Food-Related Saving Tips

Some of these might seem obvious, but I will include them, anyway.

1. Buy foods that will last a while.

2. Buy foods that are versatile, so you don't get bored eating the same things.

3. Buy foods that are on sale. Combine sales with coupons to save more money. An online source like this one can help you learn how to do that.

4. Use older foods first. Always put newer foods in the back so that the older foods are used before they expire. Get a sharpie and rewrite the expiration dates large on the front of the box/bag/can, if that will help you.

5. Store your foods in proper conditions. A refrigerator should stay between about 35 and 41 degrees F (1.6 to 5 C). Any higher than that is dangerous. Any lower will freeze. A freezer can be as high as 32 F (0 C), but lower is better. Foods frozen at a low enough temperature are edible indefinitely, though they will lose nutrient value and taste over time. Foods that are stored in a cabinet or pantry should be in a dry, cool area. 40 to 70 F (4.4 to 21.1 C) is ideal. You can keep your pasta/rice safe from attracting rodents by placing it in a plastic tub with a snap-on lid. If you live in an area with high humidity, sprinkle some rice on the bottom the tub-- this loose rice will soak up moisture from the atmosphere before it gets to the packaged foods. For more on food safety, click here.

6. Buy foods in bulk. Buying things in bulk can help to cut back on costs. Just make sure you'll use it all before it goes bad.

7. Make weekly meal plans to be sure that you'll use up leftovers.