I know... I know... you maybe shaking your head and saying 'what?', but I think it is imperative to discuss the topic of frugal or 'thrifty' living. Not only is thrifty living in today's economy important, but as the years have droned on, the power of the US dollar has fallen and inflation is occurring. This is why when you have gone shopping lately everything seems so much more expensive that it used to!
I went to the commissary for the first time today in I must say years and I was honestly shocked at how much money I saved! Now, I must admit that I didn't buy any meat as I have a fully stocked deep freezer already; however all of my fruits and vegetables were so much less than I was paying at Walmart and they were in much better condition! I spent about the same amount as I always do on my bi-weekly grocery excursion, but this time I purchased more! (FYI- Ladies! Do not allow your husbands to go with you! I guarantee you will spend at least $20 more than you intended to if they are there!).
This excursion got me to thinking about healthy foods and cheaper produce because let's face it, today it is honestly cheaper to eat highly processed boxed and canned foods that have caused the obesity problem in America that we face today. If you are able, in the late summer when the harvests are coming in from the summer growing season, go to the fruit/vegetable stands and purchase large quantities of products. They will cost a lot less than supermarkets and you will get more bang for your dollar. Invest in a "canning" system- there are two types out there- and can your own fruits in less sugary liquids. Believe me, you will save money and you will be eating a little healthier than the aluminum cans of fruit and veggies you purchase at the store.
If you have a yard, a small vegetable/fruit garden is a good way to go. Look at your region and growing season to find out what will grow well in your area. Also, before planting, make sure you check the soil and test it to make sure it is ready to grow healthy plants. You may also try an herb garden. These can be done is small pots in your kitchen if you live in an apartment and can't have a garden. When you are ready to harvest your herbs, wash and place in a dehydrator for cheaper seasoning than what you would spend in the store! Using fresh makes your food taste so much better as well!
Look for the sales! In anything, patience is a virtue. This goes for other items besides food stuffs. For example: I recently purchased my daughter's complete wardrobe for next winter (kindergarten) from Children's place, Penny's and Target for under $100. If you wait for end of season sales, you are going to get more for your buck!
Last but not least; put a budget together and stick to it! Try your best not to splurge and ask yourself each time you shop "Do I need this? or Do I want this?" If it is a need, then purchase. If it is only a want, but you don't absolutely need it, then you really shouldn't be spending your money on it.
What a great post LeeAnne...I am so inspired by you and your example!
ReplyDeleteI love gardens! We did our first one last year and loved it so much we tore out all our flowers in the front for strawberry plants and raspberry bushes. I'm going to do herbs for the first time this year.
ReplyDeleteOne thing I'm not willing to budge on is our health. I'm a firm believer that spending on our high quality supplements saves us on the doctor bills.
The best way I save money is simply by not leaving the house.
LeeAnne it was such a coincidence that you posted this because I have really been watching my food and the way it was prepared. It has also been all over TV lately. I do not know if you can get the transcript or a copy of the TV shows but both Oprah and Dr. Oz had great shows about food and how it is prepared. It was brought up that many people get sick or have ailments from the different foods they eat or how it is prepared. One example was fish. I just learned that there is a great deal of Mercury in so much of the fish we eat. Even canned tuna has different quantities of Mercury. Believe it or not the albacore Tuna has a higher content then the other types. But, many of us have mercury poisoning and do not even know it. I do not want to write a whole book here instead of a comment but I learned some very interesting things that I will share with you. Also, I love the shopping tips. I am really trying to see how far I can stretch my dollar on good foods. It is tough but it can be done.
ReplyDeleteI agree with nisha. Skimping on the quality of vitamins is not okay. When you take a high quality supplement, you are sick less which equals to more money in you pocket!
ReplyDeletealso, I love coupons! There are so many blogs out there that shows you how to save money by using coupons. So start getting the sunday paper!