Cut Back on Non-Essential Spending

A large percentage of the world is sustained daily by only a single bowl of rice. Some may be lucky enough to also have beans. Others may even be granted a small piece of fish. While it is not suggested that people reduce their existence to simply rice and beans, it is important to remember that a human body can survive on much simpler foods than what Americans and others around the world are accustomed to eating. During a time of financial hardship, it may be necessary to significantly alter the food shopping so that money can be allocated to other monthly bills. First, the initial and obvious way to decrease food spending is to simply reduce food intake. Perhaps a second helping of mashed potatoes isn't necessary. Even a late-night club sandwich can be passed over. The less food consumed in one sitting, the more servings will be available for future meals, thus reducing the frequency of food purchases.

The math is simple, although budgeting and cutting back on the amount eaten is often is overlooked. These tips may be old news for some, but for others they may make a $100 or more difference in their monthly food budget. Especially, those families who haven't had any instruction budgeting. Picking up a coffee on the way to work is a great treat once in awhile, but when it's a couple dollars every day, it can add up to $50 or more a month.  Before money is spent, regardless of whether it is with cash, debit card, credit card or a  check, there are a few important questions that individuals should ask themselves: Is this item really needed? If so, can the purchase wait?  Is there a comparable or even a used item that costs less?  Can the item be borrowed rather than purchased?

The following are some great tips for having financial peace of mind during tough economic times.  Plan your meals for the month—a week at a time. Plan what meals will be served each week, plan what foods will be purchased, and plan how to stretch your food. Remember, if you are spending $5.00 a day for lunch that’s $25.00 a week, $100.00 a month, and $1,200 per year, you can save so much more if you carry your lunch to work daily. The same principle applies to coffee, bottled water, and snacks. Listed below are some ways to help trim some of the excess spending from the weekly food budget:

·     Make a weekly food menu and stick to it.

·     Make a grocery list based on the menu and stick to it.

·     Buy bulk foods: pastas, beans, cereals, baking goods, beverages & snacks.

·     Cook large-quantity foods: soups, casseroles, roasts for dinner.

·     Have food  for quick and easy meal preparation to help eliminate last-minute

       dining out.

·         Don't make random trips to the grocery store simply because an item has run out.

·     Reduce or eliminate dining out. This can be a huge expense each month.

·         Pick one or two nights a month for a dinner out at a low-cost restaurant.

·     Stop buying snacks from vending machine--buy bulk and store them in your

       desk drawer.

·     Use coupons as often as possible, and watch for sales.

·     Shop at warehouse stores for non-perishable items.

·     Angel Foods co-op offers bulk food at a discount--join a co-op in your area.

·     Reduce or eliminate brand-name items if possible.

·     Don't shop when hungry or depressed.

It takes very little time to evaluate these areas, but it can make a world of difference when it comes to spending less. It also can help break the habit of impulsiveness that is so prevalent in today's society.