More Ways To Save

We're paying more these days not only at the gas pump but also at the grocery store. So here are some  tips and strategies on saving money on your grocery bill while still eating healthfully

Planning Can Help You Save Money on Food

 most important thing to make your dollar last longer is Planning ahead.Take inventory of what you have on hand so you don’t overbuy, then sit down and make a list based on your needs and weekly menu plan, and take into account how you plan on using leftovers. Always stick to your grocery list to help avoid impulse purchases or costly mistakes like falling for the displays at the end of the aisles.
 Check the food section in your newspaper to find the best buys for the week. Sunday newspapers are full of coupons and sales circulars to get you started. It's also a good idea to stock up on staples when they're on sale. "Buy one, get one free" is basically a technique to get you to buy twice as much as you need at half the price.(make sure they're for item you would buy anyway)
Use your freezer to store sale items that can be used at a later date. If you work outside of the home or your husband dose packing a  lunch and taking it with you is a great money-saver and an excellent use of leftovers for meals at work, school, or wherever your destination. 

 Think Frozen, Canned or Dried

 Using frozen, canned, or dried foods are  less expensive than fresh, yet are equally nutritious. And are always picked at the peak of ripeness. Also you can make dinners or lunches and keep them frozen till you are ready to use them. Or you can use only the amount you need, reseal the package, You can consider using powdered or evaporated versions of milk in soups, casseroles, mashed potatoes, or desserts so you don't have to use your drinking milk because milk is one of them things that can cost allot.
When you do buy meat buy a whole chicken and cut it up instead of paying the butcher to do it for you. Or buy the cheaper "family pack" and portion it into airtight freezer bags. Americans waste roughly 30 million tons of food  each year by not using leftover vegetables, poultry, or meat in soups, stews, salads, and casseroles. Instead of wasting try finding different ways to use them the next night. 

 Go generic

This is a big one. by consider buying store brands instead of pricier national brands you can save so much and really there made by the same food manufacturers of the national brands so its not going to taste much different. But like I said before some things are not worth it so be sure to read  the ingredient list on the label to be sure you're getting the most for your money. 

And what better way to save some money then to plant your own garden for benefits that go beyond cost savings.Start small, and see how easy it is to grow fresh herbs or a few simple vegetables. And if you invest a little time in freezing or canning your harvest, you can enjoy summer's bounty all year long.