Most people are aware that a great way to save money on groceries is to focus your shopping on what is listed as on sale in the weekly ad for your local grocery stores and by using coupons.  However, some people get overzealous in their purchasing and end up disposing of outdated items that either expire, like packaged perishable items, or items that lose their freshness quickly, such as produce.  Putting forethought into your shopping and also what you do once you get home from that shopping trip can make a big difference in what you’re putting in the trash or down the disposal after a few weeks.

Saving Money by Paying Attention at the Store

It’s easy to take a sale for what it is-a great bargain, but in some cases, the store is attempting to get rid of what is on their shelves in excess. This can mean expired or soon to be expired products ending up in your cart because you couldn’t resist the deal. It is very important to be conscientious of expiration dates-even on dry packaged items-because they are they for a reason. It can be disappointing to stock up on an item that seemed like a wonderful deal, only to have to throw out the majority of what you bought since it outdated quickly after you bought it. Always weigh the benefit versus the cost-price is a factor, but a deal is only a deal if you’re going to utilize what you’re buying!

Saving Money on Groceries While Saving Time

Most people are aware that a great way to save money on groceries is to focus your shopping on what is listed as on sale in the weekly ad for your local grocery stores. However, some people get overzealous in their purchasing and end up disposing of outdated items that either expire, like packaged perishable items, or items that lose their freshness quickly, such as produce. Putting forethought into your shopping and also what you do once you get home from that shopping trip can make a big difference in what you’re putting in the trash or down the disposal after a few weeks.

Saving Money by Preparing Produce Ahead of Time

One way that my family has utilized great sales on produce items is by buying in bulk, and freezing (in some cases, cooking then freezing) fruits and vegetables. Although it takes about a 30 minute commitment to, say, cut up 30 green peppers into strips for freezing (which I have done!), it is not only a great way to utilize a sale (in my case, 3 peppers for $1). This habit will also make your dinner preparation a breeze for weeks to come! Onions, peppers, carrots, zucchini, green beans, and other vegetables can be easily tossed into a casserole, tomato sauce, stir fry, or taco seasoning as part of a dinner. In terms of freezing fresh fruits, they are great for packing (then thawing) in kids’ lunches, as well as tossing into smoothies, milkshakes, hot oatmeal, etc.

Saving Money and Time by Preparing Meat Ahead of Time

You can also separate out family packs of meat (which generally have a lower price per pound) into freezer bags for portions that best serve your family. There are times where I have cleaned, cubed, or cut chicken into strips before freezing so dinner preparation is even easier. Tossing my frozen cubed chicken in with my frozen vegetables and some teriyaki marinade makes the easiest stir fry! Meal prep can be one of the biggest reasons why parents often opt for restaurant, fast food, or other unhealthy, costly meal options.

Having a marathon prep session will give you no reason to avoid cooking at home, and you’ll save yourself from wasting groceries you have purchased. Sales and discounts are a wonderful way to maximize your family’s grocery budget. Following tips that stretch those dollars even further and prevent them from going into the garbage are important to your success in sticking to your budget and keeping your family happy and well-fed.

by Carly Fortin