| With the rising cost of groceries it might | | | | exception is when the store might be having |
| seem impossible to cut your food bill. Here | | | | an unadvertised sale on products that you |
| are 13 tips that will help stretch your food | | | | currently use. |
| dollar while feeding your family healthy | | | | |
| meals. | | | | 7) Shop after dinner. you wont be tempted to |
| | | | pick up fast food because you are too tired |
| 1) Plan your meals around the sales. Stores | | | | and hungry to cook dinner. If it isn't |
| routinely rotate sales items every 6 weeks so | | | | possible to shop after dinner then be sure to |
| plan accordingly and stock up. Are the big | | | | have a snack before you go to curb your |
| packs of chicken breast on sale this week? | | | | appetite. |
| Instead of buying one pack purchase several | | | | |
| packs, separate into family size portions and | | | | 8) Shop alone. Nothing blows a budget quicker |
| freeze. If you were to purchase extra of the | | | | than when your kids are with you! You will |
| items that are on sale each week you will | | | | also get out of the store much quicker which |
| have a well stocked freezer and pantry in no | | | | will actually save you money. |
| time. | | | | |
| | | | Think of creative ways you can use meat and |
| Try to avoid buying anything in a box. Most | | | | poultry for more than one meal. Meat sauce is |
| boxed foods are full of preservatives and | | | | just as satisfying with half the amount of |
| trans fats so it is best to avoid them. Do | | | | ground beef. Slice cheaper cuts of meats thin |
| you like the convenience of boxed foods? | | | | and use for stir fries. Leftover chicken and |
| There are several good cookbooks and recipes | | | | beef is also great on top of a salad. |
| online for making homemade mixes to keep on | | | | |
| hand. Everything from homemade cookie mix to | | | | 10) Don't be loyal to just one store. Most |
| macaroni and cheese and more. Put these mixes | | | | grocery stores have certain items priced |
| in a pretty jar with the directions to | | | | really low to get your business. If you have |
| prepare and it also makes a nice frugal gift! | | | | several grocery stores in your area try and |
| | | | take advantage of what deals each store has |
| 3) Use coupons wisely. How many times have | | | | to offer. Of course with the high price of |
| you found yourself spending more than you | | | | gas it helps to plan these trips when you are |
| planned after using coupons? The key to | | | | in the area, such as stopping at stores that |
| saving with coupons is to only purchase the | | | | are on your way home from work. |
| items you would normally use anyway. You will | | | | |
| also find that the store brand may still be | | | | 11) Have breakfast for dinner once in a |
| the better bargain. An even better idea is to | | | | while. French toast with fruit and milk is |
| hold onto that coupon and wait for the item | | | | quick and economical and the kids will love |
| you want to go on sale. | | | | it for dinner. |
| | | | |
| 4) Do a coupon exchange. Check with family | | | | 12) Think leftovers! When planning your |
| and friends who get the Sunday paper and | | | | meals think ahead of creative ways you could |
| exchange coupons for ones you can use. This | | | | use the leftovers. Did you roast a whole |
| is a good strategy for stocking up when you | | | | chicken? Shred the leftovers for a quick |
| use coupons for items on sale. | | | | chicken casserole the next day. |
| | | | |
| 5) Buy produce in season. It will taste much | | | | 13) Invest in a freezer. To really stock up |
| better and you will usually pay less. Also in | | | | on sale items then you will find that |
| the warmer months be sure to take advantage | | | | purchasing a freezer will pay for itself in |
| of farmers markets for low prices on produce. | | | | no time. Watch for sales in your local |
| Buy items like peppers and onions when on | | | | paper. We found the best deal at our local |
| sale, chop them and freeze them for quick | | | | warehouse club. |
| recipes during the week. Zucchini freezes | | | | |
| well once it is shredded. You can use it for | | | | These are just a few simple tips to help you |
| anything from bread to mock crab cakes. | | | | stretch your budget. Even if you use just a |
| | | | few of these tips you will find them useful |
| 6) Make your grocery list and stick to it. | | | | for saving money! |
| Beware of those impulse buys! The only | | | | |