Coupons. Just the word alone causes a little thrill of excitement to shoot through me! I’m a long-time coupon user. From the early days of carefully cutting out coupons when I was real young, to the newer, sleek, digital method that I came to know later, I’m a sucker for savings! However, sometimes the process of finding those coupons and achieving those savings can make you feel like you’re hunting for a needle in a haystack, instead of the fun treasure hunt it really should be. And as a busy stay-at-home mom to a toddler, you better believe that my days fly by, and hunting down coupons isn’t something I can do for long periods of time, especially when I surface with none to speak of. For my sake, and your own, I found a few of the best places to find coupons so your own little coupon treasure hunt can go from gritty confusion to shimmering elation!
Where to Find the Best Physical Free Coupons
There’re numerous different places to find coupons, but for a moment let’s talk about free coupons. Which are some of the most fun coupons to stumble upon. Thanks to lots of research, no longer will you wander around in the dark trying to locate your discounts. We’ve got you covered!
One of the simplest places to locate physical free coupons is in the Sunday newspaper. I’m not sure how many people get the average Sunday paper anymore, but the number of coupons inside it is, I believe, absolutely worth it. Many papers have a small coupon insert in the centerfold, and that’s where the gem of coupons is contained. There’s usually a small subscription fee for a newspaper but nowadays a lot of publishers give you the option to subscribe to just the Sunday paper. (Or a great little life hack that I’ve personally used a few times, is picking up a Sunday paper at the Dollar Tree store, if your town has one.) True to their wonderful name, you can snag a paper for only a dollar. Newspapers are loaded with free coupons, many of which promote the items you buy on the regular, fun unique products, or discounts on experiences that you might otherwise have missed. Things like coupons for grocery stores, restaurants, and fun hot spots in your local community, are just a few examples of the nuggets of treasure found within those black-inked pages. Keep a sharp eye out for any weekly ads as well. Newspapers are really good a resource for that.
Another great place to find free coupons is the normal stores and retailers that you frequent on a weekly or even daily basis. These could be manufacturer’s coupons that are directly printed on, or attached to any product that you buy in the store. Meaning as soon as you’ve bought that product, the coupon is yours to use for your next purchase of that same product.
Perhaps one of my favorite ways to score some good old free coupons, is to take a second glance at the junk mail that seems to arrive almost daily, or mail advertisements. It’s happened a few times where I’ve actually stopped and looked carefully through the miscellaneous mail, and I’ve found a gem of a coupon or a discount on something amazing. A restaurant for a fun date night in our area that just opened, or even a percentage off of a decadent facial from a nearby Zen-soaked spa. That one was coupon gold, my friend. (The moms will get it!)
A resource that is just a bit newer in the coupon game is coupons.com. It’s strictly a coupon site in which they have a whole section of printable coupons. You can just go to the site, search for the easily found printable coupon page, print out and cut out to your delight. There’s something kind of soothing about cutting out physical coupons and if they’re free, so much the better, in my opinion.
Where to Find the Best Digital Coupons
As with most things these days, they have a digital counterpart. Coupons are no exception. For this next batch of coupon-hunting ideas, you can set aside those sharp scissors and give your snipping hand a rest. Instead, you can pick up your phone and head to coupons.com again. However, this time you can scroll through their digital download coupon page! It’s chock full of tons of coupons that are as easy to access as just pressing a button on your phone to get some massive savings.
In case you’re new to the digital coupon game, they work the same exact way as physical paper coupons. Meaning you will redeem the coupon at checkout, but instead of a paper barcode, once you “click and clip,” your digital coupon you will most likely get a barcode or a coupon code that the cashier can scan to secure your discount on the product.
Social media is a fantastic resource for finding digital coupons, or mobile coupons, as they are sometimes called on the various social media platforms. They usually come with a promo code, or another type of barcode that will allow you to redeem your coupon at checkout. The next time you’re scrolling through Instagram, or your Facebook page, make sure to keep your eyes wide open for any great deals.
Along those same lines, Amazon is amazing for finding coupons. Even if you don’t currently hold an Amazon Prime Subscription, a lot of their products have one-time coupons. Things like grocery items, cleaning agents, pet supplies, electronics and baby supplies, have regular coupons and deals that you’ll be sure to benefit from. (As with any coupon, be aware of its expiration dates, and other fine print on your digital coupons!)
Also see: Can you use manufacturer coupons on Amazon?
A little further down the treasure hunt trail of searching for the best coupons, are coupon apps. Ibotta is a great resource. It’s more of a “save and earn cash back,” kind of a deal, and I have several mom friends who swear by this app. Sign up and see what kind of savings you can earn with this gem of a coupon app nugget.
Flipp is another great one. Meant mostly for grocery, home supplies, or pharmacy needs, this app caters towards shoppers with either iPhones or Android phones. It’s very simple to download and you’ll find a surplus of digital coupons sure to meet any and all of your shopping needs.
Also see: Is Amazon Prime worth it?
Where to Hunt Down Coupons for Specific Needs
Some of the most popular coupon categories are in the area of grocery, kids, and pets. If you happen to be looking for coupons in this area, listen close and we’ll tell you some of the best places to find these!
For hardcore grocery coupon hunters, you can’t get much better than Grocery IQ. This app will pull some of the best coupons from coupons.com as well as other online apps and places them all in one spot for you to digitally sift through. Get ready to cut that grocery bill in half, my friend! It seems that the app owner (coupons.com) is a bit behind on updating the app and some people have difficulties using it. Hopefully, they will continue development as I haven’t found anything that works as well.
Need a new seasonal wardrobe for the kiddos, but would like to save a bit of money while doing it? The Children’s Place is your best bet. With everything from kid’s clothes to shoes, and accessories for your little ones, the amount of access to discount deals and exclusive coupons on this site, is truly staggering. I’ve used it several times myself, and if my 3-year-old daughter insisting that she wear her pink and purple, flowy, tulle-covered tutu, ten days in a row without washing it is any indication of how many points you’ll score by your purchases, I’d say you’ll be in for a parent of the year award, for sure. They even have a whole “vacation,” clothes section, so if you’re planning a fun summer getaway for you and the kids be sure to check that section out!
We oftentimes consider our pets to be just as near and dear to us as our actual children, so of course we’ll give you the lowdown on one or two of the best places to snag coupons for pet food and other supplies for our lovey, furry companions.
PetSmart, which you might be familiar with, is just about the best there is as far as coupons go for all of your four-legged friends. They allow you to use their store coupons as long as they have a PetSmart barcode, these can be either physical coupons or digital that you redeem right at the checkout when you’re making your final purchases. They also have a wonderful coupon receipt option that you can take advantage of. This is where the coupon is printed right on the bottom of a previous receipt, which you can redeem at the time of your next purchase. Every time I’ve been there, I’ve received awesome customer service, in that my cashier reminds me about the coupon on the bottom of the receipt for my next purchase. I love that about my neighborhood PetSmart!
Hunting Down One Step Further Savings
Sometimes, as good as they are, one-time coupon savings doesn’t quite do the trick. If you find yourself in that same spot, you can do what I like to call, “one step further savings.” This is a semi-fancy way of saying, you can sign up for things like Target Rewards Circle, Kohl’s Rewards program, TJ Maxx Rewards, or Amazon Prime Membership’s Subscribe and Save.
These are rewards programs for these particular stores. (And, in case you’re not aware, most bigger stores like the ones listed above have a rewards program like this.) Even most online stores have them as well! They’re designed to cater to the loyalty of their shoppers and customers. Usually, they’re set up in the way that once you reach a certain number of “points,” or a certain amount of money that you’ve spent with them, you receive a percentage off of your entire purchase or individual items.
They really are wonderful programs. You can set yourself and your family up to save a bundle. If the stores mentioned here aren’t ones you usually frequent, never fear. As I said most bigger stores have these types of rewards for their shoppers and you can just about always find a great program fit at your favorite store to fit your needs. Places like Walmart, CVS, Home Depot, and Menards have been known to have them as well. And, as a little-known bonus, you’ll usually receive extra coupons during the year, and sometimes even a little special percentage off near your birthday. Well worth it for those little perks alone.
Hopefully, the way we’ve broken it down, your own coupon treasure hunt won’t be so much of a hunt anymore! Keep your eyes peeled, your hands outstretched, and your excitement on the rise as you gather up those big, glittering savings!
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Have you ever gone over your budget only to find you’ve overspent on food? With food being the third-highest household expense behind housing and transportation, our food choices have a huge impact on our budget.
Learning how to budget groceries can help you save more to put toward your financial goals. Here are 28 ways to help you learn how to budget groceries.
1. Track current spending
Before you figure out what you should be spending on food, it’s important to figure out what you are spending on food. Keep grocery store receipts to get a realistic picture of your current spending habits. It might help to break down spending by category (via a spreadsheet or on paper), including beverages, produce, etc. Once you’ve done this, you can get an idea of where you need to trim down your grocery bill.
2. Allocate a percentage of your income
How much each household spends on food varies based on income and how many people need to be fed. Consider using our budget calculator if you’re not sure where to start. Try allocating 10% of your income to food as a starting point and then you can increase from there.
3. Avoid eating out
Recent data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics shows a 13% increase in food spending in the U.S. — a jump driven by rising purchases on dining out. Avoiding eating out where possible can help reduce your overall food spending. If you’re actively dating or enjoy restaurants with friends, be sure to factor eating away from home into your food budget — and stick to your limit.
