How to Save Money on Groceries
There are two ways to save money on your groceries, buy less or pay less. But it doesn’t end there because there are lots of different ways to do these two things.
Buying less always sounds like you have to cut down on what you buy but this isn’t always true. Spending less always sounds like going into the supermarket with a bag full of coupons. True, these are ways to cut down on your grocery shopping bills but with a little bit of thought you could probably cut down your spending many other ways too.
You may be able to buy less because you are using less or reusing the same things more than once like plastic bags and containers. You can also buy less by making things last longer like diluting fruit juices. This will help you save money and calories.
Another way to buy less and save on your grocery shopping is to buy smart and think about all the things that you might be wasting because they’ve gone bad or expired before it gets used. Large yogurt pots and some fruits and vegetables can cause this problem.
Also think about all the disposable items you might be buying that could be replaced by a one off permanent item:
- permanent coffee filters
- plastic food containers instead of disposable bags
- razors for shaving
- even water filters
There must be tons of people throwing money away because they buy bottled water instead of using a water filter that dollar for dollar gives you probably ten times the same amount of fresh filtered water.
The most common ways to pay less for items is to buy the items on sale, buy cheaper brands, or buying in bulk. Often items that are reduced to clear are perfectly suitable to consume it’s just that the store has to sell them quick or face throwing it out.
Also avoid impulsive buying. Many people buy impulsively because the products are there on the shelf in front of them. You know what they say, never go grocery shopping when you are feeling hungry or without a list.
You can also shop around different stores to find the bargains and you might be surprised by how much you can save.
Be weary of supermarket tricks. Things like raising the price of a popular brand for about two weeks then “price cutting” to just below the original price to make it look like it’s on special offer.
Supermarkets can raise and lower their prices to match the supplier’s situation. So if a product supplier is struggling to supply apples one week, then the price will go up, and when the apples start flooding back in again, a special offer price will appear.
But don’t make the common mistakes that many people make. When supermarkets put things on special offer, such as “buy one and get one free” people think this is a great deal. It often is, but this may make you simply consume more so you really won’t be saving much at all.
The best “two for the price of one” offers are on things that you can only consume at a certain rate like bathroom and cleaning products, such as toothpaste and soap powder.
The same thing goes for coupons. Sure coupons are a great way to save money on groceries but if you’re buying things you normally wouldn’t buy or twice as much to get the special sale price then you may actually end up spending more. Often times the coupon offers are higher priced items than the store brands.
By the same token, be careful of store brand or value products that are cheaper imitations of the real thing. Buying lower quality can be a money saver if you choose wisely, but if you end up using twice as much and the product lasts half as long, then you might as well enjoy the real thing.
Natural disasters: Are you ready?
Sometimes Mother Nature gives us advance warning. Sometimes she doesn’t. Regardless of how much time, if any, you have to react to a hurricane, tornado, or flood, there are things you can do to prepare.
It’s easy to pass off on preparation, thinking that you always have some food and something to drink on hand. And at least one of your flashlights will probably work.
Don’t take an interruption in electrical power or water supply lightly. Take time now to have a disaster plan in place. Here is what your survival kit should include:
- Non-perishable food. Canned goods and a manual can opener are basic. Dried foods like pasta will work if you have a portable cooking device such as a camp stove or outdoor grill.
- A first aid kit with bandages, tape, antibiotic ointment, and aspirin or ibuprofen could prevent infection and treat headaches or pain.
- A battery operated radio will keep you informed about rescue operations, and flashlights will help you find your way around. Stock extra batteries.
- A battery-operated charger for your cellphone will keep it working if your landline goes out.
- State Farm Insurance recommends having your homeowner’s policy numbers in your emergency kit.
- Have a couple of hundred dollars in the house in case bank machines don’t work.
In the event of a hurricane, tornado, or earthquake, know how to shut off utilities.
Smoothies – A Great Way to get 5 a Day
We all know the importance of eating a variety of fresh fruits and vegetables. Unfortunately, with our busy lifestyles it’s not always so easy. That’s where smoothies come in. Delicious and nutritious smoothies can be a mom’s secret weapon to ensuring your kids get enough fruit in their diets.
Here are some yummy smoothie combinations that are great for breakfast or any time of the day. Simply throw all ingredients in the blender and blend on high for 1 to 2 minutes.
Bananarama – 1 banana, 1/2 cup vanilla yogurt, dash of milk
Mango Mania – 1 mango (cut and pitted), 1/4 cup orange juice
Peach Medley – 1 peach (cut and pitted), 1 banana, 1/4 cup orange juice
Berry Surprise – 1/2 cup strawberries, 1/4 cup blueberries, 1/4 cup raspberries, ¼ cup of milk
Strawberry Ice – 1 cup strawberries, 1 cup orange juice, I cup crushed ice
Honey Melon – 1 cup chopped honey dew lemon pieces, 1/4 cup apple juice, tablespoon honey.
Banana Boost – 1 banana, 1/4 shredded wheat cereal (or other high fiber cereal), 1/4 cup milk. A great way to get extra fiber and vitamins into your child’s diet.
And if it’s hot outside why not try smoothie popsicles. They may a great alternative to sugary ice cream and are a delicious summer treat. For a creamier consistency try adding 1/4 cup yogurt of your choice to the recipes above and pour the smoothie mixture into popsicle molds. If you don’t have popsicle molds you can use paper cups or even ice cube trays. Fill cups or tray and when half frozen and slushy like insert popsicle stick and leave until fully frozen.
You don’t have to stick the recipes above, just about any of your favorite fruit combinations will taste delicious in a homemade smoothie. It’s also a great way to let kids get involved in the kitchen. Let them choose their favorite fruits and let them help you peel and chop them up (according to their age of course). They can also pour liquid ingredients into measuring cups.
Smoothies are not only a great way to get your kids to eat more fruit. They’re also easy to prepare and best of all delicious.
