You probably have noticed this when you went shopping. Cost of food going up on some of the basics you grab each week. It’s not just the basics, it is all over the place. I know when I order something whether it be in the store or online. Prices are all different, some are less but you know that the packaging is way smaller. So is it a better deal or just cheaper and for less?
I know I realized that margarine is way up there, like a $3 difference. Makes me think I should not have margarine on my rice anymore. Maybe change it up to soya sauce, but that even went up, and at one time that was gone off the shelves too. But ketchup is ok, not too drastic of a price change. But if you need some help with your spending at the store, go here for more to help you.
How Do You Shop Now?
Hmm, when I go shopping I make sure I am not hungry when I go. Then I won’t be tempted to search for a quick snack, like chips. I also don’t go when kids are out of school, way to busy in the store. I find I just grab whatever and don’t think about the cost as I just want to get out of the store. And I also make sure I stick to my list, I try to anyways. So I don’t just wander all overseeing all the sales and buy stuff I don’t need.
I always came home with stuff that was not on my list, but i thought it was a great deal. After about a week, that item is still there. Cause it is something I don’t eat or family doesn’t even eat. But, I saved money on this item. To only be throwing it out later on, so I actually lost money not saved. So I don’t do that anymore. I only buy what I know we will eat, not get it just in case. Most of the just-in-case items I always threw out. So buy only the items you always use and quit buying the good deals, cause they are most likely not.
Less Trips To The Store
Only going in for milk and bread, then that is it. But I like to only go when I know I am just about out. Wait until I have to go for other things too. Cause then its less trips. I usually go when I know I need ingredients for dinner or baking. Or if I know I have a big shopping to do then I will try to do it in one go. I don’t go to the store if I just want chips, I usually hold off till I have to go. But again, I don’t need chips, I need to drink more water cause I am probably lacking salt. Meaning I am dehydrated.
So if I know I need some basics I will go one time in the week and just grab it all. Make sure I ate before I got there and also go when its quiet. Usually in the early morning, then I get to go in and out sooner. And I remind myself when I go that with the cost of food going up, I don’t need to buy things I don’t need. I am constantly reminding myself of this. I would rather save my money and have it for things I really need. I also remember how much chips and pop cost each month, if I bought them every week. Too much is how much, but the calculations can easily be done.
Cost of Food Going up Along With Meat
I know I just bought some hamburger cause it was a great price for lean ground. Already all wrapped too, which saved on freezer wrap. So I know I save on that and even got some pork chops too. So when you see a great deal, take advantage of it and buy lots if you can. Here are some Easy Hamburger Dinners you can try out.
It doesn’t hurt you to have a day or two in the week where you eat meatless dinners. I think of this mainly cause of the cost of food going up. To stretch even more you can have chili without hamburger or have vegetable soup. Be creative with what you want, or even have breakfast for dinner. I have lots of oatmeal I would have that one day a week. Of course if you have a family then they most likely wouldn’t like that. Or just have peanut butter and jam sandwiches for dinner. Whatever you need to do to save yourself money. I also have cans of salmon to use for casseroles, sandwiches, and toast. Even use in a chowder. Anything to make the dollar stretch.
Also, I have made some Salmon Patties also, instead of making sandwiches.
When you know everything is going up, you would be surprised what you can think of. Even search the internet for some great ideas. There are so many possibilities of many options. I even have cheese and crackers and can soup for dinner. Especially in the winter, cause I am already cold anyways. Less cooking for me too.
Cost of Food Going up Soup is Good
You have some leftover meat you can turn that into soup. With the cost of food going up soup is great. Love hot soup during the wintertime, with a side of homemade biscuits. Or you could add some bannock if you made some, or just use a piece of bread. We always just use crackers also, but you don’t have to have them.
You can even make a chowder out of a can of tuna also. Or even make potato soup or pea soup, or even bean soup. You just need a good base to create your soup. Have fun with it and create a soup you and your family will love.
Some people even can their beans, I don’t. I just put them in a jar and save for my soups and chili.
But if you look around your cupboard and just see if you can use something you already have. Instead of running to the store. You save even more. Get creative and see what you can do with what you have. Maybe a simple sandwich may be the answer or eggs and toast for dinner. Possibilities are endless and all up to you.
I didn’t give much thought into soup when I was raising my kids. But now that I think about it, we always had hamburger soup. Full of vegetables and potatoes and spaghetti. Kids always ate it all. I mainly made this because it was simple and easy and had everything in it that I wanted my kids to eat.
Use what you Have in Your Freezer and Cupboards
I have found that with all the food costs being so high. I figure I may as well stay home and eat what I currently have. Cause when I do go to the store, once my kids hear I am going. Wow, my shopping list just gets longer- chips, drinks, ice cream and kids snacks. Or someone wants pizza for dinner, or decided I needed something different for breakfast. So I decided to just focus on what I already bought. Save myself some money. A normal trip to the store, just to get eggs. Actually cost me $75 -because of all the things others added to my tiny list I first had.
I would like to keep my money and not buy all of these extras that I do not need. I have lots of meat in my freezer, but I still go and buy more! I have lots of canned items and yet, I go buy other things I don’t need. So why not work on using the items I do have and feel better about myself. Since I save myself some money and I don’t need to stress on how much I spent on snacks.
Before I go to the store, I ask myself if I really need to go or not? Mainly, cause I don’t want to buy things I do not need. And yes I am trying to teach myself to eat what is in my cupboards and freezer.
I still do this and It needs to Change
I have a freezer full of meat and frozen veggies, but still find I spend more in stores. So last week, I have just did a bulk shop and that was all I needed for food. No shopping for eggs or bread either. But I need to go today. For bread and some ice cream, which I don’t normally get but I do have grandkids that want some. So I am slowly learning to eat what I have in my fridge and cupboards, and snack on popcorn.
I started to can food again, so now I have tomatoes and peaches and apricot jam all canned. I also have dehydrated some veggies and apples, its a start at least. I have taken the time to make some foods for winter time. Also, recently got some fresh salmon and have frozen that and canned it also. I have lots of food for my winter time and cupboards are full. Bulk shopping works for me, as long as its just pantry staples. Saved so much doing this and so happy I was able to get some done.
So you want to be less stressed out on how much a shopping trip cost. I suggest just eat what you already have, more or less shop in your own house and see what you can whip up for dinner. It is hard at first, and you will learn to look in your cupboard before you go order fast food. Or even buy pizza, even just whip a sandwich up and your all good. At least your eating something and saved yourself at least $50 this week. Sounds pretty good, try and see for yourself.
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