Save Money During Shopping Trips
Rising gas prices and job shortages are making it hard for many of us to get even the most basic items that we need to survive. Those of us who have children are feeling it harder because as parents we want to give them the things they need all the time and sometimes we like to spoil them with a few gifts every now and then. Yet, that is getting hard for us all to do.
In this time of crisis there are ways that we can budget our money and pinch and save when we need it. This means that we need to start with the grocery shopping. After it all food is one of the most important things that we all need and it can also be where most of our money goes.
- Before you leave to go to the store you need to make a list of all the things you have. This will help to prevent you from buying food that you already have.
- Organize your pantry so that you don’t overlook any foods.
- Try buying your vegetables and fruit at the local Community Supported Agriculture Farm.
- Plan what you are going to eat every night before shopping.
- Try to get the more expensive items only when they are on sale or if you have a coupon.
- Write down a list of all the things you need. Only buy what is on the list.
- Try planning to eat leftovers once to twice a week.
I go to the local bakery outlet stores–my husband calls them, “welfare bread stores”–and stock up on baked goods like breads, breakfast pastries, rolls, cereal an all sorts of yummy things. Then I take them home and put them in the freezer in the garage.
And you can find some really amazing pre-prepared entrees in the dumpsters behind local restaurants. I try and make my rounds between 8:30 and 9 p.m. to make sure everything’s still fresh. I will avoid the salads, though. And the seafood.