4. Plan your meals
It’s much easier to stick to a budget when you have a plan. Plus, having a purpose for each grocery item you buy may help ensure nothing goes to waste or just sits in your pantry unused. Don’t be afraid of simple salads or meatless Mondays — not every meal has to be a gourmet experience.
5. Keep a fridge grocery list
Keep a magnetized grocery list on your fridge so that you can replace items as needed. This can help you buy food you know you’ll eat. Sticking to a list in the grocery store may help you stay accountable and not spend money on processed or pricey items.
6. Eat before you go to the store
If your mother gave you this advice growing up, she was onto something: according to studies, shoppers spend more when hungry. Eating before going to the grocery store may help you avoid tantalizing foods that can cause you to go overbudget.
7. Be careful with coupons
Getting 50% off ketchup is a great deal — unless you don’t need ketchup. Beware of coupons for items you don’t need. If the item isn’t on your list, you’re not saving at all, but rather spending on something you don’t truly need.
8. Embrace the bulk section
The bulk section of your grocery store may help you find inexpensive staples, discover new foods and bring variety into your diet. Take the time to compare the price of prepackaged goods versus bulk — bulk is likely cheaper.
9. Bring lunch to work
Picture this: you’re trying to stick to a food budget, and one day at work you realize it’s lunchtime but you forgot to pack a lunch. All the meal planning and smart shopping in the world won’t help if you don’t have food when you need it.
10. Love your leftovers
Instead of throwing your leftovers away, try to eat them to avoid wasting money. To keep things interesting, look for ways to repurpose foods — yesterday’s leftover taco meat can become today’s shepherd’s pie.
11. Keep an inventory
Keeping a list on your fridge of what you have on hand can help you avoid food waste and get creative when meal planning. And it’s a great way to get the most use out of grocery items that are sold larger quantities than you need for a single recipe. Not sure what to do with that giant bunch of celery or box of spinach you have left over from another recipe? Try out some online recipe blogs or sites that offer recipe ideas based off a few ingredients you input.
12. Freeze foods that are going bad
Another way to avoid wasting food is to freeze things that look like they’re about to go bad. Fruit that’s past its prime can be frozen and used in smoothies. Make double batches of soups, sauces and baked goods so you’ll have an alternative to ordering takeout when you don’t feel like cooking.
13. Use curbside pickup
About 29% of shoppers admitted that seeing an item that looked too good to pass up led to impulse purchases. Using curbside pickup can help prevent you from purchasing unplanned items.
14. Check the top and bottom shelves
Wise grocery stores know that eye level is where the most sales happen. In fact, consumers select about 80% more products at eye level than at the bottom shelf. So next time you’re out shopping, take a quick look up and down — you may find a better deal hidden out of sight.
Additional grocery saving tips
Need more ideas on how to save on your food bill? Here are some additional tips that can help.
Choose generic — One survey found that 50% of people said opting for generic products over name brand helped them save on groceries.
Drink more water — Recent data found that 17% of consumers cut back on purchasing beverages at the store due to rising inflation. Drinking more water may help you save what you would’ve otherwise spent on beverages.
Pay with cash — Try going to the grocery store with cash — and only what you’ve budgeted for. Leave your credit or debit card at home. After all, you can’t spend what you can’t pay for.
Buy what’s in season — Food prices can vary depending on whether they are in season or not. When foods are out of season, they may be scarce — and therefore more expensive. Try to stick to buying foods that are in season.
Grow your own herbs — Herbs at your local grocery store might sometimes be expensive. Growing your own is one way to cut back on your grocery bill.
Plan a meatless meal — Beef prices increased for three years straight from 2020 to 2022, and the USDA predicts other meat categories will rise in price in 2023. By planning a meatless meal every so often, you may be able to save some money on your grocery bill.
Buy cheaper cuts of meat — Not all cuts of meat cost the same. You may be able to save money by choosing chicken thighs over chicken breasts, ground chuck over sirloin and pork loin over pork chops.
Ask for a discount — This won’t always work, but if you notice your food is close to expiring, ask the cashier for a discount. You may be able to save yourself a few dollars.
Learn how to preserve food — If you have some fruit that’s going bad in your home, you may be able to preserve it by making and canning jam. Hopefully the more food you can save in your home, the less you’ll need to buy at the store.
Keep a running tally while you shop — Jotting down the prices of items you put in your cart or quickly crunching the numbers in your phone’s calculator can help you stay more aware of how much you’re spending.
Buy canned food — Canned food is often less expensive than fresh foods, so buying canned could stretch your food budget.
Shop sales — If you notice a food you often eat goes on sale, stock up if you have room in your budget. While you may spend more than you normally would up front, you’ll save yourself from having to purchase the item at full price in the future.
Use rebate apps — Some apps provide cash back on certain purchases. Check to see if the items you need to buy at your next shopping trip may qualify.
Sign up for your store’s loyalty program — Some grocery stores have points or loyalty programs that can provide you with extra discounts when you shop.
Bottom line
Sticking to a food budget can take planning and discipline. However, learning how to budget groceries by being resourceful and cooking healthily is a skill that can benefit you for years to come.
Earn cash back on select debit purchases with Credit Karma Money™ Spend.
If you draw a paycheck, you’re due an extra $160 in January and February thanks to the Temporary Payroll Tax Cut Continuation Act of 2011.
What’re you gonna do with your windfall? Maybe not much. It’s pretty easy to miss $20 more in salary, especially if fixed expenses (groceries, insurance, child care, gasoline) keep going up.
Note: This is not a political column. I repeat: This is not a political column. I really don’t care what you think about the payroll tax cut. Please keep all your #$@!# dumb-o-crat policies or #$@!# con-man-servative hatefulness comments until a later date. Like, um, never. Get Rich Slowly is a personal finance site, not a flame-throwing political forum. Thank you for not foaming.
Technically you have two choices: Save it or spend it. I’d like to suggest a third: Save it or spend it intentionally.
You could go out to lunch a couple of times each week. You could treat yourself to $20 worth of cupcakes or ceramic clowns from the dollar store. Or you could convince yourself that each double sawbuck represents an opportunity to improve your life.
Which it does — if you look at it the right way.
If someone offered you $160 in cash, you’d probably grab it. (And if you didn’t, can I have yours?) But to some people, an “extra” $20 a week seems penny-ante.
Thanks to rampant ATM use, $20 bills have become the coin of the realm. I believe this has devalued them in the popular imagining — and there’s no denying that $20 doesn’t go very far these days.
True and Cumulative Costs
In particular, it doesn’t go very far if we fail to pay attention to spending. We grab a soda and some chips when we go in to pay for gas. We add a magazine and a few packs of gum at the grocery checkout counter. We always get popcorn at the movies because, well, we just do, that’s all.
It’s only $3, or $5, or $7. Besides, we deserve it.
That’s how some people get into trouble in the first place: By neglecting to frame expenses in terms of their true and cumulative costs. Dropping a few hundred dollars on a spur-of-the-moment weekend getaway is great fun at the time, but you may regret it if you can’t pay the balance in full.
The money you spent (and continue to spend, in the form of credit card interest) also is cash that can no longer be used in a smarter way, such as retirement or a pay-cash-for-a-car fund.
Let me be clear: I am not saying that you can never have any of the things you want. In fact, I am learning — slowly! — to spend a little money on myself. So if you’re in a position to drop that extra $20 per week on chai tea or sheet music, by all means drop it.
And if not? Make those temporary twenties work damned hard for you — and incidentally, their job might be to pay for something fun, such as frugal entertainment.
Pay It Down, or Pay It Forward
How can you put that money to work? Use it for the following:
Emergency fund. Not to belabor the obvious, but that $160 is a nice fund-plumper. And if you’re brand new at this, the sum is nearly one-third of the $500 that Liz Weston says you need in the bank.
Retirement. Put the money into your Roth IRA or whatever other fund you have. (Don’t have one? Let this be the seed money.)
College fund. Add an extra $160 to Junior’s post-secondary plan.
Pay down debt. One hundred and sixty dollars = a nice debt snowflake.
Shopping, if you must:
Nonperishables. Flour, sugar, dry beans, tuna, rice, canned goods, pasta, your favorite cereals — and give yourself bonus points for buying on sale with coupons. Your grocery bill will drop a bit for the next month or two as you eat your way through the storehouse. And if something unexpected happens (illness, car repairs, job loss), you’ll congratulate yourself on having a well-stocked pantry.
Pet supplies. When you see a screamin’ deal on food or litter at PetSmart or PETCO, stock up. Improve the sale price by paying with plastic scrip from a discounted gift card site.
Cut-rate couture. Watch for end-of-season sales on wardrobe basics you know to be durable and comfortable. You might not have to buy work slacks for a year or two. Or browse a thrift store or consignment shop — again, looking for clothing that’s well-made and flattering. What fun to see how far a $20 bill will go, especially on 50-Cent Day. (I’m referring to the price tag, not the rap star.)
Shoes. Use price-comparison and cash-back sites as noted above to find sale prices on your favorite make and model. I recently ordered three pairs of my favorite old-lady comforts for about $153 (minus the nearly $11 cash-back rebate).
Socks and undies. Bor-ing? You betcha. But elastic isn’t forever and your socks will eventually develop holes. When crew socks and tighty-whities go on sale, buy half a dozen or more of each.
For the health of it:
New glasses/contacts. Still squinting through those three-year-old specs? Discount eyewear emporia regularly offer coupons in newspapers and Valpak envelopes, and through online coupon sites like Savings.com and Retail Me Not. Oh, and stock up on contact lens solution when it goes on sale.
