Eat on $100 a Month
Whether you be a college kid, newly wed, or simply a frugal spender a diet that is both healthy and inexpensive is something everyone can use. Spending $10.00 a day on food means a $300.00 bill per month (per person). With these tips you'll find that you can decrease spending, cutting costs to the point where you'll be spending $100.00 for every three weeks at the grocery store.
Instructions
1. If you can, buy gift cards. At the beginning of the month, purchase 4 gift cards (each consisting of $25.00) from the grocery store of your choice. This will allow you to keep tabs on your spending without having to constantly check on receipts or credit/debit card bills. You can buy the cards in smaller increments if you feel uncomfortable carrying this money (or more, if you don't).
2. Compare prices. It means more time and more research but comparing prices between grocery stores and between the products in the store of your choice is worth the money you will save. Watch price per ounce, and not the overall price. You'll sometimes find that buying the more expensive item can actually mean that you are saving money
3. Buy store brands. Several studies have shown that store brands are often just as good as name brands. Things like cereal, pancake mix, etc. of equally good quality can be purchased for less if you sacrifice one brand for another.
4. Purchase necessities only. Candy bars, pudding cups, and expensive cereals need to be overlooked if you want to save money. Sacrifice Lucky Charms for Safeway's Toasted Oats and you'll have an extra two dollars in your pocket.
5. Do NOT buy fast food! Three meals a day on fast food means at least $10.00 a day. A four-dollar box of Cream of Wheat can mean 1 week of breakfast!
6. Invest in a Water Filter. A water filter means clean water without having to purchase bottled water. Brita filters are well worth the price as are Nalgene or Aluminum Water Bottles.
7. Watch your fruits and vegetables. Fruits and Veggies are often the first things to spoil. Don't buy bananas, apples, lettuce, and peaches in one go. Eat first, buy later. This mantra can be applied to your other products as well.
8. Get creative. Look at recipe books written for college students or come up with some of your own ideas for tasty and cheap recipes. Spending less doesn't mean that you have to eat less or eat food of a poorer quality. Start reading labels and keep an eye on sodium intake.
9. Vitamins! If you can't get what you're body needs from food, purchase vitamins and protein drinks. However, these are poor substitutes and try your best to invest in organic juices, fruits, vegetables, and meats.
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