The great thread started by Blink on the rising cost of food got me thinking. Buried in the over 200 posts are some great tips on saving money, not only on your grocery bill, but in general. So..I thought we might want to pull some of them out and bring them forward so people can read what others are doing to spread their money further.
Here are some of the ways that I cut costs. How about you?
I should put in a disclaimer. I'm Canadian by birth, but raised in a Scottish family. I am a bit tight with my money :)
I buy generic items, or store brand items, instead of name brand. It saves me a ton of money on things like cereal, soda, sauces and condiments.
I buy what's on sale. I rarely pay full price on anything.
I buy bulk when I can, but it's hard because I'm single and cook for one. I don't like things going to waste.
I buy at the Bulk Barn so I can buy only small amounts of things I need rarely (spices, soup mixes, etc)
I shop around. I use the fliers, online and paper, to check for deals. Wal-mart does not have the cheapest prices.
I bake my own bread when I can. It's healthier and cheaper.
I cook much of my own food. Not just reheating, but from scratch.
I cook and bake to freeze. Larger batches prove cheap frozen food.
Learn to love leftovers. I'm still working on this.
Rice and potato make great and cheap sides
I water down juices. That helps me cut down on the amount of sugar I take in deaily and how long they last. My doctor recommended that.
There are many others...but those are the biggest.
Other suggestions??