Give the coupon page to the checker and receive back cashlike coupons to be used at your next shopping trip. Buy large, economy-size packages of plain rice, pasta and cereal and store in airtight containers. When Pilar Moreno-Jones wants to serve refried beans for dinner, she doesn't reach for a can. With the recent talk of an economic slowdown in the United States, some are fearing the worst. But instead of sitting back and waiting for things to go downhill, take action now.
Planning is essential.
Just by devoting about 30 minutes each week in planning, you can save big bucks. Instead of letting your mood and favorite foods determine what you buy, base your decisions on that week's specials, says Trietman. Convenience products are such a fact of daily life for most people, they aren't even thought of as such. If you have a freezer, use it to your advantage by making extras and freezing meals, so you'll have something to grab when time is of the essence. If you are cooking for just one or two, and every recipe makes too much, just freeze the leftovers and serve again next week or even next month.