Vitamins. Aim for a three- or six-month stash of your favorite supplements. Use a price comparison website like Price Grabber or Cheap Uncle to find the best deals, and see if the lowest-priced merchant can be accessed through a cash-back shopping site like Mr. Rebates, Extrabux or FatWallet.
OTC meds. Restock your medicine cabinet with analgesics, bandages, antibacterial ointments, allergy meds and the like. You may be able to get these free or nearly so by combing coupons and rebates.
Dental work. Don’t have dental insurance? Me neither. But I regularly see social commerce vouchers and Valpak coupons for X-rays and cleanings. They cost $30 or less. A professional cleaning and a big-picture look at incipient problems may even save your life.
That’s entertainment:
Discounted movie tickets. Warehouse clubs sell them. However, you might get a much better deal through — yep — a discounted gift card site.
Annual pass. Museums, zoos, botanical gardens, opera, the orchestra — whatever floats your boat.
The Entertainment Book. It’s full of BOGOs for city attractions from art to boat tours. Buy it through a cash-back site for a rebate of up to 35% plus free shipping.
Condoms. Go ahead and snicker. But not having protection can be pretty damned expensive in the long run. I know a couple whose second child is on planet Earth because “we were out of birth control and decided to take a chance.” No, I couldn’t believe it, either.
Thinking ahead:
Warehouse club membership. Even studio dwellers might be able to buy in bulk if they’re creative about storage.
Go green. Replace some incandescent bulbs with LED or compact fluorescent bulbs and trim your electric bill. Faucet aerators and low-flow showerheads reduce both energy and water/sewer bills. If the commode in your abode is really old, consider a water-saving toilet.
Car care. Watch for sales on fluids (antifreeze, windshield washer, a case of motor oil, et al.), filters and replacement wiper blades. If your tires have receding treadlines watch for sales on those, too. (Don’t forget Craigslist. A friend bought four high-quality, nearly new tires for $100.)
Ant or Grasshopper?
The grasshopper generally has a swell summer: long days at the beach, trips to amusement parks, ice cream for breakfast. Meanwhile, the ant is weeding the garden, clipping coupons and hanging all his laundry to dry outside.
Once the temperature drops, the grasshopper is likely to regret his profligacy. The ant, meanwhile, has a storeroom full of pinto beans and tube socks. All the windows have been caulked, too.
Of course, it’s your money and therefore your decision. But try thinking of your $160 in ways like these:
One night at a nice hotel, or an extra chunk of fundage into your Roth. (Oh, compound interest, I’ve missed you so! Let’s never fight again!)
A couple of months’ worth of cable vs. new glasses. (What good is TV anyway if you can’t see it?)
Dinner for two at a nice restaurant, or some depth to your pantry.
One more suggestion: Split the difference. Get yourself $80 worth of truffles and apps and $80 worth of something less than sexy but ultimately beneficial, such as cat litter or dental X-rays. Even $40 will pay for a fair amount of decadence, especially if you use a coupon.
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Budgeting is not easy!
It can be stressful and complicated to stay on top of your finances.
It takes willpower, discipline, patience—but also creativity and flexibility in order for us to stick with it long enough that we start saving money as well.
A budget binder with envelopes is the perfect tool for keeping everything organized.
With this very simple and easy-to-use tool, you can organize all of your budgets and actual spending for multiple cash envelope categories in one place—all within an envelope that easily fits into a purse or wallet!
The hardest part is finding one that suits your needs.
In fact, 65% of Americans have no ideas how they spent their money last month.
In this post, we are going to review the topic budget binder with envelopes, so you can make a logical decision on what is best for you.
Why you should use a budget binder?
A budget binder is a great way to keep your finances organized. It can help you track your expenses, stay on budget, and save money.
In addition, with budgeting, you reduce your spending and plan for the future.
There are several ways to use a budget binder:
Set spending limits so you can save money
Label envelopes with category names like “groceries” and “dining out.”
Add money to an envelope as you spend it in that category, even if it’s not the last envelope for that category.
If there is leftover money at the end of the month, put it into savings or your emergency fund (or use it next month).
This type of detail will help you stay organized and aware of your spending habits. Learn more on how to create a budget binder.
Are budget binders worth it?
Though budget binders are not a new concept, they are still worth using to help you stay on top of your spending.
By recording where each penny goes, you can more easily track your progress and make necessary adjustments along the way.
Budget binders can be found in both digital and printed formats. They are often sold on Amazon, but they may also be bought online from other sellers like Etsy.
Budget binders are a popular way to stay organized and save money.
What to include in your budget binder
A budget binder is a place where you can keep all of your financial information in one spot–including accounts, receipts, and other important paperwork. This will help you stay up-to-date on your spending and make it easier to track expenses.
There are some key items that you should include in your budget binder so that it’s most effective for you.
It’s also helpful to have a section for current account statements and recent receipts.
When it comes to personal finance, the organization is key.
A great way to get your budget in order is by using a budget binder with cash envelopes. This method is very simple and can be customized to fit your own needs.
If you want to organize your budget in a simple way, then consider using a budget binder with envelopes. This will help you to easily separate your expenses into different categories.
Here are the best budget binders with cash envelopes to choose from.
This budget binder is a great way to organize your finances. It is lightweight and easy to carry, making it convenient for use at home, work, or school.
The A6 size fits easily in your handbag or backpack, and the money pocket and cards holder make it easy to keep your important documents safe and secure.
Additionally, waterproof sticker labels make it easy for you to categorize everything you need to carry with you.
This budget binder is a great way to organize your finances. It comes with money saving envelopes for cash, as well as inserts that can go into the A6 ring binder. You can also carry it with you anywhere thanks to its handy zipped up holders.
This SOUL MAMA A6 Budget Binder with Cash envelopes is the perfect way to budget your money. It comes with pre-printed inserts for saving money, and the color scheme is half holographic purple and half white. The labels are also written in beautiful rose gold font.
The material makes it both quality and tear-resistant, while the waterproof and soft-to-the-touch design keeps your documents safe. Plus, there’s a 100% satisfaction guarantee, so you can be sure that you’re making a sound investment.
This budget binder is a great way to organize your finances. The faux leather binder has a pen loop and card pockets, which are perfect for hiding passports, ID cards, bank cards, and other important things.
Plus, the personalized holographic design will make you feel like a boss!
There are a variety of cash envelope options to help organize your budget. The most common are envelopes for Mortgage/Rent, House bills, Car payments, Car insurance, and Groceries. You can find specialized envelopes or create your own system.
Label each envelope with the name of the category and the amount you plan to spend each month. When the money is gone, it’s gone!
You can find purchase add-ons with extra envelopes and budget tracking sheets in their shop.
Clever Fox cash envelopes are tear-resistant, water-resistant and durable, making them the perfect option for budgeting.
This Clever Fox cash envelope system is perfect for organizing your budget. The set includes a carrying case, 12 budget sheets, and enough envelopes to track all of your purchases and what you have left to spend. Each envelope has a different color for each budgeting category, so you can stay on top of your spending with ease.
I love the Clever Fox Cash Envelopes for Budget System because of its great features.
The tracker has a zippered storage case to keep everything together and each envelope has a blank category label. When you lift the flap, there’s another label with plenty of space to write down the details! Plus, the quality is fantastic and I love how they include purchase trackers with every set.
Recently, I stumbled upon this super cute budget book that is perfect for organizing your finances.
This A6 budget binder comes with a customized cash envelope system, which will help you stay on track with your budget.
You can choose the color of your binder, the font for your personalization, and the vinyl color. You can also choose to have your name printed on the front of the binder as well as a phrase of your choice.
The quality of the book exceeded my expectations, and the best part is that it’s just so darn cute! If you’re looking for a custom budget binder, I would highly recommend this one.
This SKYDUE Budget Binder comes with 12 envelopes for cash, which makes it easy to keep track of your budget. The binder also has 16 self-adhesive labels to help you stay organized, and it fits in your handbag, backpack, suitcase, or desk.
In addition, the SKYDUE Budget Binder with 12pcs Cash Envelopes is perfect for college students.
The binder and sleeves are made from durable materials that can withstand wear and tear, while the cash envelopes are a great way to start using the sinking funds saving method. Plus, the pouches are big enough to hold a decent amount of money without being too bulky.
A customized cover is a great way to personalize your budget binder!
This starter set gives you all the basics you need to get started. You can have a maximum of 8 envelopes in your binder for a comfortable fit, but feel free to adjust this number according to your needs.
The binder was well put together and the customer service was amazing. The money was well spent and there are many customers very happy with the final product.
A personalized cash envelope binder is a great way to organize your budget.
You can customize the binder with any name or wording in any font color! The set includes a binder and 5 personalized cash envelopes.
This is a great way to start budgeting and get your finances under control.
This cash envelope wallet is perfect for budgeting. It has RFID blocking to keep your cash safe and a heavy duty wristlet to make sure it stays with you.
There are 12 cash envelopes included so you can get started right away, and the vertical design of the envelope makes it easy to add and remove bills or track your spending.
Personally, I like the plastic tabbed cash envelopes because they are durable and small enough to be taken out of my planner system without getting squished. The vertical orientation is easier to see, which helps me keep track of how much money I have left in each category.
In addition, this binder comes with access to a library of 50+ A6 printable pages. There are 12 monthly budget sheets included helping you build your budget and get organized. With this system, you can take control of your finances and see where your money is going.
This budget binder from TNHomegrowndesigns is a great way to start organizing your finances. It includes everything you need to get started, including cash envelopes and a money holder. The cash envelope system is a simple way to budget your money, and this binder makes it easy to do.
