Everyone has to eat right? Yup, but do you really have to spend all your money on just food? Now that is where you are wrong. Let me give you a few pointers on saving a few bucks.
1. The simplest way to save money on your food bills is stop eating fast food. Yes it's quick, and yes they have a dollar menu, but lets break it down real quick. For two people: each wants a drink, so $2 right there, even if we stick to the dollar menu and get two McDubbles (with cheese of course!) that's another $2, then add tax. Bringing your rough total to about $5. (not even counting gas to get there!) SO now lets cook something at home, something simple and easy but yet cheap. A box of pasta (that can be used at least 2x for a party of 2) costs about a buck most anywhere, well you need sauce, lets just get a jar of meat sauce, about $2 for that. Water you get from your tap so nothing there, now, dinner for two boils down to about $3 total! That is also counting for that extra pasta in the box. Now $2 what a big difference. You might not think so but doing this once a week can save you over $100 in just one year. And that's only if you get dollar menu items. Also your homemade food is much healthier for you.
2. Watch for sales. Might seem simple but really do watch for them. Maybe another brand is on sale this week than what you might normally buy, try it! It doesn't mean you have to stick with that brand, but even some sales drop prices below generic brands. If you know you like an item and it can be stored, buy a few extra, even just 2 or 3 of an item can lead to some savings. At least enough to buy a Kit Kat at the register.
3. Be mindful of proportions. Again going back to your basic dieting ways, eating more often but smaller servings. What would have been one whole chicken breast, is now divided into two meals, making your buck stretch a bit farther.
4. Get nutrient dense food. Find ways to add nutrition to your diet as often as you can. Like add beans to a meal to help with fiber and protein one day instead of hamburgers. It's a great way to even have again your smaller meals. Some veggies with hummus and a few crackers great way to fill you up.
5. Don't waste your money! Don't toss your well earned money away on still things like pre-cut veggies. Some stores will charge upwards of $7 for those containers with just a few stalks of celery and a carrot or two. You could save yourself $5 and just buy the items and chop them yourselves. It might take a few more minutes but well worth it in the end.
I hope these tips help you get started on getting more bang for your buck, enjoy!
~Skadia, the shopping panther
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