Everyone is feeling the pinch of the economy and many, including myself, are looking for cheaper dinner options.
While I still splurge some, I've cut back on many things; food and otherwise. One of the ways I do this is to shop using coupons and matching them with sale prices to get the best deal. To learn more about how to do this, check out www.thegrocerygame.com. While I am a member of the site, you do not need to be in order to figure out how to match the sales in the store flier up with the coupons that you have on hand from your newspaper. (Granted being a member makes it a great deal easier as they send you a list instead of you figuring it out for yourself, but it is possible to make it totally free).
Another way I've cut back is to simply plan and buy more cost effective meals. Instead of steaks, I buy cheaper cuts of meat and make pot roasts, chili, and spaghetti.
A third way I've cut back to to buy in bulk. I have memberships at both Costco and Sam's Club and I really do save enough to warrant paying the membership fee at both places. I buy a lot of things in bulk, but most are non-food items like laundry detergent, trashbags, shampoo, and conditioner. I also buy a lot of non-perishables like rice, sugar, flour, and meats that I can freeze to extend the shelf-life.
What are some of the ways you've cut your food costs recently and what are some meals that you make that cost as little as possible?
