Save on Your Food Bill – Not just cutting coupons

Food is usually one of the biggest expenses in most people’s budget.  If you are looking to cut back your expenses, a good place to start is by looking at what you are spending on food.  Everyone knows that cutting coupons is a great way to save some cash, but there are other ways to cut back as well.  There are many ways to cut back that will result in saving hundreds, if not thousands.  Here are some hints that will help you save some big bucks over time

1. Cut back on eating out:  According to The Department of Labor, the average American spends 12.4% of their income on food.   And out of that amount, 47% of their food budget is spent on eating out.   An easy way to cut down on your total food bill is to stop eating out so much.  Cook at home more!
2. Skip the drive through and coffee shops:  Spend money at fast food chains and coffee shops?  Skip them and your wallet will thank you.  Make your coffee at home and pack a lunch – you’ll notice you can save $25-$100 a week! 
3. Making Cooking at Home Fun: Plan theme nights – such as Mexican Night or Make your Own Pasta night.  Get the whole family involved in chopping, creating and even clean up.  You’ll find you’ll save some cash and bond with your family over delicious food!
4. Have a budget:  Before heading to the store, know exactly what you can spend.  Try your best to stick within this limit.  If you head to the grocery store with out a limit, you will naturally spend more.  Keep a running tally as you shop to ensure that you don’t go over your budget.
5. Before Heading to the Grocery Store, Make a List!  If you go without a list, you typically end up spending 20-50% more on your grocery bill!  Prepare a list with everything you need – always check your fridge, pantry and cabinets while making the list to ensure you write down everything you will need.  Then, when shopping – Stick to you list!  You’ll be surprised the amount of money you will save if you just get the items on your list.
6. Plan your meals for the week:  If you know what you and your family will eat for the next week, you can ensure that your list is complete and cut down on last minute trips to the grocery store to pick up an item or two – which usually results in picking up additional items – and you spending more.  The fewer trips you make to the grocery store, the less you will spend.
7. Don’t shop when you are hungry!  We’ve all heard this one before – but it is definitely true!  When you are hungry, your will power will be diminished and you will find yourself grabbing junk that will add lots of cash to your bill.  Do yourself and your wallet a favor and eat before you head to the grocery store.
8. Keep your receipts:  Enter all of your receipts into a spreadsheet. This will serve as a price list for you going forward so that you are able to budget easier and more accurately.    
9. Try store brands:  When you buy a heavily advertised product, you are paying for that advertising.  Typically, store brands taste the same as the name brand product – and they will save you loads of cash!
10. Stick to food-only items at the grocery store:  Buying paper products, personal items, make up, medicine, cooking supplies and even soda can be much more expensive at your local grocery stores.  Make a trip to Wal-Mart or even Sam’s Club or BJ’s to stock up on these types of items and you will be amazed at how much you will save!
11. When there is a sale, stock up!  If there are items that you usually buy anyways, stock up and you will save a lot of money in the long run!
12. Avoid these foods:  Frozen dinner or prepared entrees.  These cost way more than preparing a dish yourself and they are not very healthy for you.  Junk food – this type of food is usually very expensive and offers zero nutrition and leads to all sorts of health issues.  Sugar Cereals – Again, a high price for no nutrition.  Look for whole grain cereals and those that are low in sugar. 
13. Don’t waste leftovers!  Plan a leftover night or two so that they will all get eaten.  Take leftovers for your lunch a few days a week and watch the savings add up!