|
|
|
Junior Member
 
Group: Administrators
Last Login: 3/9/2010 9:42:45 AM
Posts: 19,
Visits: 308
|
|
| MiNDFOOD is calling on readers to share their tips for living well on a budget.
|
|
|
|
|
Forum Newbie
Group: Forum Members
Last Login: 4/1/2009 5:46:52 AM
Posts: 1,
Visits: 1
|
|
| The easiest way I've saved money,is to reduce my trips to the supermarket! Instead of going two or three times a week, I shop every fortnight, with a big list, and get 99% of everything in one hit. It saves on petrol and money, and takes away unneccessary spending too. I also purchased Sophie Grey's Destitute Gourmet book, which has some amazing recipes in it, that are cheap and healthy to make.
|
|
|
|
|
Forum Newbie
Group: Forum Members
Last Login: 4/1/2009 5:49:46 AM
Posts: 1,
Visits: 1
|
|
| I find using cheaper cuts of meat, in the slow cooker with a slosh of red wine, honey and garlic makes a tasty tender meal, that goes a long way is a great way to stretch the budget. Meat is a big part of the food bill.
|
|
|
|
|
Forum Newbie
Group: Forum Members
Last Login: 5/13/2009 7:11:48 AM
Posts: 1,
Visits: 2
|
|
| To live well on a budget, I plan out my meals for the week so that when I go shopping I buy only what is on my list. I also focus on buying store brand rather than name brands where possible as the quality is the same without the higher price tag. Then when I cook my evening meal, I make enough for lunch the following day. This means that I have a yummy lunch to look forward to, and don't waste money by buying it from the foodcourt. 
|
|
|
|
|
Forum Newbie
Group: Forum Members
Last Login: 4/1/2009 6:09:48 AM
Posts: 1,
Visits: 1
|
|
| A vegetable garden is a must and a very smart idea. Its easy, just dig a small plot (or large) in the ground and add compost/manure or use a few boards to make a raised plot above the ground and add the compost/manure. When you have a vege garden you always have a meal no matter how tight the budget your family will never go hungry.
|
|
|
|
|
Forum Newbie
Group: Forum Members
Last Login: 4/1/2009 9:00:27 AM
Posts: 1,
Visits: 2
|
|
Making lunches for everyone to take to school/work is always a good saver. Preparing cuts of meat, on lovely fresh bread, covers several days, i.e. corned beef, is far more economical that pre- packaged or serve-over deli items. If adding tomato putting it in the center is between two lots of lettuce, stops the bread becoming soggy, and don't add salt as this also can make bread soggy. Cling film and refrigerate.
I find making the lunches when preparing dinner saves all that morning time, so I'm far more likely to make them.
My fussy family always has tasty, nutritious lunches and that saves just between 2 of us working, in excess of $50 per week!
|
|
|
|
|
Forum Newbie
Group: Forum Members
Last Login: 4/1/2009 10:21:08 AM
Posts: 1,
Visits: 2
|
|
| Saving dollars is my priority. Buying meat from the butcher, fruit and vegies from the green grocer and groceries from the supermarket after Ive read the brochures to see whats on special from my shopping list. You would be surprised at how much more you pay at the supermarket for fresh produce. I always make it a round trip, no point going to the supermarket for coffee on special if its going to cost more in wear and tear and fuel to get there, unless you are going that way for something else or can make use of the trip for other purposes. Visiting friends or relo's who live in the general direction At the butchers I always buy 4 kilos of mince (cheaper in bulk). Then I make a batches of speghetti bog, lasagne, meat balls and rissoles. No need for take aways. If Im late home and dont want to cook, pull out a home made frozen dinner and throw a salad together. With organisation none of the general preparation takes long. Hope you enjoy these couple of tips Regards
|
|
|
|
|
Forum Newbie
Group: Forum Members
Last Login: 4/1/2009 10:21:13 AM
Posts: 1,
Visits: 1
|
|
| I like to save money but still enjoy a meal out by eating well and drinking water. Wine often makes up at least a quarter of the bill at the end of the night.
|
|
|
|
|
Forum Newbie
Group: Forum Members
Last Login: 5/27/2009 6:42:55 PM
Posts: 1,
Visits: 2
|
|
| We love to invite friends and family around for a movie night. Get a big bowl (or two) of popcorn, turn the lights out and the sound up. Much cheaper than the movies, and a fun way to spend time with those you love
|
|
|
|
|
Forum Newbie
Group: Forum Members
Last Login: 4/1/2009 12:48:16 PM
Posts: 1,
Visits: 1
|
|
| Menu Planning! The best way to save money on groceries. Sit down at the beginning of each week, work out exactly what you are going to cook and write a list of the necessary ingredients. In addition to this, start by seeing what you have in your fridge or pantry that needs to be used up and base your chosen meals around these existing ingredients to prevent wastage. Menu planning also makes you really think about what you are eating each week, and encourages you to try different meals, rather than just whipping up whatever is quick and easy. Spending a bit of time planning your meals also makes life alot easier during the week, you know what you are going to cook each night, you have all the ingredients there and there's no need for the little grocery shops in between. If you need to run into the supermarket just to buy bread or milk, just take in enough change (eg. $5 note) to buy this instead of your whole purse, will resist the temptation to buy unnecessary items. When is comes to buying clothes and other material things, give yourself a basic rule, every new thing you buy needs to replace an old thing. So when you are tempted to buy something, have a think about what you will be replacing. If you are not willing or do not need to throw anything out to replace it with - chances are you don't really need it. Read the book Affluenza - will totally change your view on over consumption.
|
|
|
|