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How To Save Money On Food

It's tough times in America right now. Many of us are out of work and all of us are seeking ideas on how to save money - especially on food. There are some items in the budget that we can eliminate entirely, or we can plan ahead and save money (like gasoline) - but food isn't one of them. The bottom line is that we MUST spend money on food ... if we want to hang around, that is. Still, spending as little as possible is something we all want to do, so here six ways to save money on groceries.

A time-tested way to save money is with coupons. You can find them everywhere - newspapers, magazines, on the Net. In fact, if I'm buying anything substantial (meaning fairly expensive) I always search for a coupon first. They're best, of course, when you're buying something you commonly use, but they're a great way to test new products, because if you hate the newbie item, your purchase is no big deal. We can use our savings for buying gas or paying the utility bill, or for small luxuries like a meal at our favorite pizza joint. A reward makes saving money an enticing commitment, rather than a dreary chore.

Prepared foods are expensive. REALLY expensive compared to meals from "from scratch" (I've never understood where that term came from?). An example is that old staple, macaroni and cheese. I noticed a box on the shelf that cost $2.19 and was two servings. An 'organic' mac and cheese was $4.29 and was also two servings. I could buy a block of cheese and a good deal of macaroni for the same price ... and make many more servings! Convenience is expensive so if you want to save money on food, drag out a pot and get busy.

Always, always use a list! I'm an expert on keeping a great list - and walking out the door without it! When I get to the store I can't really remember all the items, so two things happen: first, I get home and I don't have an ingredient that I needed for dinner or whatever. And secondly, I buy things I did plan on buying. Guess I need a list for my lists! :-) Saving money on groceries is definitely easier with a list to keep us disciplined and focused.

Of course there are items that you use constantly, and these can be cheaper if you buy large quantities when they're on sale. An example: I love dried cranberries and use them often. The ones I like are normally $2.69 per bag. However, this week they were on sale for $2.25 and they were "twofers", or buy one, get one free. That means each bag was $1.125. I bought a dozen bags and was delighted to get them. I saved over 50% on an item I use often which is always smart.

When I'm hungry, EVERYTHING looks good. Even pigs feet and snails. OK, just kidding about that, but cookies and doughnuts are much more enticing when my stomach is growling and demanding instant sustenance. If there's anything our bodies and health don't need - not to mention our wallet - it's junk food which has an appeal because it's so quick and easy.

Shopping at the same store every time makes shopping easier because you know where everything is. In addition, you are less likely to see unfamiliar items that catch your eye and tempt you to spend money. This morning I needed some bananas - and only bananas. I know right where they are in my favorite Publix and could walk directly to them. I didn't have to walk by new products or be enchanted by something I haven't noticed before, enabling me to get in that store and efficiently and quickly leave without spending extra money.

The 'how' to save money isn't so tough. The tough part is dredging up the commitment to plan and the discipline to follow your own guidelines. I'm pretty cheap myself, and I don't like to spend money unnecessarily, although I certainly to want to eat well. However, nobody at my table every complains and I have kept my food expenses as low as they were several years ago. It's all about how important saving money is to us.

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