You can choose the color and number of envelopes you want, as well as have it customized with your name. This is a great way to organize your budget in a simple way.
Budget Binders with Envelopes DIY
If you’re looking for a low-cost option to organize your finances, consider using a DIY budget binder with envelopes.
This approach allows you to maintain control over your spending even during income fluctuations. Plus, by using airtight plastic bags to store the envelopes, you can save money on buying new folders!
How do you make a budget binder with envelopes?
Honestly, it is just as easy to create your own budget binder as it is to buy one pre-made.
Here are the supplies you need:
The benefits of making your own are personal customization and adding what is important to your personal situation.
For more information, learn how to create a budget binder.
How to organize your budget in a simple way
There are a few different ways to organize your budget:
Income and Expenses: This is probably the most common way to organize a budget. It separates your income from your expenses, so you can see how much money you have coming in and going out.
Fixed and Variable Expenses: This way of organizing a budget separates your fixed expenses, like your rent or car payment, from your variable expenses, like your grocery bill. This can be helpful in seeing where you spend money.
There are a few different ways to organize your budget, but we think starting with a zero based budget is best.
How much money do you save with the envelope system?
The envelope system is a popular way to budget and helps people save money faster.
It works by allocating specific amounts of money to each category of expense and putting that money into an envelope. When the envelope is empty, you can’t spend any more money in that category. This helps people stay within their budget and avoid overspending.
If you need to save money on a tight budget, then the envelope system is helpful.
In fact, many people have had great success with saving over $5000 using the 100 envelope challenge.
Tips for sticking to your budgeting system
When it comes to sticking to your budget, there are a few things you can do to make it easier.
For starters, don’t spend more than you can afford.
If you have debts or other expenses, make sure you factor those into your budget as well.
Also, be sure to set realistic goals and limits for yourself- if you try to cut back too much, you’re likely to give up before you even start.
At the same time, don’t be afraid to experiment a little bit and try new things with the money you have. Just because something is outside of your budget doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy it sometimes!
By being smart about how you spend your money, you can stick to your budget without feeling too restricted.
Which Budget Binder with Cash Envelopes is your Favorite?
A budget binder is a great way to organize your finances and keep track of where your money is going.
Cash envelopes help to visually budget your money. You can use them to plan and budget for what you are going to spend each week or month. This will help you stay on track with your finances and change your future for the better.
In this system, you will have separate envelopes for each category of your budget, such as rent, groceries, and utilities. This will help you track your spending and stay within your budget by paycheck method.
Know someone else that needs this, too? Then, please share!!
My friend (and fellow Bearcat) Lisa writes: “I was just poking around on GRS (I don’t usually read) and noticed that you’d posted an entry for college graduates recently. Funny how summer rolls around and you start thinking about stuff.” She’s passed along some additional advice for those just entering the workplace.
Congratulations, you just graduated from an excellent liberal arts college!
You worked incredibly hard to complete your degree and now it’s all behind you: general education requirements, a wealth of extracurricular activities, those classes for your major and minor, perhaps a semester abroad, and a thesis and its accompanying oral defense. You’ve invested a great deal of time, effort, and money into your degree and now you’re ready to conquer the world.
Where to live? Pack up that futon and wave goodbye to your family! You find a city that suits you (say, Seattle), settle in after an age-old argument with your housemates over who gets which room, and get started on the job search.
Sure, your resumé isn’t bursting with experience (after all, how far can you stretch your meager retail and accounting clerk duties from summer jobs?), but you know you’re smart, energetic, and ambitious, not to mention the liberal arts clincher: you’ve “learned how to learn.”
You mail your resumé to a number of prospective employers, but no one calls back. You try to network, but no one knows of any available jobs. Your mother begins asking how long you’ll look before you decide to move back home. Things are bad.
What to do? The rent must be paid, not to mention the car insurance and grocery bill, even if it’s just Top Ramen. Ah, well, it appears that Queen of the Photocopier is the best title you’ll get. Your roommates are bank clerks and receptionists, and the all-you-can-eat buffet at the local pizza joint becomes a regular event in your week. (One roommate sneaks out extra slices in her pockets.) You are underestimated, frustrated, and misunderstood.
I was there, believe me. And I feel your pain. Looking back fifteen years later, here’s what I wish someone had told me…
You lack experience. Regardless of all your education and energy, you just don’t have it. And there’s no way to gain that experience without working for a while. It stinks and it’s unfair, but that’s the way it is. To really excel in a field — any field — you must be in it day after day.
Out in the world, you need to have something to show, and you often have to earn it by tedious drudgery. While you’re busy being a peon, some people will completely ignore your existence, some will assume that you aren’t capable of an intelligent thought, and some will be downright condescending and mean. It’s profoundly frustrating.
However, working for a few years as a copy clerk, a receptionist, an office boy, a customer service representative, or whatever, does not condemn you to a permanent career in that position. When I turned 25 and found myself working as a receptionist, I was profoundly depressed. I was certain that I would be stuck in that chair with a headset forever. It may take a year or two, but you certainly can transition into something else if that’s what you want.
Now, here’s what I really wish that I’d known… If the less-than-entry-level jobs are virtually unavoidable when you have just finished college, use them to your advantage. So, you have to be a receptionist/copy clerk/customer support rep for a year or so; make the most of it. Take a job in a field that interests you. Use your time to be exposed to the jargon, attitudes, and daily vibe of the field. Sure, you may have limited exposure, but every little bit counts.
While you’re answering phones, you’re also meeting people in the field who will be invaluable contacts later on.
While you’re transcribing dictation, you’re learning the terminology used in the field.
While you’re numbering legal documents, you’re seeing how a court case is supported.
For example, I worked for a few years at a law firm, a field that had never held much interest for me. I almost put myself into law school, in large part because of some experience and a glowing recommendation from a partner in the firm. (Why I didn’t go is a long story; suffice it to say that I’m glad I didn’t do it.)
Law-firm Lisa, circa 1993
Want another story? My husband applied to a number of architecture schools without much success a year or so after graduation. The following year, he worked as an office boy at an architecture firm (while working as a barista on the weekends). The combination of resources for creating a more sophisticated portfolio and references from within the field produced a completely different experience the second time he applied: he had a number of excellent choices for school.
Okay, one more that doesn’t involve graduate school. After parting ways with the law firm, I decided that I wanted to be a technical writer in high tech. My year of purgatory as a receptionist was unsurpassed in misery, but I transferred straight out of that into the job I wanted and soon thereafter into a company where everyone wanted to work.
My primary regret now is that I didn’t do those peon jobs in fields that fascinated me. Why not be a receptionist at an art museum? How about a translation company or one that did language classes? There was a world out there that I didn’t reach out and grab, and I regret it.
Now that I have job experience, my job searches are different. It is unnecessary for me to take an entry level job to get where I want to go. And my liberal arts education certainly is an excellent asset when it’s paired with experience. I wouldn’t have it any other way.
But for you, O recent college graduate, do your drudgery but make it count… Pick the field and then the job; I certainly wish that I had.
Thanks, Lisa! The recommendation to find an entry-level job in a field that interests you is spot-on. I wish I had done this, too. For more advice about starting a career, check out:
Look for a second guest-post from Lisa in mid-July.
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Frugal green living is important for everyone because environmental issues affect all of us, not just the people who can afford to be eco-conscious.
Plus the concept of frugal green means you are saving money! And that is always helpful.
This is why I created this blog, to help people save money, find financial freedom, and have choices in life.
Reducing your carbon footprint is one of the greatest gifts you can give to yourself and the planet.
But how do you save money while also making a difference? It’s possible!
This is why choosing to be frugal green is so important!
These are all frugal ways that I have personally done or heard of other people doing as well. They are tried-and-true methods of living a more frugal life, and I hope that you will find them helpful. Plus help the environment at the same time.
This is a win-win situation.
Have you ever wondered how to be environmentally friendly?
Do you want to save money and the environment at the same time?
This article has 91+ frugal green living tips that will help! Let me know which ones are your favorites!
How to save money and be frugal green?
There are many ways to be frugal green and save money while helping the environment.
Plus in the long run living green costs less.
We will cover ideas for your kitchen, car, shopping and so much more. There are many other ways to be frugal green, so find what works best for you and make a difference!
These are ways to live more sustainably while saving money.
Importance of Sustainability and the Environment
You can save money and help the environment without making any major changes to your lifestyle.
Some easy ways to do this include, but are not limited to, changing your habits at home, buying used instead of new, and being more conscious about how you use energy.
Every day you can make the decision to choose to be a thrifty person.
Top 10 Best Frugal Green Living Tips
In order to save money and be more environmentally friendly, try some of these tips:
1. Reduce your use of plastics. This means bringing your own bags to the grocery store, refusing straws when you order drinks, and not using disposable utensils or plates.
2. Make Recycling a Priority. Recycling is important, and everyone should do their part to make it a part of their everyday routine. It’s not just for plastics and paper- there are many different things that can be recycled. By taking small steps like bringing a reusable coffee mug, we can all make a big difference in the long run.
3. Ride a bike or walk instead of driving. Not only is this better for the environment, but it’s also a great way to get some exercise.
4. Do the “green thing” and buy things secondhand! When you’re considering your lifestyle choices, buying things secondhand is a great way to do the “green thing.” You can save money and help reduce the amount of waste that goes into landfills.
5. Only buy what you need. Many times we buy things out of convenience or wants. Truly evaluate whether the purchase is necessary or if you can save money by buying used.
6. Compost as much as possible. Not only does this help reduce waste, but it also helps create nutrient-rich soil for plants.
