Thanksgiving and Christmas are both just around the corner! Also just around the corner are food costs that are going up by 5 percent according to the Agriculture Department. And if this is not enough to put a stain on the budget, the American Farm Bureau is projecting that a turkey dinner will cost 13 percent more this year than last year.
At a time when many families are just getting in this struggling economy, we can be reactive or proactive by finding ways to save money on food this holiday season.
1. Clip Coupons-Around the holidays, you’ll find the best deals, special savings, and plenty food coupons in the local paper and online. Don’t toss that paper out, clip those coupons and take advantage of the sales!
2. Knock-offs Should not be Knocked Off Your List– One of the biggest deceptions is that name brand food products are always better and that’s not true! Sometimes they are, but many of the local grocery store brands or what we call “knock off” brands, have the same exact ingredients. And they taste just as good, if not better, than the popular higher priced foods we’re inclined to grab first. You can save tons.
3. Make Sure It’s a Bargain– Places like Sam’s Club, Costco, and Super Walmart are very popular for buying things in large quantities and at bargain prices. But their prices are not always most competitive, so don’t simply buy everything from one location. Pay close attention. Everything is not a bargain. Even during moments when you’re not shopping for specific items at your local grocery store, familiarize yourself with the prices and make sure you aren’t missing out on a better deal simply because you didn’t take time to look.
4. Factor In Your Gas Mileage- You might be thinking, what does gas mileage have to do with anything? Well, often, when we find a deal, we’ll drive several miles to take advantage of it. But depending on how far out you have to travel, you may be eating up your food savings in gas. For example, if your coupon only saves you 50 cents to a dollar, burning up 2-3 dollars in gas makes no sense.
5. Reduce your Beef and Pork Intake– MSNBC news reports, “The price of beef was 10 percent higher this September than it was a year ago, according to government data,” but poultry prices aren’t expected to rise as fast as beef and pork. Chicken anyone?
6. Make a List & Check It Twice– Don’t ever just go to the grocery store without a clear mission, especially not during the holidays! There will always be beautiful, decorative displays enticing you to purchase something you don’t need. There will be awesome two-for-one deals on products you didn’t intend to buy. Remember this cardinal rule: A deal is not a deal if you’re buying something you don’t need. It then becomes a waste.
Food costs don’t have to ruin your holidays. Just be wise about your spending.
Source: EEW Magazine Editors
