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Print

Save Money, Eat Well,
Be Happy!
(because saving money makes you happy!)

 

 

 

 

1. Use meat or beans (a great source of protein and inexpensive) in sauces instead of serving as a roast or a loaf. Generally, this means you can use less meat, less expensive meat or no meat at all!.

2. Eat fresh or frozen fruits and vegetables, but plan ahead!  Buy only what you will eat. If you overbuy, the chances are you will only end up throwing it out. Frozen can be healthier and cheaper and you can thaw only what you will use.

3. Make extra for dinner and bring leftovers to work for lunch.

4. Bottled water and soda averages 15 cents a can at the grocery store compared to $1 at the machine or convenience store. Buy in larger quantities at the grocery store and bring them with you to work. The same goes for snacks!

5. Buying prepared food and junk food is more expensive and less healthy (lots of salt and fat). Learn to be more creative with food preparation, including snacks. There are lots of web sites you can check out for recipes. One of our favorites is www.recipefinder.nal.usda.gov or you can contact your local Cooperative Extension office. 

6. Eating out is fun and can be used as a reward for a job well done! Keep your eyes open for new restaurants opening in town.  They often offer grand opening specials. Check out local newspapers for ads for lunch and dinner specials as well as early bird specials.  Look for coupons too.

7. Baked Bean Suppers offer a good home cooked meal for a reasonable price and often give families with kids a price break--not to mention no dishes to wash!

8. Cut back on caffeine costs. Coffee seems to get the blame for being a big money waster—that’s because it is!! If you spend $2 a day on coffee, that’s $730 a year. Brewing it yourself will cost about $70 a year—assumes 40 cups/pound at $8/pound (and that’s premium blend).

9. Keep an eye out for coupons, give aways and BOGO’s -- that’s short for “buy one get one free”. Sometimes BOGO’s need a coupon, sometimes not. Remember, only, use coupons for what you normally buy—otherwise, you’re not saving anything. Increase your savings by trying to combine manufacturer’s coupons with store sales. Also, check to see if and when the store will offer double coupons. Some stores accept expired coupons, so ask about that too.

10. Look up and down. The most popular and expensive items in an aisle are often put between waist and shoulder level. Less expensive brands usually show up on the upper or lower shelves And, the healthiest (not processed) foods are around the perimeter of the store. Check to make sure you are not missing out on something just because it's hard to see.

11. Don’t be tricked by the “5 for $5.” Most grocery stores give the discounted price even if you buy a single item, unless the tag specifies otherwise.

12. Ask for a rain check if the store is out of the sale item.

13. Don’t shop with the kids, if possible. They usually talk you into buying things you don’t want/need. Offer to watch a friend’s kids so they can shop and then your friend can watch yours.

14. Learn how to use unit pricing and how to read ingredient labels so you can choose the best, healthy items. If you do shop with the kids, teach them too!

 

 

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