Eating on a Budget: Before
Shopping
- Compare stores. Discount food stores and national
chains usually have the best prices. You will usually pay more
for food items at the convenience store--from ten cents to one dollar
more than at the grocery store. For example, a 4-stick pack of
butter is about 80 cents more at the convenience store than at the
grocery store.
- Search in magazines and newspapers for store
specials and coupons.
- Coupons can save you a lot of money, but only
use them on items you were planning to buy anyway!
- Think about joining a wholesale club, like
BJ's or Sam's Club. You have to pay a membership fee to join,
but the clubs offer great savings, especially on bulk items.
- Find out if there are any farmers'
markets in your area. Often you can get great deals on fresh fruits and vegetables.
- Try to plan at least one meal a week without
meat.
- Plan meals around grains like rice and pasta.
Add a smaller amount of meat, poultry, fish, or eggs to the
dish.
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