Its that time of year! Summer is almost here!! We use summer as a time to cut costs and save money to spend on other activities…but using these basic rules will help put (AND KEEP) more money into your pockets year around!
Know Your Staples: My kitchen staples may not be “Politically Correct” But these are items that are either inexpensive, used to “dress up” a simple meal, or can be used for more than one meal. The 1st part of knowing your stapels is knowing whats on sale. Shop your store ads…also get to know the items your local stores carry. If an item is $2.00 less at another store that 10 miles away, is it really $2.00 cheaper once you figuer in the gas your spending to get there?
Heres a few staples we always keep stocked in our house:
Bagged Chicken/meat
Pasta
Canned goods
Milk, Butter, Eggs
Veggies
Easy right. Also…when your able too….buy in bulk!! It’ll help save on your next shopping trip!
Make A Menu: This is something I learned in high school! ALWAYS make a menu and never shop on an empty stomach. Making a menu lets you see what you need to buy before you enter the store so your not wondering grabbing anything you see that sounds good. The 1st step to making your menu is seeing what you already have! And work around that. Have your meals include items you already have. Making a menu also lets you see where you can cut back. Instead of having steak and potatoes 3 times, have it once…make it a special family meal you have on Sundays. And use the other two nights as “fillers” which is making something basic and easy.
Make it Yourself: DON’T EAT OUT! We eat out for 2 reasons…because its convenient and because we like the food. But lets have an “AHA” moment…..we can make the foods ourselves!!!!! Don’t spend $20.00 for rib eye when you can buy it at the store for $2.00 a lb!
Have a “Casual” Night: Usually theres always one main person who prepares the meal. So this step will not only help cut costs…but give you a night off from cooking! Cook something easy! I found that the easiest meals are also the cheapest. Mac and cheese, Tuna Sandwiches, Hot dogs…even Top Roman! With these staples being so cheap feel free to dress them up! Add some mixed frozen veggies to your mac and cheese…toast your bread and use shredded cheese and lettuce on your tuna sandwich…get a can of chili for your hot dogs!
Eat Breakfast For Dinner: Breakfast foods are usually inexpensive and need little ingredients (which also help cut the cost of the meal)..here’s a couple ideas…
Pancakes
French Toast
Omelets
Sausage and bacon
Fresh fruit…….ect.
Another benefit of cooking breakfast for dinner is making extra and having breakfast for the next day!
Go Italian for a night: PASTA PASTA PASTA!!! Is always cheap and on sale at a grocery store! Not only that…ingredients used to dress it up are also inexpensive! Such as canned pasta sauces, Italian sausage and cheese. Don't forget the French Bread!!
Free Money?!?!?: You heard right!! Theres free money floating around in the form of coupons! If your local newspaper doesn't offer them tons of websites do! so USE THEM!! Also take advantage of store Loyalty Cards.
Good luck! and please feel free to comment and share your own money saving tips!
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