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Food Frugality!

These days Food Frugality is a really smart way to live. We have to eat, so it’s an expense you can’t rid yourself of. Be wise about your food bill, no need to break the bank or sacrifice yummy meals. So much potential to eat how you want and enjoy meals without it stressing you out.

What is Food Frugality?

Simply put, it means having a conscious approach to purchasing, preparing, and eating food in order to save money while maximizing value. It involves ways to get the most out of your food budget without sacrificing quality.

Food Frugality doesn’t mean sacrificing taste or health, it’s about finding ways to stretch those dollars. Here are some things you can do to help you with it:

 

 

Figure Out Your Food Budget

Very first step and the most important to do is figure out how much money you have to spend on food. Do you shop Weekly, Bi-Weekly, or Monthly with quick trips for perishables in between? Take the time to decide what your food budget is based on your income/expenses and how often you shop. It will help with overspending and help you shop smarter.

 

Plan Those Meals

No joke, if you do nothing else please do this after figuring out your budget. Going to the store without a plan and list is a recipe (pun fully intended) for disaster. Take some time to plan out the meals you want to cook throughout the week, make your shopping list, grab your coupons and head to the store buying only what is on your list. In the long run it will save you time and money, and relieve the stress of the dreaded “What’s for dinner” question.

 

Learn How To Use Coupons At Your Store

Every store has their own policies for couponing, so take a little time to look up your most shopped at store to learn what they are. Don’t overwhelm yourself with thinking you need to be an extreme couponer, just start small and one store at a time. You can learn more as you do it. Any amount off is a saving and will help.

 

Get Your Rebates

Use rebate apps or websites. I personally use Fetch for my shopping rebates. I know a lot of people recommend Ibotta, but I personally didn’t like it. Too time consuming to use and I rarely buy most of the products they will give a rebate for. Fetch for me is super easy, literally take a picture of you receipt and it will do the rest. Plus, now you can connect your email, Amazon, Instacart, or Walmart accounts and it will scan for you.

 

Use Leftovers

Don’t forget to use up what you have left. You can either reheat as is, or get creative and figure out a whole new meal to make with all the leftovers.

 

Use What You Already Have

Make an inventory list and keep it up to date so you always know what you have. Think of meals to make for the week with the things you already have so it can cut down on the weeks grocery bill.

 

Meatless Meals

Going just once or twice a week with a vegetarian meal will save you more then you realize. It will help save money and it is a healthy habit as well.

 

Stock Up Only If You Use It

There is nothing wrong with stocking up on products that are running a great sale but, always make sure it is an item you will use regularly. If you buy a bunch of a product that you rarely use you’re just spending money you don’t need to.

 

Buy Seasonal

Keep to buying fruits and vegetables that are in season. Best way to purchase fresh and tasty fruit and veggies because it was picked at the right time. Plus, they tend to sell cheaper when it’s their season.

 

Try Generic Brands

There usually isn’t much difference between name brand and store brand. I’ll be honest their are certain items I just think the name brand is better but, I try to get the best sale on those items. Buying the generic brands can save you money for the most part. Just watch for sales on brand names because sometimes with sales they will come out cheaper then the generic.

 

Keep Track of Stores Pricing (Price Book)

This will help you recognize price trends, compare costs across stores, and spot the best deals. Create a list where you track the prices of items you regularly buy at different stores. I use a little notebook but you can use a spreadsheet or even an app, whatever works for you.

 

Wash and Prep Fruits/Veggies Right Away

This will cut down on waste big time. I swear the minute you leave a store with your fresh produce it starts to go bad. Best way to help it last as long as possible is as soon as you get home; wash, completely dry, and prep your produce. Then store in a way which is best for what it is.

 

Keep Eating Out To A Minimum

This should be a no brainer, especially with the crazy prices at restaurants and fast food places, heck even tipping as gotten a bit much. Not to mention you know you can probably cook something much tastier yourself. And healthier. There is nothing wrong with treating yourself or having a night where you just can’t be bothered to cook but, the less you do it the more you will save.

 

 

You can make every dollar count while still enjoying delicious, satisfying meals. Small, mindful changes add up over time, turning frugality into a habit that will benefit both you and your wallet. What are ways you try to save on your monthly food bill?

 

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