Beat inflation: 32 easy ways to save on food and other expenses

Money-saving tricks, both big and small, can make a difference, reports Money Talks.

Photo: IStock

If you want to save some money on your budget despite high inflation, the best money saving hacks can help you.

1. Ask what day your grocery store has discounts on products

Grocery stores typically discount items that expire on a certain day of the week. Asking a salesperson what day and time they discount items is a very smart way to get a discount on meat, bread, and vegetables.

2. Opt out of grocery delivery and use self-delivery

Grocery delivery is incredibly convenient and expensive. Tips and fees for an Instacart order can easily add $20 to $30 to your grocery bill.

If you're trying to save yourself the hassle of shipping groceries, try pickup.

Pickup of groceries after ordering online is a much cheaper alternative that is still quick and easy. It's also a smart way to stick to a shopping list because you won't be tempted to buy random add-ons from the store.

On the subject: Five apps to help you save money on everyday tasks

It's also often easier to find the cheapest unit price if you can see all the products available on one page rather than scouring the shelves. Many stores offer free or very cheap pickup options, including BJ's Wholesale Club, Aldi, Kroger, Target, Albertsons, and Walmart.

3. Buy frozen and canned vegetables and fruits

Frozen and canned foods last longer, have the same nutritional value as fresh foods, and are much cheaper.

“Buying frozen or canned foods like broccoli, carrots, peas and cauliflower is the best way to increase shelf life and reduce food waste,” says Jessica Ayala, in-house banquet chef in Orlando, Florida.

4. Buy meat on sale in bulk and freeze it

Expensive cuts make people across the country give up meat. Going meatless one or two days a week and switching to cheaper alternatives like beans and lentils can be a great way to cut costs.

If you're not quite ready to give up your carnivorous lifestyle, look for larger meats (eg 4kg or more ground beef, family packs of chicken breasts).

Buy a couple of bags at a time, break them into smaller 2kg bags and freeze.

5. Cooking food

Cooking doesn't have to be time-consuming and intimidating. Ordering food from restaurants eats up the lion's share of your budget.

6. Watch out for holiday sales

Stay tuned for holiday deals. You can save a lot of money with them. Stock up on discounted candy the day after holidays like Valentine's Day, Easter, and Halloween.

7. Don't drink your money

Drink water instead of buying soda or juice. Avoid bottled water and use filtered water or tap water instead. Make coffee at home instead of going to Starbucks.

Buy a budget for alcohol—or cut it out entirely if you want to save big.

8. Buy some items in bulk at Warehouse Clubs

Buying essentials in bulk is a sure way to save money. Just make sure you shop smart if you're buying in bulk.

While it can be hard to shell out membership fees for Warehouse Clubs like Costco and Sam's Club, some have special offers that let you join for a lower price. Check out Groupon and other coupon sites for a cheaper yearly membership.

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You can also try online bulk order providers such as Boxedthat deliver orders to your door with no annual membership fees.

9. Buy seasonally

The best way to save money on fresh produce is to buy seasonal fruits and vegetables.

10. Serve Smaller Portions

Serve dinner in small portions on small plates. This makes you more aware of what you're eating and less likely to throw away uneaten food. It's also better for your waist.

11. Check prices on all grocery shelves

The next time you go to the grocery store, check the top and bottom shelves. Grocery stores know that most people only look at the middle section, which is why the more expensive items tend to be there.

12. Check the cost per unit

Each product in the grocery store has a corresponding tag on the shelf. In the upper left or right corner you will find "Unit Cost". This is the best way to really compare prices, especially when buying in bulk.

13. Check Local Food Help Desks

Asking for help can be difficult, but grocery stores provide a legitimate way to get food for free. If you're facing a job loss or a change in income, it makes sense to check with your local food outlet to see what's available instead of starving or going into debt.

You can use this tool Find food items from Feeding America to find food banks in your area.

You can also call United Way 211 for other local resources.

14. Freeze your bread

“Kitchens and restaurants use this trick every day to reduce food waste and save money,” said the food storage specialist.

From hot dog buns to whole multi-grain loaves, you can extend the shelf life of bread by as much as four to six months by freezing it.

Another great bread hack?

“Crush the stale crispy bread, add some seasoning and make your own breadcrumbs,” the expert suggested.

Making large portions of soup - and freezing some of them for later - is also a good way to use the foods in your kitchen before they go bad. Remember: try to extend the shelf life of everything in your kitchen.

15. Use a slow cooker

If you're trying to feed a family, slow cooker cooking can save you tons of money and time.

16. Buy generic ingredients

For example, choose a protein like chicken and learn how to cook it the way you like it. One day you can pair the chicken with a salad, the next day add it to a bowl of rice and beans (or quinoa), and the next day cut the chicken into strips and add it to a quesadilla with cheese.