7. Consider your carbon footprint. Americans use a tremendous amount of resources and impact the planet in many ways. We consume a lot of energy, materials, and water. Our lifestyles have a big environmental impact. There are many ways to be frugal and environmentally conscious, including recycling and reducing food waste.
8. Cut Out Paper and Plastic Waste. One way to be more frugal and green is to reduce the amount of paper and plastic waste you produce. Technology has greatly improved in many ways to cut down on plastic and paper consumption, so take advantage.
9. Think Before You Throw Away and Buy New. We are way too quick to toss things and replace them without even thinking. Next time before you throw it into the landfill, think about how you can reuse, repurpose, or give away the item.
10. Upcycle. The concept of upcycling has gained popularity in the past years. It is a simple way of taking something ugly and worn down, putting some TLC into it, and making it into something beautiful.
Related Reading: Top 10 Influential Frugal Living Tips with a Big Impact
Being frugal and being environmentally conscious may not always go hand in hand.
In some cases, you may have to make a choice between buying an eco-friendly item that is more expensive or sticking with a cheaper, non-sustainable option.
However, many of the aims of frugal families link to eco-friendly living.
Below are simple sustainable products to consider buying instead of their wasteful counterpart.
Reusable food bags are a great way to reduce your environmental impact while also saving money.
There are a variety of different types of food grade eco-friendly bags on the market today. They are made of safe, eco-friendly materials that will not harm the environment and they are lead-free, chloride-free, and BPA free.
Bamboo straws are a great eco-friendly alternative to plastic straws.
They are compostable, meaning they will never pollute the environment or harm animals. Bamboo straws are odorless and tasteless, so you can use them with any drink. Reusable bamboo straws make a great addition to your everyday kitchen supplies.
These dish cloths are also super absorbent and work better than microfiber cloths and paper towels for cleaning.
They are made from cellulose, which is a soft material that is gentle on your hands. They can be used for a variety of tasks, such as dishwashing, wiping down counters, and polishing furniture. And they are durable enough to be reused multiple times.
A reusable K-cup is a great way to reduce your environmental impact while enjoying your favorite cup of joe.
Works perfectly in our house! Not only do they help you save money in the long run, but they also allow you to customize your coffee experience like never before. Plus, using a reusable k-cup is an easy way to reduce waste and help preserve our planet.
Frugal Green in the Kitchen & Table
There are a number of ways to save money and be frugal green in your kitchen.
Use a Reusable Coffee Mug. So simple and easy to do. Pick your favorite up here.
Skip plastic straws. This is a simple thing to do for the environment. Buy reusable straws. And don’t forget the cleaning brush (hint… the cleaning brush will save you from throwing away your reusable straws.)
Skip the Paper Plates and Plastic Utensils. You will be shocked to see the waste this creates. Invest in quality dishes you like and don’t be afraid to wash them up.
Invest in a Water Filter. If you’re looking for ways to improve your diet and save money, consider investing in a water filter. We upgraded to an under-the-sink mount water filter and it was the BEST choice ever! This is the exact one we bought.
Cook at Home. Making your own meals can save you a lot of money in the long run. You’ll be surprised at how much money you can save by cooking simple meals yourself.
Grow a Kitchen Garden. One way to reduce your food costs is to grow some of your own fruits and vegetables. You can start with a kitchen garden, which is a small plot of land near your house where you can plant fruits, vegetables, and herbs. if you don’t have space, check out these Aerogardens.
Stop Using Plastic Wrap. To reduce your reliance on plastic wrap is to invest in some beeswax food wraps. These work just as well as plastic wrap, but because they’re made of natural materials, you can reuse them over and over again!
Air dry dishes. This is because air-drying dishes use less energy than running a dishwasher and takes up less time.
Stick With Instant Pot. When you’re cooking, try to use a microwave or pressure cooker instead of your oven. Ovens produce a lot of heat and use up a lot of energy, so using these other appliances will help conserve resources. This is the Instant Pot/Air Fryer Combo I love (and use ALL.THE.TIME)!
Frugal Green Cooking & Menu Plan
This may not seem as environmentally conscious as other areas, however, it will help your wallet more.
Buy produce at the local market. Fruits and vegetables tend to be cheaper at the market than they are at the grocery store, so this is a great way to save some cash while also doing your part for the environment. Plus you save on the costs of trucking in the produce and support local.
Join a CSA. These community-supported agricultures have become popular ways for consumers to buy local and seasonal food directly from the farm. You normally have a dollar amount buy-in or a certain number of hours worked for food.
Enjoy Organic Foods. Organic foods may be worth the extra cost – organic food has a higher nutritional value than conventional food, plus it’s better for the environment because it doesn’t require pesticides or chemical fertilizers.
Go Meatless. Americans, on average, eat twice the recommended amount of meat. Meat production is one of the leading causes of greenhouse gas emissions and climate change. Consider your carbon footprint when making dietary decisions.
Shop Grocery Weekly Ads. Start by looking out for food sales at the grocery store. This can help you save money while also being more mindful of the environmental impact your food choices have.
Meal Plan. One great way to save money on groceries is to plan your meals ahead of time. This allows you to be more strategic in your shopping and can help you avoid buying items that you don’t need.
Use Leftovers. When you’re cooking a meal, always cook a little more than you need. This way, you’ll have leftovers that can be used to make another meal or stored in a glass jar for later use.
Pantry Challenge Time! One way to save money on your groceries is to consider doing a pantry cleanse. This means eating all the foods in your pantry that are sitting there. Then, only buy groceries that you know you’ll use. This can help you avoid overspending and wasting food.
Skip Pre-Made or Boxed Mixes. Making your own is a more affordable option, as pre-made or boxed mixes can be expensive. There are many recipes online that are healthy and affordable, and by planning ahead you can save time and money.
Shop the Perimeter of the Grocery Store. A lot of people want to save money and be more environmentally friendly, but don’t know where to start. One way to do both is to try to stick to the perimeter of the grocery store. This means avoiding the center aisles, where most processed foods and extra packaging are found.
Buy Generic Brands. Generic brands are less expensive than their name-brand counterparts. This is because generic brands do not have the same marketing and advertising costs as name-brand products. Many times the quality is the same or better!
Key Frugal Green Ideas While Shopping
These are environmentally friendly ways to improve your shopping habits. Many people may call this frugal minimalism.
Donate First. It’s easy to just dispose of something when it’s no longer needed, but sometimes that thing could be reused or recycled. For example, if you have an old TV that isn’t being used, try selling it or donating it before throwing it away. There are a lot of people who might need your old TV, and you can get some money for it if you sell it.
Buy Refurbished. On the other hand, if you’re in the market for a new TV, think about buying one that is refurbished instead of buying a brand-new one. Refurbished electronics often come with the same warranty as new ones and cost way less than buying a brand-new model.
Try Fixing First. Just because something is broken doesn’t mean you have to throw it away! Many times, things can be fixed very easily and cheaply. If your electronic device is leaking toxic chemicals, however, you should definitely not try to fix it yourself–take it to a professional recycler instead.
Reuse your own grocery bags. This will save both money and the environment, as disposable grocery bags often end up in landfills. Also, many stores are now charging for grocery bags, so save a few bucks at the store.
Do not buy new books. You can borrow books from the library or from friends, or you can buy them used. Buying new books wastes resources, and it’s often cheaper to buy them used.
Use the Library. The library has a wealth of books, movies, and music that you can borrow for free. Plus you can find access to tons of digital resources as well.
Shop Second-Hand Stores for your needs. These are great places to find clothes, furniture, and other household items at a fraction of the price.
Stop buying the paper version of the newspaper. Instead, get the daily news online for free. Not only will you save a few bucks each month, but you’ll also help reduce deforestation.
Shop at Sustainable Businesses. Thankfully, many companies focus on being sustainable businesses by making changes from production, to packing to shipping. As a whole, the industry could do better to create less waste. One sustainable company is the Everyone Store.
Think Twice on Gifts. Really consider what someone would want for a gift. Too many times we opt for quick and cheap gifts that are materialistic in nature and never be used. So, consider some of these money gift ideas instead.
Frugal Green Cleaning Products that Are Eco Friendly
You may not be environmentally aware of the hazards of using most cleaning products. In fact, you should check your normal cleaning products with EWG’s database and their standards.
DIY Baking Soda & Vinegar. Using green cleaning products is usually more expensive than traditional ones. Baking soda and vinegar are easy-to-find, cost-effective alternatives to environmentally unfriendly cleaners.
Use Microfiber Cloths. Personally, this is my favorite way to cut the expansive (and not-good-for-you) cleaning products. These microfiber cloths are just as effective at cleaning and will save you money in the long run.
Skip the Disposable Rags. Use up-cycled rags from old clothes to pick up spills.
Stop Using Air Fresheners. Reduce or eliminate the use of air fresheners, which release harmful chemicals into the air. Plus they are super costly!
Frugal Green & Energy Use in the Laundry Room
Use Detergent Powder. Washing your clothes in a washing powder uses less water than liquid tabs, which come in more plastic packaging. Also, the powder is a much better environmental solution and better for your body. This is the detergent powder we use and love (and those I recommended it to love it as well)!
Sniff Test. Implement the sniff test and only wash clothes when they fail the sniff test. Beware of this recommendation with teenagers!
Line Dry Clothes. Additionally, line drying clothes throughout the year can save a ton on your energy bill! Plus your clothes do not wear as quickly.
