Buying food can be downright depressing. Personally, I love to
shop for food, but in the past my experience was often ruined by
the total of the bill when I reached the checkout. By learning a
few simple rules to follow, I no longer frown when I fork out my
money. Instead I smile, because I know that I have bought enough
food to keep my family well-fed without spending a lot of money.
Here are some ways you can save money too.
1. Make a list. It's so simple, but it's so important. Writing a
list helps you identify and buy only those items you really
need. Now, stick to it. Don't even look at anything that's not
on that list.
2. Write out a meal plan. Think about the cost of each meal and
try to include more low-cost meals. Try to think of ways that
ingredients or left overs from one meal can be used in another
meal.
3. Don't go hungry. Go straight after lunch or dinner. If you
shop when you're hungry, you'll be more likely to pick up
impulse products. Everything look's good when you're hungry. Or
you might feel the need to stop somewhere afterwards for a
little snack.
4. Leave the children at home. Children have a tendency to ask
for things. And when their irritable, and you're frustrated, and
you're in a supermarket attracting disapproving stares, you're
more likely to give in. Save yourself the hassle and go by
yourself. However, when the children are a little older, take
them along every so often to teach them good budgeting
techniques.
5. Treat specials with caution. Never buy something just because
it's on special. You might end up spending more than you usually
do because you're buying a more expensive brand. You could also
buy items that you would never normally use.
6. Stock up. However when products that you normally buy and
frequently use are on special, stock up. Work out how much of
the product you would usually use before the expiration date.
Buy accordingly, in keeping with your budget.
About the author:
For more articles on arts and crafts, family and relationships,
homemaking, christian living, frugality, fun and entertainment,
food and more, go to Elizabeth Palmer's Traditional Living
website, at
http://geocities.com/historylass/tradliving.htm or
you can subscribe to the Traditional Living newsletter by
sending an email to tradliving-subscribe@yahoogroups.com
