Waste Less, Buy Less, Cut Food Cost
Those whose job it is to market and sell food have done a good job of confusing many consumers into being wasteful and spending more than we need. Many times, we end up spending more money, when actually we think that we are saving money. In other situations, our own impulses are to blame for poor spending habits. In the paragraphs that follow, you will be able to read more about a number of suggestions that you can use to waste less, buy less and cut food costs.
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Fight the urge to snack
Many of us do not stop to think about the true costs of a treat from the vending machine. It is estimated that the vending machine industry generated U.S. sales of about $22.1 billion last year. By 2010, it is estimated that total annual vended sales volume will exceed approximately $35 billion and some analysts estimate the growth to lead to annual sales of up to $56 billion!
It may be difficult to imagine that a $.75 candy bar could be fueling a billion dollar industry. Visiting the vending machine once, a day for a week at the average 75-cent rate adds up to $3.75 a week. Multiply that by the number of weeks in a year and you will have spent about $195.
Look for sales but use caution
It is a good idea to stock up on foods that are less perishable (such as fruit snacks, cereal, granola bars, etc.) when there is a good sale. But make sure that the sale is really going to be worth spending money for sometimes a product can be on `sale' and only be five or ten cents cheaper than normal or the product is still more expensive than a generic brand even with the sale. Do not be manipulated by marketing techniques. Use your math skills to determine if the sale is really worth spending money for. Additionally, make sure that you are buying items that you normally buy or that you are certain you will eat. Remember buying something just because it is on sale, is no way to save money.
Make a list and stick to it
When you have a list of things to get at the store, you will not have to worry about momentary lapses in judgment. Use self-control and buy only what you need. Avoid shopping on an empty stomach as these are the times when impulse purchases are most tempting. Do not throw your efforts for better grocery store budgeting out the window just for what looks good in the moment. Additionally, having a list forces you to plan. When you have meals planned and have your shelved stocked with the ingredients needed to cook those meals, other temptations, like the temptation to eat out, are easier to fight off.
Fresh vs. frozen
Many people are torn when it comes to buying fresh versus frozen foods. When it comes to produce, it is usually cheaper to buy fresh versus frozen (depending on the season of the fruit or vegetable). When frozen foods are pre-packaged by the manufacturer, you pay for that at the register. You pay extra to have the convenience of pre-made items. Instead, buy your own freezer bags and freeze your produce yourself. Your food will taste better and you will save money. Additionally, if you like to eat organic produce, you can save yourself even more money by freezing the food yourself and have the peace of mind that comes with knowing that you were the one who inspected, bought, washed, and froze the food that you serve to your family all year long.
