More then ever as everything is costing more, it is important to make sure that you are getting your money's worth each and every time you purchase an item or pay for a service. I have tried to compile a common sense listing of some ways that might help you.
More then ever as EVERYTHING is costing more, it is important to make sure that you are getting your money's worth each and every time you purchase an item or pay for a service. I have tried to compile a common sense listing of some ways that might help you.
Eating Out
Brown bag your lunches. I believe that you can save at least $1,000 a year. If you are spending $5-$8 a day to eat lunch out (and that is a LOW estimate) you are spending $25-$40 a week. If you bring in your own meals you are often only spending $2-$4 a day saving you $10-$20 a week. If you are saving say $20 a week you are saving over $1,000 a year. In addition you can eat healthier, help the environment (think of carryout waste and gas) and feel good about using your leftovers and not wasting food! Mix it up too. Hummus, yogurt and cheese are good substitutes for sandwiches EVERYDAY!
If you eat out for dinner look for the 2 for 1 coupons in the newspaper of mailings. Try the internet as well. I have been using Restaurant.com. I can buy a “certificate” worth $25 for $10 and sometimes even less. I am able to try different places without spending a lot of money! In addition, try online searches on your favorite restaurants as well. They sometimes have online deals, coupons and specials on their websites. Also valpak (the one that sends you the mailings) have an online site that might help you.
The $15-$20 spent on the Entertainment books often pay off rather quickly. Take a look online before you buy one to make sure that there are enough places that you eat at before you buy it.
Splitting a large meal at an Italian or Chinese restaurant can save you both money and calories. If you are dining alone bring the leftovers for your lunch later in the week! With over a third of our population being obese it is really a practical solution!
If you have kids, try to find out which ones have “Kids Eat Free” night. It can really add up! Remember also that sometimes being older has it's benefits as well. Some places have a menu for the “over 50” population.
If you are eating at an expensive restaurant, why not try an appetizer and a salad? Unless you are STARVED, it should prove to be enough food. It might be healthier as well.
Watch your beverage intake. Often times what you drink can outpace your food cost…especially if it is $6.95 cocktails.
Eating In
Stock up on the items that are on sale that you use all of the time. If your store has buy 1 get 1 free…take advantage and buy 4 if you have the room. This is especially true with non perishables. Buying in bulk is almost always a great deal as long as you can use them up before they spoil. Otherwise try to find a friend or co worker that will go in with you. Costco and Sam's Club are great for this. If you are not near one of these places you could try Amazon.Com. They have a grocery area now that sells bulk and often have big sales, rebates and deals on free shipping!
There is a reason why your mother made a grocery list. Not only did it help her remember what she needed to buy but it helped to keep her on track. Plan your meals out for the week and try to stick to what you REALLY need and reduce your impulse shopping. Also try to shop without your kids if you can. They can be VERY persuasive and can talk you into buying the junk they want in order to keep the peace!
Cook some of your food on the weekend and package them up in the fridge and freezer for the week. This will help you reduce the use of prepared foods that we LOVE to use because they are time savers. They may save time but NOT cents. It is healthier to cook “from scratch” anyhow! My trainer one time told me to shop primarily around the edges of the store where the fresh fruits, veggies, dairy and meat are and less in the center of the store where convenience foods are more likely to be. Good advice!
Use that freezer! In addition to stocking up you can also freeze leftovers. My father would freeze extra spaghetti sauce, or cooked mushrooms and onions and place them in an ice cube tray for use later. If you need just a small amount you went to the freezer and got what you needed! This would work for gravy as well!
Coupons still work. You don't have to clip them from your Sunday paper anymore either. There are several online services that allow you to get just the ones you need and want.
Most importantly don't shop hungry. I have been know to really go nuts with this when I am hungry. VERY IMPORTANT.
