Simple Ways to Save Money on Food

It is appalling and downright depressing to see how food prices keep rising and rising and rising! As I manoeuver my cart around the store I feel my wallet emptying even as I glance around at the selection. We all need to eat so cutting out eating is not an option. What does that leave us with? What can you do to cope with climbing prices at the grocery store? 

Well you can do these things: 

You can write up a budget and promise yourself that you will follow it faithfully. Be strict with yourself and just do it. Period. Don’t be swayed by fancy advertisements or enticing looking products. Adhere to your budget and keep more of your money with you. 

You can buy legumes, nuts and seeds and eat them in place of meat. Eating animal products is more costly than plant proteins and is also less healthy. If you do not want to give up meat all together then start by substituting beans for meat at least once or twice a week. You should notice a reduction in your weekly food bill right away! 

You can stop eating processed and refined foods. Contrary to popular belief, processed foods are not necessarily cheaper than nutritious foods. They are often pricier and will eat up more of your food budget. As well in the long run they will harm your health. Instead look for inexpensive healthy foods, such as legumes, lentils and seeds (listed in the point above). You can’t get much cheaper than beans but oh the protein they provide is tremendous!   

You can join an organization in your area that specializes in coupon swapping. Coupons are all the rage as budget savvy consumers look for more and more ways to save money. Join up and start sharing and swapping coupons for items that you regularly purchase. If there is no such organization or club in your area then take the initiative and start one of your own. Not only is this a smart way to save money but it is a gathering of likeminded people that can help you to widen your social circle and help others in the process. Go make some new friends through your collective interests.  

You can join a wholesale club such as BJ’s, Costco or Sam’s Club. These places often sell food items and household merchandise in bulk and at cheaper prices than you would get at other stores. Before you do this however consider how much membership costs and how far away from your home the store(s) is. If the membership is high and the travel time is considerable than that may outweigh the benefits of saving money for you. However it may be the opposite and it may be a cost savings option for you to explore.  

 Image: Grant Cochrane / FreeDigitalPhotos.net

 Image: Suat Eman / FreeDigitalPhotos.net