What is the hardest thing for you when it comes to setting and keeping a budget?
As I have asked several different people what their number one hang-up is when it comes to budgeting, their answer is almost always related to food. Either they have a hard time staying within their grocery budget or they can’t resist the urge to eat out.
Cooking your meals at home is a guaranteed way to save money when compared to eating out. You do need to be careful! If you get too carried away with fancy ingredients, that grocery list can add up your dollars very quickly. To keep yourself on track make sure to follow these 3 simple ideas for cooking on a budget.
3 Tips for Cooking on a Budget
1. Shop the sales
I can honestly say that I buy almost nothing at full price! You are wasting your money if you do! Almost every single item at every single store has a sale cycle. You just need to be patient and pay attention. If you can stack a coupon on top of a sale, then you are really going to stack up the savings.
Pay attention to what and when items go on sale. That way you can remember for future reference on how often your favorite products get discounted. Check out my Casual Couponing 101 page for more detailed information on how to take advantage of sale cycles.
2. Use it all
Try your very best to not throw anything away! Obviously, don’t eat anything that might not be good for your health. What I am talking about is trying to use up all your leftovers. Don’t let your produce go bad before you use it. Add a few simple ingredients to last nights leftovers and create a brand new meal for tonight!
Keep your fridge and freezer as organized as possible. This will help you to remember what you have on hand. Don’t let it get too cluttered because this is when things get pushed to the back and start growing. In a bad way… You might as well start throwing your money in the trash when this happens!
3. Freeze Freeze Freeze
I am currently in the process of figuring out how we can afford and locate an extra freezer. Our biggest hurtle right now is figuring out where we would put it. Our garage is pretty much not an option due to my hubbies hobbies and mine. There is just no room! But the second we figure it out we will be in the market to purchase!
If you find a really great deal, you have room in your grocery budget, it’s something that your family uses on a regular basis, and it is something that can be frozen, then it is time to stock up! Fresh fruits, veggies and meat are all perfect items to be thrown into the freezer. Think smoothies, salads, and a BBQ!
I jump at the opportunity to buy at a really great price! But I do make sure that the product meets all of the qualifications I just listed. There is no need to buy a lot of something if your family is not going to eat it. That would be a waste of food and a waste of your hard earned moo-la!
What do you think?
Do you have any tips or tricks you use for cooking on a budget? Do you have any questions? I would love to know! Please drop your comments below. I can’t wait to chat with you!
Sarah Koontz {Grounded & Surrounded}
June 1, 2015 at 5:14 amGreat tips Brittany. The thing I love most about cooking on a budget is the fact that it forces me to get creative! I love trying new things in the kitchen.
Brittany Cooper
July 2, 2015 at 2:57 pmIt does make me get creative! I love taking leftovers and making a whole new dish out of them. I bet you can do a lot with adding yummy veggies from your garden!
smoretraiolit
May 8, 2020 at 2:54 pmAppreciate it for all your efforts that you have put in this. very interesting information.