Cutting Your Largest Non-Fixed Expense – Saving on Food & Groceries

Grocery shopping – you’ve got to do it, right? Going out to eat – you don’t have to, but sometimes it just turns out that way. Believe it or not, the average family of four spends more than $500 on groceries and food each month.

You can easily add another $50 or $100 to your monthly savings by making simple changes:

START by shopping smart at the grocery store:

•Shop with a list and coupons when purchasing groceries. If you purchase certain items regularly, stock up on them when they are on sale for additional savings.  One consumer expert says grocery items go on sale about every three months, so buy enough to get you to the next sale cycle.

•Buy in-season produce. Not only is the produce more fresh, but also is substantially cheaper.  Consider other options such as the Farmer’s Market or local farmers for fresh vegetables and fruits.

•Avoid convenience food. Pre-cooked, pre-sliced or pre-packaged food is more expensive. Buy a head of lettuce rather than a bag of salad, and create your own “100 calorie” snack packs.

SUBSTITUTE and ANTICIPATE for further savings:

•Eat less meat. Meals with smaller portions of meat, or none at all, are often cheaper and lower in fat than their high-meat counterparts. Consider substituting beans for meat or enjoy pasta with summer vegetables for a few dinners each week to add to your savings.

•Don’t just pack your lunch; bring snacks and beverages with you as well. A $2 snack or water bottle adds up over time. If you’re going to be away from home, be prepared- and save.

AVOID restaurants, but if you must:

•If you’re going to go out to eat, go at noon rather than at night for less-expensive options.  Before you go, check  the newspaper for advertised specials or coupons. If your favorite restaurant does not offer coupons, consider ordering a salad or an appetizer rather than an entree or sharing a meal with your dining companion.

Make sure to bank your savings! Track your progress towards a savings goal by joining America Saves, and using the America Saves My Savings Tracker for free to record deposits and monitor your progress.

Source:  America Saves “Kick Start Your Savings” campaign

“Knowledge for Life” provided by the Finney County Extension Office and K-State Research and Extension.

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