A New Year, A New Budget

I don't know where 2011 went, but alas, it's 2012.  As we begin this new year, some of us are revising our budgets.  The fact that food prices are rising is something we can't ignore.  Some foods have increased drastically, causing us to increase our food budget and/or to leave some foods off of our shopping lists.  Even sale prices often aren't what they used to be.  I used to be able to regularly find beef chuck roasts for under my $2 per pound meat limit; however, this past year, I've only seen it under $2/lb a couple of times.  As a result, we decided to post some of our old tips for saving money on groceries.  So, whether you're a new reader and these tips are new for you or you're a longtime reader and just need some reminders, I hope these tips will help as you seek to find ways to keep food costs low in the midst of cost increases.

• Set limits as to how much you're willing to pay for certain types of items.  For example, I try not to spend more than $2/lb for meat and $1/lb for produce.  Of course, as mentioned above, these parameters may need to be increased a little bit depending on current prices in your area.
• Limit your use of meat.  You can get a complete protein by combining grains and legumes (i.e. beans and rice).  Not only are these two ingredients inexpensive, but they're also filling and very diverse!
• Instead of buying canned beans, buy dried beans and cook them yourself (this can easily be done in a slow cooker).  Not only will you save a lot of money, but you'd be surprised at what is in that can of beans besides beans!
• Don't buy snack size items - you're paying a premium price for the packaging!  Check out Sumiko's tips for school lunches and snacks.
• Don't buy items you can easily make at home much cheaper (and more healthier, too).  Examples: microwave popcorn, breakfast potatoes, frozen and crustless sandwiches (PB&J and grilled cheese), refried beans, hummus, frozen bean and cheese burritos, kettle corn, croutons, Muddy Buddies,   
• Plan at least a week's worth of meals at a time and make shopping a list!  When planning meals, think about how the leftovers from one meal can be used in other meals.  For example, spaghetti sauce can be turned into minestrone or chili, which can then be put on baked potatoes or hot dogs.  That's at least 3 meals with only cooking once!  This can also be done with a cooked whole chicken.  Use the leftovers in tacos, chicken salad, Caesar salad, or BLT wraps among other things.  You can really get the most out of your food (and not get sick of leftovers) by planning this way!
• Shop grocery clearance sections, particularly in the meat department. 
• Price match if you have a store that will allow it.
• Follow these simple money saving tips.
• Instead of buying pre-made doughs and mixes, make your own!  Examples: pancakes, sugar cookies, hot cocoa, cornbread, brownies, and waffles. (Note: many of these things even taste better than the packaged stuff!)
• Make your own baby food.  

We hope you find some of these tips helpful as you plan a whole new year of cooking and grocery shopping!