Finally Frugal

Aside from too-expensive cable and internet, one of the things many people waste money on is food, because they don’t plan ahead and don’t know how to shop strategically. Eating out can seriously damage a budget; learn to make your own food (take leftovers to school and work), and be a smart shopper at the grocery store. Here are some tips:

1. Buy in bulk. Shop the bulk section of your least expensive grocery store first—then do the rest of your shopping. You WILL save money (and packaging) this way.

2. I religiously, religiously, check the per ounce or per pound price on the shelf stickers. If your store doesn’t provide this information, ask the store manager about it, or go to another store! By noting how much I’m paying per ounce, I know at a glance whether the 16 oz spaghetti sauce at $1.89 is cheaper than the 20 oz sauce for $2.05.

3. Apropos of the first two tips, create a price book. There’s nothing more satisfying than being able to determine that the “sale” price in a weekly circular is no less expensive than the regular price at a low-cost grocery store.

4. I purchase food that is inexpensive, long lasting, and can be used in many different recipes. Example? Potatoes! I also eat a lot of beans and rice, in different incarnations.

5. I don’t buy much meat or poultry.

6. I buy store brands (generics) when I can. This includes sauces, sugar, bread, frozen vegetables, and many other items.

7. I shop at a chain called the ‘Grocery Outlet’ for items like shampoo, conditioner, toilet paper, soaps, and cleaning supplies (sometime food, too). I rarely pay more than .99¢ or maybe $2.00 for these products. I’m also starting to use more natural cleaning supplies. White vinegar is a wonder product!

8. Check Rite Aid (or CVS, if you’re lucky enough to have one in your city) for ‘buy one get one free’ or even ‘free after rebate’ deals for household items like toothbrushes, toothpaste, and shampoos.

9. I grew up in a home where dinners consisted of a meat or other protein dish, salad or cooked vegetables (or both!), and almost always bread of some kind. I don’t do that. Instead, I try to find recipes that include all of these items (usually a casserole, stir fry, or soup of some kind) in one dish.

10. Snacks for work and school consist of fruit (usually bananas), dried cranberries (from the bulk section), or crackers. Generally, I’m looking for snack food that is inexpensive, easy to carry in my bookbag, and not completely unhealthy.

11. Leftovers. I love them. I can eat the same thing for days and days if I’m craving it (like lasagne). Also, bringing food to work keeps me from spending $6.99 on a burrito at Chipotle every day.

12. “How can you afford to make lasagne”, you ask? I substitute expensive cheeses (like ricotta and mozzarella) with cottage and cheddar cheese. Also, I never, ever buy pre-shredded cheese.

13. Coffee. I love it. I brew it at home and bring it to work in a thermos and a travel cup, so I never run out.

14. Free food. Bring it on! I work at a university, where the free food is abundant. There are receptions and meetings where the muffins, bagels, coffee, tea, or even cold cuts and salad are available for those who are invited.

15. Grow your own! Last summer I feasted on the most amazing tomatoes grown in my yard.

16. I don’t drink much alcohol at home. This decreases my grocery budget substantially. 17. I also don’t drink much soda.

18. Top Ramen: not just for college students! This is a great, low cost base for other dishes. Lose the overly-salty seasoning packet and create your own chow mein using fresh vegetables and the protein of your choice!

Is that all? Probably not. There are so many ways to save money at the grocery store, if you’re willing to cook from scratch, buy in bulk, purchase store brands, and be creative.