When it comes to expenses, food is a necessary one. If you’ve already cut back on discretionary spending, like daily coffee runs or monthly manicures, but are still struggling to make ends meet, you may want to look at your grocery bill. While you can’t cut out food completely, you can optimize your spending in a way that works for your budget. Here are a few reasons your grocery bill may be high and some easy ways to reduce your spending.
If you walk into the grocery store without a list in hand, you’re more likely to make impulse purchases. Even if you don’t like to meal prep, draft a basic plan for the week to keep your budget on track. Figure out which days you plan on eating out, if you need lunches to take to work and if you can stretch any meal into leftovers. This will help you limit any purchases made purely for convenience.
Not only does in-season produce taste better – it’s also more wallet-friendly. Brussels sprouts, citrus fruits and squashes are cheapest in winter, while berries, cucumbers and peaches are best enjoyed during summer. Buying produce at a farmers market, where everything is grown locally, is another way to guarantee you’re eating seasonally.
The cost of meat really adds up, especially if you’re eating it more than once a day. You don’t have to go vegan or vegetarian to lower your grocery bill, but buying more plant-based proteins, like beans and tofu, may save you money and can be healthier than always relying on beef and chicken.1
Leftovers aren’t always exciting, but they can cut down your grocery bill substantially and reduce food waste. Instead of making one-time meals, pick out recipes that can be easily stretched and stored for later consumption. This can also limit your time in the kitchen, as you can easily reheat leftovers instead of cooking a whole new meal.
The boldly colored stickers on store shelves advertising “50 percent off” or “buy three, get two free” can be tempting. Unfortunately, deals aren’t worth it if you find yourself throwing away the extra food you bought or letting it languish in your pantry. Avoid taking advantage of deals on fresh food, which can go bad before you use it, and try to look for deals on non-perishable staples you can buy in bulk.
If you’re still struggling to make it through the grocery store without blowing your budget, consider:
Cutting down your grocery bill can save you money, but if you’re still finding it difficult to manage your debt, call the certified credit counselors at American Financial Solutions. We can offer advice and solutions that fit your needs and help you start your journey toward financial success.
Call us today at (888) 864-8548 to get connected with a counselor.
1 https://health.clevelandclinic.org/is-a-plant-based-diet-right-for-you/