Eat Well, Save More

1. Plan meals and create a perpetual shopping list to save money and time

"Feeding the family has become more of a challenge than ever, even for those who don't stick to a rigid budget. If you are shopping for groceries on a budget the task can seem impossible."

Meal planning is essential. Start by inventorying your pantry, fridge, and freezer to know what you have on hand. Then, create a meal plan for the week or month, focusing on using ingredients you already have and filling in gaps with sale items. Develop a perpetual shopping list that includes regularly purchased items, making it easier to spot when staples are running low.

Streamline your shopping process. Organize your shopping list by store layout to save time and reduce impulse purchases. Consider shopping once a month for non-perishables and doing smaller trips for fresh produce and dairy. This approach can significantly reduce your grocery spending and time spent shopping.

2. Use a Price Book to track best deals and sale cycles

"Of all the things I have done over the years to save money, time and energy, creating a Price Book is the one that tops the list."

Create a comprehensive Price Book. Record the prices of items you regularly buy, including the store, date, and unit price. This allows you to quickly identify the best deals and track sale cycles for various products. Over time, you'll develop a clear understanding of when and where to buy specific items for the lowest prices.

Leverage sale cycles. Most items go on sale every 6-12 weeks. By tracking these cycles in your Price Book, you can stock up on items when they're at their lowest price, ensuring you never pay full price for staples. This strategy can lead to significant savings over time, especially on frequently used items.

3. Build a grocery stockpile to take advantage of sales and reduce costs

"A grocery stockpile is like a mini supermarket in your home. Multiple grocery items are bought on sale and stored, usually enough to last until they come on sale again."

Start small and build gradually. Begin by adding one or two extra basics to your list each shopping trip. Focus on non-perishable items and products your family uses regularly. Aim to have a 3-month supply of essentials to take full advantage of sale cycles.

Store and rotate properly. Proper storage is crucial for maintaining your stockpile. Use airtight containers for dry goods, and implement a first-in, first-out system to ensure nothing goes to waste. Consider investing in a chest freezer to store bulk meat and frozen vegetables when on sale.

4. Make your own (MOO) convenience foods and mixes for significant savings

"There are so many things we buy that can just as easily be made at home, often for much less than the cost of buying them."

DIY convenience foods. Make your own versions of common convenience foods like pancake mix, taco seasoning, and salad dressings. Not only will this save money, but it also allows you to control ingredients and reduce preservatives in your diet.

Batch prepare basics. Spend time preparing large batches of basics like bread dough, pizza bases, and cookie dough. Freeze portions for quick and easy meals later. This approach saves both time and money while providing homemade alternatives to expensive convenience foods.

5. Stretch your budget with creative cooking and substitutions

"Once you start to think about substitutes it becomes very easy to adapt a recipe to suit you and your family."

Master the art of substitution. Learn to substitute expensive ingredients with more affordable alternatives. For example, use cheaper cuts of meat in slow-cooked dishes, or replace fresh herbs with dried ones in recipes where the difference won't be noticeable.

Get creative with leftovers. Transform leftovers into new meals to reduce waste and stretch your budget. For instance, use leftover roast chicken in sandwiches, salads, or as a pizza topping. This approach not only saves money but also adds variety to your meal plan.

6. Utilize bulk buying and seasonal produce to maximize savings

"Buying in bulk can be tempting, especially when the prices are low, but don't get caught up in the thrill of a bargain and buy things you don't like, don't really want or won't use."

Buy in bulk strategically. Focus on items with long shelf lives that you use regularly, such as rice, pasta, and canned goods. Calculate the unit price to ensure you're getting a good deal, and only buy what you can realistically use before it expires.

Embrace seasonal produce. Buy fruits and vegetables when they're in season and at their cheapest. Consider preserving excess through freezing, canning, or dehydrating to enjoy year-round savings. This approach not only saves money but also ensures a varied and nutritious diet.

7. Implement a grocery slush fund for unexpected bargains

"When you have a slush fund, you have money available specifically to buy those extra-special sale items or the odd treat or even cover the extra groceries needed for Christmas."

Create a dedicated slush fund. Set aside a small amount from each grocery shop to build your slush fund. This allows you to take advantage of unexpected sales or stock up on staples when prices are exceptionally low, without disrupting your regular budget.

Use the slush fund wisely. Only use the fund for genuine bargains on items you regularly use. Keep track of your slush fund spending to ensure it's contributing to overall savings rather than encouraging unnecessary purchases.

8. Reduce food waste and repurpose leftovers for additional meals

"Clean out the fridge once a week, making soups, stews, pie fillings and salads with the odd bits of food. Try to use everything in your fridge before you need to throw it out. That's just money in the bin."

Implement a weekly fridge clean-out. Regularly assess your fridge contents and plan meals to use up perishables before they spoil. Create "mufti" meals using various leftovers, or incorporate them into new dishes like frittatas or stir-fries.

Preserve and repurpose. Learn basic food preservation techniques like freezing, pickling, or making jam to extend the life of excess produce. Repurpose stale bread into breadcrumbs or croutons, and use vegetable scraps to make homemade stock.

9. Grow your own food to supplement your grocery needs

"Growing your own food can slash thousands of dollars a year off your grocery bill. If you save just $25 a week on fresh fruit and vegetables you'll have an extra $1,300 in your grocery budget at the end of the year."

Start small with herbs and easy vegetables. Begin with a few pots of herbs on a windowsill or balcony. As you gain confidence, expand to easy-to-grow vegetables like lettuce, tomatoes, and zucchini. Even a small garden can significantly supplement your produce needs.

Maximize your growing space. Utilize vertical gardening techniques, container gardening, or community garden plots if you have limited space. Consider starting a compost bin to reduce waste and create free fertilizer for your garden.

10. Cook from scratch and utilize cheaper cuts of meat for economical meals

"Food made from scratch with fresh ingredients has become my friend. I am no longer afraid of raw meat and fresh vegetables."

Master basic cooking techniques. Learn to cook staple items from scratch, such as bread, pasta, and sauces. This not only saves money but also allows you to control ingredients and customize flavors to your family's preferences.

Explore cheaper cuts of meat. Learn to cook with less expensive cuts of meat, which often have more flavor when prepared correctly. Use slow cooking methods for tough cuts, and experiment with different marinades and seasonings to enhance flavor.

• Examples of economical cuts:
  • Chuck roast for pot roasts and stews
  • Chicken thighs instead of breasts
  • Pork shoulder for pulled pork
  • Beef brisket for barbecue

Last updated: July 28, 2024