Watch Your Hot, Wash in Cold. One easy way to save money on your household bills is to reduce the amount of hot water you use. Heating water takes up a large percentage of the energy used in households, so by washing your clothes in cold water, you can cut down on your energy usage significantly.
Frugal Green in the Bathroom & Morning Routine
Use Less Shampoo or Soap. In order to save money on your grocery bill, you can use less shampoo than is recommended. If everyone did this, it would result in significant monetary and plastic savings.
Turn the water off while brushing your teeth. It is important to turn the tap off while brushing teeth in order to conserve water. Many people forget to do this, and as a result, millions of gallons of water are wasted every year.
If it’s yellow, let it mellow. If the toilet water is yellow, it’s ok to let it mellow. You don’t have to flush to turn it off every time. Thanks to auto-flush toilets in most places this is very common for people to forget to flush at home.
Take Cooler Showers. This may not be everyone’s favorite. But take a cool shower rather than a piping hot shower. Most of the energy used is the hot water heater warming up the water.
Use Every Last Drop! There are a few ways to get the most out of your products and conserve them- one way is to leave bottles upside down for a couple of hours after you’ve used them so that you can get the last bit of product out. You can also roll up toothpaste tubes to get the remaining paste out. Here is a great product to help you squeeze every expensive ounce out.
Related Reading: Billionaire Morning Routine: How To Achieve Success In Life
Green Lot with Frugal Green Landscaping
Xeroscape Your Lawn. Lawns are often seen as a status symbol, but they’re actually quite expensive and environmentally damaging. They require large amounts of water, fertilizer, and pesticides to maintain, which can leach into the groundwater and pollute the environment.
Change Mowing Schedule. Additionally, lawn mowing emits greenhouse gases that contribute to climate change.
Water Less Often. While this sounds great in theory, you may not be able to fully switch to xeriscaping your yard. If you can’t switch, then check out this Rachio to lessen your dependence on water.
Frugal Green Home Ownership
There are many ways to save money and be more environmentally conscious at the same time when owning a home.
Your home is probably one of your biggest expenses, so it’s important to take measures to conserve energy and save money. Plus there are many ways to reduce the amount of energy your home consumes!
Home Improvement Math. When considering whether or not to make an improvement to your home in order to reduce your carbon footprint, always do the math to see if the improvement will actually pay for itself. Sometimes it will and sometimes it won’t so be sure to weigh all of the options before making a decision.
Downsize Your Home. If you live in a large house, consider moving into a smaller one. This will help you save on your energy bill and make your home more efficient.
Install low-flow fixtures. One way is to install low-flow fixtures, such as showerheads and faucets. This will reduce your energy use and, in turn, your monthly bills. You can also save water by taking shorter showers.
Hang UV Blocking Curtains. By stopping the sun from heating up your house with curtains during the day, you can save on cooling costs in the summer. Using UV blocking curtains is something we did and notice a significant difference in the summer and winter.
Run Appliances with Full Loads Only. Wait until you have a full load of dishes or laundry before running the dishwasher or washing machine. You would be surprised at the amount of energy and water it takes to run those appliances.
Be Reasonable with Air Conditioning Temperature. In the summer, don’t crank up the air conditioning to save on your energy bill. You can also set your thermostat a couple of degrees higher in the summer to save money. Also, you may want to start cooling your house earlier in the day to prevent your AC unit from working overtime and consuming more energy.
Program Your Winter Heating Temperature. In the UK, A/C is not as common as it is in other countries. Central heating is used more often and is set to a lower room temperature for the summer and a higher room temperature for the winter. This is because people want to save on their energy bills.
Open Windows to Cool House. When the weather is nice, open your windows to allow for natural cooling. This is a simple and cheap way to cool your house. Especially after a nice cool thunderstorm.
Buy Energy Efficient Appliances. Energy-efficient models might be more expensive in the short term, but they will save you money in the long run and help reduce your environmental impact. However, these products should only be bought when the older model is worn out–don’t replace something just because it’s energy-efficient!
Replace Windows. On the one hand, it’s a great idea to replace your windows with more energy-efficient models if you’re staying in your home for many years. However, if you plan on moving within a few years, it might not be worth the investment. You’ll need to weigh the cost of the windows against how much money you’ll save on your monthly energy bill.
Get a programmable thermostat. Programmable thermostats are a great way to save money on your energy bill. You can set them to turn off or down when you’re not at home, or during times of the day when you don’t need as much heating or cooling.
Look for Energy Leakage. The typical older home has enough energy leakage that it’s the equivalent of leaving your front door open all year long. You can combat this by installing weather stripping and caulking around doors and windows and adding insulation to your attic. Most utility companies offer an energy audit.
Weatherize your Home. Weatherizing your home is a great way to improve energy efficiency and save money on your energy bills. There are many things you can do this and varies on the area of the world you live in.
Sustainable Frugal Green Transportation
Ditch the Car Completely. One of the biggest expenses for many people is their car. Whether you’re paying for car payments, insurance, gas, or maintenance, it can be a lot of money. You can eliminate this expense by ditching the keys and taking public transportation. Not only will you save money on your monthly expenses, but you’ll also help the environment!
Buy Hybrid Cars. Hybrids cars are expensive but they could help you save money on fuel in the long run – hybrids tend to have lower emissions than conventional cars. So, it might be time to say bye to that beater car.
Drive Less and Play Your Route. Driving less is the biggest way to reduce fuel-guzzling trips. Take it a step further with UPS research on their strategic delivery methods and focus on making only right-hand turns.
Carpool Whenever Possible. carpooling is a much more green choice than driving alone.
Look Into Car Sharing. When you only need a car occasionally, or for short trips, it might be more convenient and affordable to use a car-sharing service. Car-sharing services offer the opportunity to have access to wheels when you need them, and they’re flexible and convenient for short trips.
Invest in Electric Scooter. This mode of transportation is the uber-popular. You don’t need cash for gas, money for registration fees, and completely reliable to get around quickly. Check out the best electric scooters on the market.
Ride a Bike. A commuter bike is much cheaper than a car. Plus you get the added benefits of exercise and no carbon waste. Or upgrade to an E-bike.
Telecommute. If you can do your work remotely, then telecommute more often than not. This will save on transportation costs as well as pollution.
Walk More Often. Plan your day around being able to walk places that take under 30 minutes to get there. Then, it is better to walk than drive. Plus you can hit your 10000 steps quicker. It is a triple for the win – health benefits, free exercise, and fresh air!
Don’t Run Your Engine Unnecessarily. Leaving your engine running unnecessarily while stationary can waste fuel and cause environmental damage. Make sure to turn your engine off when you’re not moving to save money and help the planet!
Drive More Efficient. When it comes to saving fuel, one of the best ways is to drive more slowly and efficiently. This will help you save petrol or diesel and reduce your carbon footprint. For example, slowly put your foot on the accelerate to maintain a speed.
Frugal Green Budgeting Per Month
Choose To Save Rather Than Spend. Every tie you actively choose to save your money rather than spend it. You help the environmental impact. We have plenty of popular money saving challenges to help you save more money today.
Pay Bills Online. When you pay bills online, you can save a lot of time, space, and money. You can also save paper by paying your bills online–instead of receiving paper statements in the mail, you can access them online.
Find Free Things to Do. This one is a win-win for frugality environmentalism. Focus on finding activities from this list of things to do with no money. Many of them are already frugal green wins.
Opt for Paperless. And finally, if you pay your bills online, you may automatically receive discounts on some of your monthly bills! Many companies now charge a $2-5 paper statement to be mailed.
Focus on Financial Independence. This may seem like a crazy idea, but it is true. The more you save, the faster you reach financial independence. In fact, this is with the Frugalwoods decided to be frugal in the first place.
Follow Simple Frugal Living Green Ideas – Way to Go Green
Reduce, reuse, recycle. This old mantra is more important than ever in today’s world. By recycling everything you can, you can help conserve resources and keep waste out of landfills.
Your Mindset is Everything. Just like with anything, if you decide to commit yourselves to become environmentally aware, then you are likely to succeed. You don’t have to become extremely frugal overnight. You just have to remember that mindset is everything in this process.
Turn off electronics when not in use. This includes televisions, computers, and other appliances. By turning them off, you’re conserving energy (and saving money). Plus some older appliances might be fire hazards if left plugged in.
Stop Junk Mail. One way to reduce the amount of junk mail you receive is to go through your postal mail and ask to be removed from lists you’re not interested in. This can be done by contacting the Direct Marketing Association (DMA) or specific companies that send you unsolicited mail.
Grab a Sweatershirt or Blanket when Cold. Instead of automatically adjusting the programmable thermostat higher, you can also save by wearing a sweater or using a blanket. Maybe turn on the fireplace before putting the heating on.
Invest in Renewable Energy. In today’s world, it is more important than ever to invest in renewable energy. There are many reasons for this:
First and foremost, using renewable energy helps to reduce our dependence on fossil fuels, which are finite and contribute to climate change.
Renewable energy also creates jobs and supports local businesses.
And finally, investing in renewables reduces our greenhouse gas emissions, helping to fight climate change.
In the long run, renewable energy can save you money and reduce emissions by providing power more reliably, often more cheaply than a traditional power source.
Are You Ready Live Life Frugal Green?
Living a more frugal lifestyle is good for the environment because it costs less.
It doesn’t take much to make small changes in your life that will have a big impact on the planet. For example, consume less and you’ll be doing the most earth-friendly thing you can do.
There are dozens of ways to save money and be more environmentally conscious which we covered in this post.
Being frugal and being green often go hand in hand.
However, most people lose steam after just a couple of weeks. So, do not attempt to do each frugal green living habit.