Another option is steak and potatoes one night, steak fajitas another night, and steak and rice and beans the third.

17. Eat the same thing for breakfast every day.

A light breakfast staple like oatmeal can cost less than 10 cents a serving and you can change toppings.

Or, to save money, skip breakfast altogether, unless it's bad for your health and diet. According to research on intermittent fasting, you may even see some health benefits from it.

18. Organize your refrigerator and freezer

Photo: IStock

According to a 2020 study published in the American Journal of Agricultural Economics, the average American household wastes about 31,9% of their food — a whopping $1866 per family per year.

We are all to blame for this. The leftovers are stuffed into the back of the refrigerator, the vegetables spoil. Inspecting your refrigerator, pantry, and freezer is a great way to take inventory so you don't let good food go to waste.

19. Check out the bonus programs for the purchase of gasoline

Sign up for a fuel reward program and it will save you money on frequent purchases at a particular gas station. Fuel reward programs at many grocery stores can also help you save money.

20. Use gas discount apps to save on gas

Apps like Upside or GasBuddy can help you find the cheapest gas when it's time to fill up.

21. Pay for gas with cash

Buy gas with cash (many gas stations offer a discount) and check your tire pressure, as poorly inflated tires can affect gas mileage.

22. Consider becoming a one-car household

It may seem extreme, but such is the savings. Without payment of gasoline and car. No car insurance bill or new tires in winter. There are no parking fees or tolls.

Thanks to Uber, Amazon with same-day delivery, working from home, you may not need a second car as much as you think.

And switching to one car per family can literally save you thousands of dollars a year. Explore public transportation options in your area and plan trips with your partner. And remember: giving up a car is not forever. You can review your budget in the future.

23. Cancel car insurance

Here's the thing: your current insurance company is probably overcharging. But don't waste your time hopping around different insurance companies looking for the best deal.

24. Save money at the airport

The truth is that airfare is much more expensive than in 2020 and prices are unlikely to come down any time soon.

Some low cost airlines still offer decent deals if you're flexible with your schedule and destination - just watch out for high baggage fees and other charges. If you're flying, save money at the airport by bringing an empty water bottle and a few snacks.

You can also rent your car using apps like Turo и Travelcarto earn some money while you are away.

25. Start walking and cycling

Using an e-bike is a very healthy way to save money on your daily commute.

Plus, there are a surprising number of apps like A Healthy Wage and Sweatcoin that will pay you to ride—win-win.

26. Check Cashback and Discount Apps

There are plenty of cashback and discount apps out there that can push your budget a little. Some refunds are for scanning your receipts, while others are refunded to your account when you make a purchase at a participating store with a linked credit card.

There are also browser extensions like Capital One Shopping and coupon sites to help you save money on everyday shopping.

27. Cut down on pet expenses

You love your pet like family. But if your furries are emptying your wallet, it's time to cut back.
Buy in bulk or make your own.

28. Threaten to leave your phone, internet, cable, and insurance providers.

Sometimes they will give you a lower rate to keep you a customer.

29. Be smart about your streaming services

A few streaming services can cost almost as much as a cable TV subscription. Take advantage of free trials and free TV apps.

Another smart way to save money? Ask friends or family members if they would like to share streaming accounts. Set up profiles under a shared account, then deposit the agreed amount each month to share.

You may be interested in: top New York news, stories of our immigrants, and helpful tips about life in the Big Apple - read it all on ForumDaily New Y.

Just be careful: some streaming services like Netflix struggle with shared accounts.

30. Cancel Subscription and Non-Essential Membership

Monthly subscriptions and memberships add up to huge amounts very quickly. $5 here, $8 there. You're spending $80/month on random subscriptions that you may not actually be using.

There are apps that help you manage your subscriptions, and some even help you cancel your subscription or negotiate better prices.

31. Find out if you qualify for federal discounts

Millions of Americans are now eligible for discounted Internet access thanks to an expanded federal program called Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP). Eligible households receive a $30 monthly voucher towards their high-speed Internet bill and a one-time $100 voucher towards a laptop or computer.

Some ISPs also offer discounted plans in partnership with ACP, which can help you save money.

There are several ways to qualify. If you are already receiving Medicaid, Federal Pell Grant (current year), SNAP, WIC, Veteran's or Survivor's Pension—or one of these six programs - then you meet the requirements.

Another way pass the qualification is your income: a family of one cannot earn more than $27 per year) and a family of four cannot exceed $180 per year to participate in this program. Applying for an ACP voucher is quick and easy and you can learn more about the program here.

32. Save on dates and have fun

The cost of dinner and drinks is a real steal these days. No one likes the idea of ​​staying home after two years of confinement, but during difficult times, it makes sense to explore cheap dating ideas.

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