"Hmmm, what is she talking about when she says, the food situation", you ask. What I'm talking about here is fast food or delivery or take out. People spend a lot of money on ordering out. You may think eating out only once a week isn't that bad but, that adds up. Say you spend $40.00 a week on restaurant food, what is the yearly total for that. That would equal out tp $1920.00 a year. That is a lot. Why not limit yourself to eating out only once a month instead? Buy what you would normally order out, at the grocery store instead. It would be a lot cheaper. If you order pizza, try buying the things to make it at home. This also gives you the opportunity to allow your child or maybe your spouse to make it with you as a family (quality time). Kids love to help.
Next time you are craving to order out, stop and think first. I know many people do not want to cook after working all day, this is what slow cookers are good for.When you know you are going to have a busy day, throw something in the crock pot before leaving the house in the morning. When you come home it should be ready for you.
When you go to the grocery store bring a list with you. It's better to have a list not only to remind you of what you need to buy but, it also helps you save money at the same time. for you to write a shopping list helps you plan your menus for your meals. Just a tip: They say if you shop around the edges of the grocery store and skip the aisles, it is healthier for you. This helps you from purchasing things you don't really need. Buy items in bulk whenever you can. Buy dried ingredients such as, dried beans, teas, rice, pasta, spices, etc. You can save thousands of dollars a year by shopping in bulk.
Do not buy yourself lunch everyday when you are at work because it is easier. Take a lunch from home, leftovers or make a lunch. You can save at least $1200 a year by taking a lunch everyday. It is also healthier for you. Lets talk about vegetables now. You can save a lot of money by growing your own fruit and vegetables. You would also learn a lot by growing your own. You don't need to be a professional gardener to learn to grow your own veggies. There is sites online if you have any questions about gardening.
http://www.backyardgardener.com/
http://www.thegardenhelper.com/
It's just so much cheaper to purchase a pack of seeds for $3.00 or less than it is to go to the grocery store every week to purchase vegetables. If you don't have a backyard and you do have a patio or balcony , that can work for you. If you plant several plants it is a great idea to freeze and can some of your vegetables and fruit. This gives you the opportunity to enjoy that fresh summer taste year round.