Pick your top 3 with the biggest impact.
Add one another 1-3 frugal living tips every month or so.
Over time, you will be surprised to see how easy it is to live frugal green, while also helping you to save money while also protecting the environment.
You can be the frugal green girl or gal with a few of these simple habits. Or choose to follow a frugal blog or frugal forum.
Know someone else that needs this, too? Then, please share!!
Housing and transportation may be the top line items in a typical family budget, but the cost of meals and groceries can also be significant. In fact, food prices increased 8.5% between March 2022 and March 2023, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics’ most recent Consumer Price index report. While all consumers are impacted by price hikes, families in particular may be feeling the pinch at checkout.
If you have a larger family, creating a budget can help keep you from overspending at the grocery store. But how much should you allocate for food each month? Keep reading to learn more about creating a grocery budget for a family of five.
Average Grocery Budget for American Family of Five
When coming up with your grocery budget, it helps to first understand how much you can expect to spend on food. The average household spends roughly $438 per month or $5,259 per year, on at-home food, according to the most recent statistics available from the Bureau of Labor Statistics.
But how much should you budget for groceries if you have a family of five? A good starting point is the USDA’s food plans, which include four spending levels: thrifty, low-cost, moderate-cost, and liberal. According to the latest food plan available, here’s what a family of five should plan to spend on groceries:
Spending level
Cost per month
Cost per year
Thrifty
$922
$11,064
Low-cost
$991
$11,892
Moderate-cost
$1,233
$14,796
Liberal
$1,488
$17,856
Source: USDA food plans
How Much to Budget for Groceries Per Person
How much a family of five end up budgeting for groceries depends on a number of factors, like how much the store charges, the type and amount of food purchased, and whether they use a grocery delivery service.
Want to figure out how much to allocate in your food budget for each family member? You can refer to the USDA food plans above for a general idea of monthly and yearly costs, and divide the amounts by the number of members of your family. You can also look at the last three to six months of your family’s grocery bills and calculate a monthly average. Divide that amount by the number of members of your family.
Once you see how much you’re actually spending per person each month, you can adjust your budget accordingly.
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How to Prioritize Your Grocery Spending
When you’re feeding a large family, you want to make the most of your grocery list. The best way to prioritize your food spending is to create a monthly budget and stick to it. Having a plan in place makes it easier to curb grocery store splurges.
If you’re new to budgeting, you may want to use the 50/30/20 rule. This framework calls for earmarking 50% of your monthly after-tax income on things you need (such as food, housing, and transportation), 30% on things you want (such as a new outfit or tickets to a concert), and 20% on savings and debt repayment.
Another helpful tool to consider is a budget planner app, which allows you to easily set spending and savings goals and monitor your progress.
How to Stay Within Your Grocery Budget
Staying on top of a grocery budget can be challenging, especially when you have a larger family. The following tips can help:
Don’t Shop When You’re Hungry
When your stomach is grumbling in the middle of the grocery store, chances are you’re more likely to give in to cravings. This may leave you with a cart full of impulse buys, which could add to your overall cost.
Make a Shopping List
Writing down everything you need before you start shopping is a good way to ensure you only pick up the items you need and are in your budget.
Embrace Meal Planning
Create a weekly menu ahead of time so that when you hit the store, you know exactly what ingredients to buy. If your finances allow, consider reserving a small chunk of the budget so that each family member can pick out a treat for that week.
Recommended: How to Create a Budget in 6 Steps
How to Budget for Restaurants and Dining Out
While eating at home can be more cost effective than dining out, many memories are made at restaurants. If your family is planning to have meals out, how much should you expect to spend?
The average American household spends $3,030 on dining out, according to the most recent data available from the Bureau of Labor Statistics. However, larger families should expect to spend more.
Tips for Reducing Your Grocery Budget
Looking to lower your grocery bill? Consider these simple strategies:
• Buy in bulk
• Shop at discount retailers
• Choose generic brands
• Meal prep for the week
• Shop sales
• Join rewards programs
• Use coupons
• Use a credit card that earns cash back rewards
Tips for Getting Help If You Can’t Afford to Buy Groceries
Families that are struggling to pay for food have several government resources they can turn to for help. Food stamps (also referred to as SNAP benefits), the WIC program, school meal programs, and food assistance programs are all worth looking into. Depending on the program, you may need to meet certain criteria, such as an income limit, in order to be eligible.
Examples of the Cost of Common Groceries
As anyone who has stepped foot in a grocery store lately can attest, food costs are going up. But just how much depends largely on where you live. Still, it can be helpful to understand national prices so you can prepare your food budget accordingly. Below is the national average of six common items, according to an NBC News analysis of NielsenIQ data.
Average Cost of Groceries in 2022
Orange juice (60 oz.)
$4.01
Chicken eggs (dozen)
$4.05
Chicken breast/lb
$3.90
Fresh ground beef/lb
$5.96
Bacon (16 oz.)
$5.39
Loaf of bread
$3.27
How to Stretch Your Grocery Budget
Stretching a grocery budget requires careful planning. A few places to start: planning meals for the week, taking advantage of weekly ads and local deals, and shopping at more affordable grocery stores. Savvy shoppers can even design meals around the discounts and coupons being offered at the more affordable grocery stores.
Another strategy is to buy in bulk where it makes sense. Purchasing larger amounts of staples like rice, flour, and paper products can provide a better bang for your grocery buck.
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The Takeaway
Food is a major expense for most Americans, but perhaps more so for larger families. Creating a budget can help keep costs in check. On average, a family of five spends anywhere from $922 to $1,488 a month on groceries, according to USDA monthly food plans. If you’re looking to curb your spending, consider meal planning, buying in bulk, and shopping at more affordable grocery stores. If you need help paying for groceries, government programs like SNAP benefits and WIC can provide support.
To make budgeting for groceries and other expenses easier, consider using a money tracker app. The SoFi Insights app connects all of your accounts in one convenient dashboard. From there, you can see all of your balances, spending breakdowns, and credit score monitoring, plus you can get other valuable financial insights.
Stay up to date on your finances by seeing exactly how your money comes and goes.
FAQ
What is a realistic grocery budget for a family of five?
Depending on how much you have to spend on food, a realistic grocery budget for a family of five may range anywhere from $922 to $1,488 a month on groceries, according to USDA monthly food plans. To determine how much your family should spend each month, consider adding up the last three to six months of grocery bills and finding the monthly average.
How can a family of five save money on groceries?
There are steps a family of five can take to save on groceries, including meal planning, taking advantage of coupons and weekly deals, and making a shopping list ahead of time. Those strategies allow families to spend more mindfully and, ideally, lower their grocery bill.
What is a reasonable grocery budget?
The average American household spends $5,259 per year on groceries, according to the most recent statistics available from the Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Photo credit: iStock/seb_ra
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This reader story come from SB, a regular reader and commenter on GRS. SB writes about personal finance and personal development topics at One Cent at a Time.
Some reader stories contain general advice; others are examples of how a GRS reader achieved financial success or failure. These stories feature folks with all levels of financial maturity and income.
This is my second guest post at this blog. I am grateful to J.D. and his team’s humble gesture in allowing me to do it. I hope to provide the same value regular writers of this blog provide to you.
My grandmother was nearly illiterate, born and reared in rural India during the British occupation of the country. At the age of 14, she was abducted by the British army (later released), which ultimately caused her to marry early at the age of 16. She couldn’t complete school beyond basic education. Still, she became a very wise woman and mastered many skills.
My aunt happened to write down some of my grandmother’s home-remedy techniques from her narration. Recently, my cousin forwarded me a soft copy of that compilation. I’ll mention a few common symptoms and their natural cures, all at a fraction of the cost of medicine. But before that, let me tell you why I find home-based cures so beneficial.
The Benefits of Home Remedies
Drugs contain unnatural substances and chemicals, which are foreign elements to our body. Natural remedies, on the other hand, are not synthetic molecules like drugs; they are made of living organisms which we eat anyway.
Some drugs act as a manipulator and force the brain to think differently — an example is an anti-depressant. The problem with this is, the moment you stop taking the drug, the symptoms often recur.
Natural remedies have fewer side effects compared to prescription drugs, as drugs tend to alter the chemical and hormonal balance of our body.
Natural remedies are available at a fraction of the cost of prescription drugs. Your grocery bill will cover them.
The Benefits of Prescription Drugs
It is important to remember that most drugs are developed by studying the natural cures and identifying ingredients which actually affect the symptoms. Still, prescription drugs are more useful under most circumstances. They work faster. We can’t afford to be bedridden for days and hope for natural cures to work someday. Life is tough and we must get well sooner.
We don’t have time to be sick. Prescription drugs provide the quickest recovery. They start fighting the bacteria and antibodies as soon as we take them. You may argue that we take chemically altered substances every day, be it the milk or the apple, or even the chicken. They have pesticides, growth hormones and God knows what.
An Introduction to Home Remedies
My grandmother was raised in a 100 percent organic environment. With near zero pollution, she ate healthy, farm-harvested food. Since childhood, I took medicines almost for any illness; rarely was I given a natural cure, except honey and basil leaves for a cold. Our bodies are used to chemicals anyway; therefore, natural remedies may not work the way they worked for our grandparents. Still, there is no harm in detoxifying our bodies to the extent we can, over time. My grandmother’s advice may help to accomplish that goal.
Here are some excerpts from the treasure I was handed recently.
Acidity: Acidity is caused by excess acid secretion from the gastric gland, the acid which is used for digestion.
