To kick off the first edition of Frugal Wealth, here’s a list of ways to save money on food:

Groceries

• Look for coupons in your local paper. Obvious? Yes, but you wouldn’t believe the number of people who simply throw coupons away. A $1.00 newspaper may save you $5.00 at the grocery store.
• Do you have a backyard? If so, plant some vegetables. Even more space? Plant a fruit tree.
• Don’t buy fruit that is “not in season”. If you want nectarines in the winter, you’ll end up paying a huge premium.
• Go for the natural food (i.e. things that grow from the ground or a tree, rather than a factory). With packaged food, you end up paying for the brand. Eat the food that God provides.
• If you’re going for the packaged goods, buy the store brand. Often it’s the exact same manufacturer as the name-brand, just with a different label.

Eating Out

• If a friend suggests a restaurant, check the menu first. If it’s too pricey, find a cheaper place.
• Pack a lunch if you know you will be out.
• Ask for leftovers. That half-eaten burrito makes a great lunch the next day.
• Skip appetizers and dessert. Your waistline will be happy with this one too.
• Don’t eat out. Cooking for yourself is cheaper and healthier.
• Come up with other forms of social activity – meet for coffee, go for a walk, talk on the phone, see a movie.

Beverages

• If you’re eating out, skip the booze. Drink beforehand, take a flask, or do your liver a favor and drink water.
• Make your own coffee. Everyone loves the extra caffeine that Starbucks throws into their coffee, but at 3 bucks a day, you’re looking at over $1,100 a year on coffee!
• Skip the bottled water and get a water filter. If your city has clean enough water, go ahead and drink from the tap.
• Buy soda in bulk. Getting a two liter bottle or 12 pack of cans is much cheaper than buying the 20oz bottles at the gas station or 7-11.

If you have other suggestions, let me know.

Until next time, Keep It Frugal.