Cook and Shop Smart on a Budget

How to Cook on a Budget

January 9, 2012

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After a month's worth of entertaining and gift giving, I'm feeling more cash-strapped than I should. That's why I've vowed to start the New Year right by cooking meals for a fraction of the price that I pay when I dine out — and shopping smarter, too. I know I'm not the only one trying to eat in more often, so here, I'm sharing 10 mantras to live by that will have your bank account thanking you down the road.

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by Susannah Chen 5

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5 Comments

Megatron 1 year

The Target up the street from me now charges a dime if you want a bag.

xxstardust 2 years

The number one most important thing for keeping a budget is really planning ahead. I plan two weeks' worth of meals at a time by looking at what's on sale at the supermarket and what's in my freezer, meat-wise. Combing the circular for what's on sale and buying exactly what you need for the meals you've planned helps keep your budget nice and tight. For two people, we generally spend about $70/shopping trip, or $140 a month. And we do eat meat at most meals, for the record - veggie days are often cheaper, but even a diet that incorporates meat frequently can be done inexpensively. Also - if anyone is looking to kickstart your savings, the Shoprite CanCan sale is this week! 40 cents for their canned veggies and boxes of Ronzoni pasta (and cat food, if you've got a feline in your life ;] ).

Katie Sweeney 2 years

I always bring my lunch to work. I find it's a great way to eat healthy too, I make salad!

fuzzles 2 years

I usually make a two-egg "junk omelet" once or twice per week. I usually have some fresh veggies that I want to use up, as well as several little knobs of assorted cheese. Savory leftovers are also great. One of my favorites was a bit of warmed up Chipotle beef fajita bowl topped with spicy bean salsa and a little sour cream. :drool: You can go months without every having the same filling twice!

onlysourcherry 2 years

My freezer is my wallet's BFF! Frozen veggies save a ton of money by being cheaper in the first place and then not going bad. I also freeze things like coconut milk, regular milk, veggie broth, and even wine (for cooking only!) into ice cubes so they keep until I can finish an entire can or bottle.