It is happening everywhere. Families are slowing going broke. Between paying off debt, keeping up with rent or mortgage payments, trying to hold on to some gas money, and paying bills families are wondering what is left for their food budget at the end of each paycheck. Thank goodness there are solutions out there!
Personally, I was the oldest of five and there was a time where my father did not have a job by no choice of his own. I remember eating the same types of meals for weeks and months. It was hard on my parents, and I know that because it is hard on me with six children of my own. I had to think of what to do, and do it fast after the housing market crashed. My husband was working in an equity loan area of his company and his commission plummeted! There is no real difference today, only a few years after that catastrophe. So, here are some great ways to save money and still eat healthy.
Not so big!
First, you need to address the fact that, as Americans, we are very use to having the bigger and better item. However, the number of overweight and obese people in this country should show us that maybe we are eating too much, and what we are eating is probably just junk! So, try to understand what a serving size is. The site Meals Matter has a wonderful and basic, easy-to-understand guide to portion sizes. For the most part, a portion is the size of a person’s fist. So, when you have chicken, rice, and veggies only serve up a fist-sized portion of each. Still hungry after that? Drink some fluids to help wash it down (i.e. milk, orange juice, water).
Throw out the labels
Many people buy brand-name food items. Why? Have you ever stopped to compare the cost to the generic brand? Have you ever stopped to compare the ingredients to the generic brand? I have and I can honestly tell you the only difference is the price. As my mother always said, “You’re just paying for a label” – how true that is!
Buy in Bulk
Even if you do not have a super-huge family like mine you can still save a ton of money buy purchasing items you use regularly in bulk. Sam’s Club and Costco are two warehouse stores that offer bulk products. A membership is required (about $40), but the money you save is worth it. Don’t believe me? Go online to your nearest warehouse store and compare the cost of a block of cheese (about 5 pounds) to the one in your local grocery store (about 32 ounces). The cost per pound or ounce will blow your mind! Here in San Antonio, Texas my family saves a lot on gas by purchasing it at Sam’s Club instead of Valero, HEB, or other gas stations. Sometimes we have saved as much as $.10 per gallon!
Utilize your freezer
While we do not have a freezer (yet) I grew up making many trips to the basement where the freezer was. My parents bought huge amounts of specific foods when they were on sale. They would use what they needed and freeze the rest for a later time. For a list of foods you can freeze and how long they will last, click here and here for safety guidelines to know before freezing food. You will be amazed at what you can freeze and how long it will last!
Shop with a list
Never, NEVER go to the grocery store without a list! Avoid any and all impulses to buy something that is not on the list. You can always go back if you find there was something you really needed that was not on the list. Prioritize the list so you are buying the absolute necessities first and then working towards items that are not as badly needed.
Create a meal plan
Google “cheap meals” or “budget meals” for a huge amount of websites offering cheap and healthy meal ideas. The Duggar’s website is a great resource for struggling families. They have great recipes and homemade recipes for items such as laundry soap. Meals from these types of websites can be used to feed a smaller family for a longer period of time. Definitely worth looking into.
Prepare meals ahead of time
You know those nights when you are just wiped out? The husband or wife is working late and you just cannot fathom working for more than 20-30 minutes on dinner? Well, do yourself a favor and cook your dinner meals ahead of time! There are a ton of great books that explain how to plan, shop, and cook everything in one or two days. This can alleviate stress, and makes it impossible for food to be misused, causing a trip to the store and more money spent that is really not available.
Budget
Pay attention to your grocery bill. This includes everything you buy to clean and cook – food, cleaners, detergent, etc. After two or three paychecks of watching what you spend you should have a much clearer idea of what your budget is and what it should be. Could you spend less? Great! Where will that extra money go? Do you need to spend more? Go through your budget to see where cuts can be made and make them!
This financial recession does not have to mean depression for struggling families. Stick to these rules and utilize whatever resources you have!