Last week I talked about treating yourself at home to help save money. This week I want to share some more general tips to help you save even more time and money!
30 Quick money saving tips:- When possible, buy foods in season that are grown locally (try the Farmer’s Market).
- Plant or pot your own fresh herbs all year round like parsley, basil and oregano.
- Buy produce in bulk when it’s cheap and in season and freeze it at the peak of freshness.
- Stock up on frozen and canned fruits and vegetables without added ingredients like salt, sugar or sauces. Frozen and canned goods don’t spoil and are usually cheaper than their fresh counterparts.
- Wash and prepare your own produce (pre-cut and pre-washed items are more expensive) and keep in a container with a little bit of water to maintain moisture and freshness.
- Bring your prepped produce (from #5) to work in a plastic container or bag you can reuse.
- Avoid pre-portioned foods (100 calorie packs for example). Buy regular sized packages and portion the amount you need in a plastic bag or small container.
- Eggs and egg substitutes are a healthy and inexpensive protein option. A pint (16 fl oz) of egg substitute is equal to 16 eggs.
- Use cooked lentils in spaghetti sauce instead of ground meat. You will cut down on cost and saturated fat.
- Buy “family size” chicken parts (breast, thigh, leg) with the skin rather than skinless. Freeze in small portions and remove the skin before cooking
- Avoid pre-cooked and pre-seasoned meats. You’ll save money and salt.
- The further a food is from its natural state (more processed), the more expensive it is and the more preservatives it contains.
- Avoid convenience and snack foods items to shrink your waist line and food bill.
- Compare price per unit or per oz to choose the best option between similar products.
- Only buy special or sale items (such as 3 for $3) if you’re going to use them. The item will still only cost $1 for 1 and you will avoid waste.
- Take advantage of “buy one get one free” if you can use it. Freeze what you don’t need or cook everything and freeze the extra in small portions.
- Try store brand or ‘generic’ products. They’re usually cheaper and of similar quality to the national brands.
- Be flexible in your weekly menu and recipes to accommodate bargain finds and sales.
- Only buy in bulk if you can consume it. Keep it fresh in proper containers until it’s all used.
- Make meals you can stretch. Cook a roast and use the meat for sandwiches and in salads or soups over the next couple days.
- Avoid flavored and precooked grains like rice and couscous. You can do it yourself for much less.
- Make your own tomato sauce when fresh or canned tomatoes are cheap and then freeze in small batches.
- Make your own soup when you have left over grains, vegetables or meats and freeze in individual size portions.
- Make a container of your own salad dressing and keep it in the fridge
- Cook a ham for a weekend dinner and have great meat for sandwiches and omelets the rest of the week.
- Buy large containers of yogurt, canned fruit and applesauce and portion it out as needed. You’ll save money and reduce plastic waste.
- It’s not tacky to check store specials before heading out, it’s actually pretty cool!
- Choose non meat protein options like low fat dairy, beans and whole grains.
- Slow cook an inexpensive cut of meat over the weekend and warm up for meals during the week.
- Rotisserie chicken with baked sweet potato and frozen vegetables is an inexpensive and healthy meal (much better than fast food!).
-Josee
Labels: food for thought, Josee, Lifestyle Change, Success
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