stock up on.

3) Make a list and stick to it: When grocery shopping it is really easy to get sidetracked. Try shopping alone if possible and avoid going to the grocery store when you are hungry.

4) Go crazy with coupons: Combining grocery coupons with weekly sales can make a huge difference in your grocery bill. Place the coupons you plan to use in your purse or vehicle to be sure they are not forgotten.

5) Go vegan: One or two meatless dishes a week not only saves money, but helps you get your recommended daily allowance of vegetables.

6) Buy in bulk: Stock up on big packs of meat and poultry and divide into meal size portions to freeze.

7) Be creative with leftovers: You can save a ton of money by eating leftovers. To keep them from becoming mundane, find creative ways to prepare them a second time.

8) Cook for a month: There are several cookbooks that specialize in cooking in bulk. Set aside one or two days each month to prepare extra meals. Package these meals in freezer bags or air tight containers and store them in the freezer. This will save you money as well as much of your valuable time.

By using some or all of these tips you will definitely see a big difference in your budget each month. Start putting the money you save in the bank or use it to pay off your other debt. - 15432

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