Food can get really expensive. According to www.statcan.gc.ca, an average household food spending was $7739 in 2012 and $7980 in 2013. Here are 8 tips to help you lower your grocery bills or even cut the cost in half.
1. Set a budget
The key to saving money is to set a firm budget and sticking to it. Having boundaries help you to not over spend your money. Make a list of food items you need and set budget according to that. Don't forget to include spices, paper good, and beverages as well.
2. Make a list
Having a list of food items you want to buy helps you to avoid buying things you don't need which increases your food budget, and it is a good way to ensure that you will not forget crucial ingredients. How to make the list? Always check your pantry and fridge before going shopping so that you don't buy the same things twice. Have a meal plan so that you can use a ingredient multiple times which will cut back on the cost.
3. Use coupons
Using coupons may seem old-fashion buy they help you save money. Most stores accept coupon so take advantage of that. In some areas, coupons come in your weekly flyers. if you don't have that system where you live, you can print coupons from online websites. Don't forget to check the weekly flyers for great deals. And be on the lookout for "buy one, get one free" coupons for the ultimate savings.
4. Eat before you shop
Going at a grocery store in an empty stomach is not a good idea. When you are hungry, you tend to shop for things you don't really need which can add up to the cost. In order to avoid this, it is important to eat before going to do grocery. It is even better to eat at home instead outside, this way you save more. It is handy to keep a granola bar or nuts in your car or purse.
5. Buy in bulk
Buying in bulk is another way to cut down on your grocery bill because it is almost always cheaper.
You cannot buy everything in bulk because you may end up with spoiled food or too much food that you don't need. The secret is to purchase items you use almost every time you make a meal, such as: rice, flour, sugar, salt, beans... so stick to non-perishable items. Also for parties or cookouts, buy in bulk.
6. Eat more veggies
As we all know, vegetables are cheaper than meat. Not just that, they also contain more vitamins, antioxidants, and minerals. Therefore, add more veggies in your meals have a healthy balance and save money. According to shiftyourhabit.com, cutting meat from your diet just one day a week can save you around $200 per year for a four person family. So, try substituting your chicken breast with tofu because it is full of nutrients.
7. Buy store brand
Buying store brand goods is a great way to trim money from your grocery bill. Do you want to know a secret? The quality and nutritional content is usually the same as the more expensive brand name. So why spend more on "expensive" brands you are basically getting the same thing? Something to think about!
8. Eat left-overs
Don't throw away that left over chicken dish from yesterday. You can cut down on your grocery bill by storing the meal in the fridge or freezer and use it for lunch the next day. Did you know that when ingredients hang together in the fridge, it only enhances the flavor.
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