Chew a piece of clove, and take some time to swallow. It provides instant relief.
Another immediate relief is to eat a small cup of yogurt.
For more sustainable relief, drink warm water every day early in the morning.
Drink coconut water regularly.
Mix a few drops of honey in water to drink.
If you know what a jaggery is, suck a small cube of it after lunch/dinner.
A glass of water with a teaspoon of soda can also provide immediate cure.
A couple of pieces of dates can also give you instant relief.
Backache: If you happen to work in a chair, you may have this symptom already. As a software professional, I have had backaches for the last few years. The natural cure is garlic. Eat a couple of cloves of garlic every day.
Prepare an ointment by frying a few cloves of garlic in olive oil, strain and let it cool. Apply to your back every day.
Indian masala tea can be a cure too — the one with cloves or ginger. Take it daily. (Two cups of masala tea can boost your energy as well, which is a low-cost replacement of Red Bull or 5-Hour Energy drinks.)
Eating oranges, lemons and berries can reduce the pain over time.
Drinking water with a tablespoon of honey can make your day pain-free as well.
Cough and cold: When allergens or viral infections cause an inflammation in the upper respiratory tract, we get cough and cold. Here is a less-costly alternative to Tylenol or Excedrin. (This is a remedy I learned in childhood: My mother used to give me a teaspoon of honey and a few basil leaves –Indian Tulsi — to chew. To get instant relief from congestion of nasal passages, she used to heat water with some cloves, cardamoms and cinnamon sticks and peppercorns.)
A soup with a lot of garlic in it can also bring relief.
Cut okra into small pieces and boil it, inhale the steam to get relief as well.
Take a hot-water bath when you catch a cold.
Migraine: This is caused by a contraction of blood vessels in the head. It can be caused by stress, lack of sleep, anxiety, nicotine and alcohol consumption.
Concentrated grape juice can bring relief.
For a more sustainable remedy, put tomatoes and cabbage into your daily salad.
A daily dose of garlic can treat this symptom as well.
Grind cabbage leaves and apply to the affected area for relief.
When migraines occur, excuse yourself from work. Find a dark room and lie down. Exposure to sunlight may cause the migraine to intensify.
Per my grandmother, even if the migraine is in the back of your head, applying sandalwood powder on the forehead can cause blood vessels to function properly. You may have seen Indian religious workers applying a patch of sandalwood powder on the forehead throughout the day. It’s an age-old practice.
Snoring: I am afflicted with this disease for sure. My wife says I am the worst offender and she can’t sleep because of my snoring, so I have started following these tactics already.
Stop smoking. Smoking causes more mucus formation around the throat.
Go to the gym. Weight loss can even end snoring.
Alcohol increases snoring. (When you drink, you’d better sleep in a separate room!)
Sleep side-wise rather than on your back.
Avoid heavy meals before going to bed.
Stop eating oily/spicy foods at dinner.
Maintain a regular sleep schedule, and don’t sleep during the day.
Wash the bed sheets and pillow covers frequently, and even change your pillow after a few months. The dust and allergens can accumulate on them, causing nasal passage blocks.
Stress: It’s amazing that stress was a concern even 60 years ago in a rural village. Here is her wisdom, which may reduce stress because you’re saving money. But more than the money saved, the main point here is reducing the dependence on synthetic drugs.
Chewing Indian basil (Tulsi) leaves every day is the best natural cure.
Yoga and Dhyana (meditation) can also cure this.
Milk and almonds in the morning keep you fresh and energetic.
Bad eating, oily foods, eating meals quickly, and drinking alcohol may cause depression over time. One of her tips to cure stress is to “love everybody and everything”!
Applying betel leaves on your forehead can ease your tension.
A few ingredients which are repeated here (and in the rest of the natural cures my grandmother used but which I don’t mention here) are mint, honey, water and garlic. Have sufficient supply of these items at your home, if you plan to follow the tips.
Also, another synergy I can see here is the morning drinking and eating habits. If you start your day the right way, the rest of your day should follow that lead and keep you upbeat.
Readers, even if you rely on these natural remedies, when the situation warrants it, there’s no alternative to a doctor and the prescription medicine. You need to know when to rely on home remedies and when to go to a doctor. Don’t ignore your doctor for a bit.
Finding ways to save money takes a great deal of time. Matching up coupons with local sales, finding products online through advertisement, joining discount clubs, and discussing shopping tips with friends all consume time throughout the week. Here are a few tips to help you save money on your grocery bill.
Buy in Bulk
Buying in bulk can be misleading if you would not typically consume a large quantity of a product, but if you do use a lot of a product such as toilet paper, paper towels, shampoo, conditioner, coffee, or dry goods then it may be beneficial to buy in bulk. Bulk prices are comparable to many sale prices and buying direct can save even more. The biggest savings will come with time. If you plan to shop for these items you use continuously throughout the month then buying enough to last 30 to 60 days will reduce the time and cost of shopping each week.
Many online stores offer better prices in bulk and shipping cost is minimal, often less than the cost of time and fuel you would spend to drive to the store on numerous occasions. One example is shopping online at Meijer. Meijer offers thousands of popular items for delivery and even provides sale items on a weekly basis. Promotions are offered to encourage special savings with online sales. Percent off discounts, free shipping promotions, and better pricing methods help to offset the cost of shipping if it is not free. Other stores offer online shopping as well such as Sam’s Club, Wal-mart, Albertsons (select locations), Peapod (select locations), and AULSuperstore.
Plan Ahead
Plan ahead if you are going to shop weekly or online. Just because you still have half a bottle of ketchup doesn’t mean you shouldn’t buy any this week. Plan to buy products in advance while they are on sale or when you have a coupon. This will reduce the need to run out for just a few items and it will also reduce your long-term cost of food. If you don’t have a large pantry area in your home or apartment you can purchase storage containers to fit under your bed, in your closet, or even a storage cabinet for your garage. Keeping items you have purchased in a safe location is key to keeping your items usable. Make sure canned foods are in a safe location where they will not get dented or rust and keep dry foods such as cereal and cake mixes in a temperature controlled area.
Rotate Your Stock
Working on a first-in first-out basis doesn’t always work. You have to keep track of the dates of your products so you are not purchasing items when they are less expensive and never using the items. Mixes such as for cakes, pancakes, and muffins typically have long shelf lives, but don’t get carried away and buy too many. If these products expire you may encounter mold growth that can be harmful if eaten by someone who is allergic.
When you are putting items in your pantry you need to bring the older items to the front and check the dates of the items in your cabinet. If you do this continuously then you will be aware of items with close expiration dates and you will also be able to tell if you need to purchase more or less of an item. You may find that an occasional item has found its way into your pantry 10 times and you only consume the product once or twice a year.
Keeping track of what you have and what you need will help to reduce the cost of your grocery bill by eliminating the unneeded items from your list. This money can be used for more necessary groceries.
Prepare your Produce
Getting plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables is essential for a healthy lifestyle, but buying produce once a week or once every two weeks can be difficult to maintain. If you purchase products requiring preparation such as washing, peeling, or slicing, then you should prepare those within a day of purchase. Wash lettuce and place in a lettuce crisper, rinse apples and place in the refrigerator, wash grapes and broccoli and store in air tight containers in the refrigerator, and slice peppers for their intended purpose (i.e. stir fry, etc.).
Preparing produce in advance will help you during the week when you are rushed to prepare breakfast, pack lunches, or make dinner. You can simply pull out the broccoli and toss in a wok with a little water or you can grab a bag of grapes to quickly add to your lunch. Having access to your fruits and veggies that are ready to be used will encourage you to consume them and waste less. The less food we waste the less of a cost our grocery bill will be.
Use Your Freezer For More Than Processed Foods
Often freezers are packed full of frozen, preprocessed, ready-to-microwave meals, but it can be used for more than that. Buying meat such as chicken, hamburger, and steak while it is on sale can greatly reduce your grocery bill. Meat is on sale frequently especially around the holidays. Take into consideration how many pounds your family will consume each week then determine the amount in 3 or 6 months. Purchase that amount of meat when the product is on sale and prepare it for freezing when you arrive home.
Hamburger and fish are often ready to use right out of the store package and can be frozen as is, but chicken and other poultry need to be rinsed well before you use it. To save time, and ultimately money, prepare your chicken within two days of purchase. Rinse the chicken in cold water, remove any fat or unwanted pieces and discard, cut up the chicken for different meals (chunks or strips for stir fry, breast for baking, tenderloin strips for grilling, etc.). Then you can freeze the meat using a FoodSaver Vacuum Sealing System.
According to product claims, the FoodSaver saves up to $2700 per year based on buying in bulk, buying on sale, and not wasting food. Once the chicken is frozen you can quickly grab a bag out of your freezer, thaw it in the microwave, and cook it for dinner. Steaks can also be processed this way. You can purchase a large cut of meat to divide up for several meals reducing your overall cost of food. Rotate your stock in the freezer and use older items first to reduce waste. Preparing the meat in advance will encourage you to eat at home more, waste less food, and save dinning out for more special occasions.
Saving money on your grocery bill seems more important than ever. With tighter budgets and higher food cost every little bit helps. Once you get into a rhythm of where and when to buy products you will see the cost of your grocery bill decrease and the time you spend on saving decrease. Saving will become second nature and soon enough you will have extra money at the end of the month.
Where you shop does matter. Making purchases of personal items or batteries at the grocery store is just begging to pay too much. When you buy these items at a grocery, you are paying for convenience, and the items are normally marked up. However, non-food items aren’t the purchases that might be overly-expensive at the […]