Surviving the Recession, Episode 2: Frugal Facts (B)

Eat smart, eat right

You’re doing great! If you missed PART ONE of this article, be sure to check it out. Saving on food means eating right once you get it home; the more money you save, the less need there may be for payday loans in the long run.

• Cook large amounts and freeze extra – Because leftovers and pre-planning meals saves time and money
• Scrape out food jars to use it all – Every little bit helps. Here are some tips on how to do this.
• Cook from scratch – Yes, it takes a little bit more time and skill. But if you have those, cooking from scratch is better for you (avoids excess preservatives) and is cheaper than the pre-packaged convenience that Americans have become dependent upon
• Never eat out – I say never; it’s going to happen at least once in a while. But what you must avoid if you’re trying to save money is developing the habit of eating in restaurants. The convenience and social aspects are fantastic, but you’re paying for more than just the food when you’re there. You’re tipping the server and helping the restaurant keep up with its own expenses AND make a profit
• Eat from your own pantry – You bought it in the first place, so just… eat it!

• Bring lunch from home – Use microwaveable containers and bring leftovers to work
• Eat less – Here’s a revolutionary idea. I know I’m guilty of not doing this, but we should all pay attention to portion sizes. Meals Matter has great ideas about how we can visualize portion sizes in a commonsense way. Remember, treats are OK once in a while, but the average American consumes 300 cans of soda per year. We can do better
• Avoid vending machines – These foods are empty calories that will leave you hungry. Plus, the unit price you pay for items out of a vending machine is much higher than if you’d bought the same thing packaged in a store. You’re paying a convenience fee you don’t need
• Have a meal plan – If you plan ahead, you are much more likely to use your food efficiently and avoid impulse splurges. Make a worksheet if it helps you
• KEEP READING. These tips can help anyone!

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