Bible Money Matters - Latest Comments in Summer Savings Series #1: Food is a big expense. How can you save?

Re: Summer Savings Series #1: Food is a big expense. How can you save?

Money Matters — Mon, 09 Jun 2008 21:37:47 -0000

hah.. we don't spend $1000 EVERY month.. if we did we'd be bankrupt in no time! The goal is to spend much much less - although cooking a bunch of meals all at once doesn't sound like a bad idea..

Re: Summer Savings Series #1: Food is a big expense. How can you save?

Ginger — Mon, 09 Jun 2008 21:20:48 -0000

Since you spend as much as you do ($1000) per month, you could literally hire a cook to come in and do your cooking, do some make ahead meals that you freeze and thaw to use when you are without a cook in the house.

I was thinking, if you like gardening you could grow a portion of your food, buy in bulk the items that you like the most, have the cook/home economist you hire do the couponing and shopping and the cooking. You'd likely come out ahead. If nothing else, you'd have better quality food, less cholesterol and be healthier for the same money. You could brainstorm what type of person to hire. Perhaps there is a culinary school student, a college student or a single mom who'd like to earn a little extra and could cook for you. Maybe you could find someone to barter with for services. Hold auditions for the job and you'll have some cooked meals right there!

My daughter-in-law gets together 2x per month with her friends and they cook in bulk. They preplan 10 meals, shop in bulk, coupon and then make a ladies' night out of it and rotate from one house to the other to do the actual cooking. Each brings their own pans, storage items, zip locks, plastic wrap, etc.

Tons of ways to save. Everyone just has to come up with a plan that suits them is all.
Great post. Wanna coupon for me????????? LOL

Re: Summer Savings Series #1: Food is a big expense. How can you save?

Money Matters — Mon, 09 Jun 2008 11:44:03 -0000

Great tips Matt - Thank you!

Re: Summer Savings Series #1: Food is a big expense. How can you save?

Matt — Mon, 09 Jun 2008 11:37:39 -0000

if you must eat out checkout restaurant.com input your zip code and they'll give you a list of locally participating restaurants, from there you can buy discount coupons, like $25 off a meal costing $50 or more for $10 bucks. Also check out retailmenot.com and look for coupon codes for restaurant.com coupons. I recently got a $25 off coupon from them for $5! Made going out for my wife's birthday fun and cheap!

Re: Summer Savings Series #1: Food is a big expense. How can you save?

Mo_Money — Mon, 09 Jun 2008 11:07:05 -0000

i would add buy buld whenever possible. Buying from Costco and Sam's can save on certain non-perishable items.

Re: Summer Savings Series #1: Food is a big expense. How can you save?

Money Matters — Mon, 09 Jun 2008 10:49:58 -0000

awesome.. I think i'm probably saving at least as much on lunches..

Re: Summer Savings Series #1: Food is a big expense. How can you save?

Pinyo — Mon, 09 Jun 2008 10:20:43 -0000

A lot of great tips here. Just by bringing lunch to work, I am saving about $35 a week. Also good suggestions on stop buying sodas and junk food.

Re: Summer Savings Series #1: Food is a big expense. How can you save?

Money Matters — Mon, 09 Jun 2008 10:15:24 -0000

After I wrote this article, I proceeded to the grocery store last night and fell for number 19. Duh.

Re: Summer Savings Series #1: Food is a big expense. How can you save?

hank — Mon, 09 Jun 2008 10:07:25 -0000

I do #16 far too often. I think that's the time when I feel like I NEED to shop. I need to cut back on that one for sure! My wife always falls for #19 also, it's a crafty tactic that clearly works!