To save money on meals, make a list (and stick to it!), shop for bargains, use coupons, stock up when something is on sale, and don’t let food go to waste. Know the cost of basic foods and comparison shop. I’ve found, when looking up prices online, that they vary tremendously. Also be sure when you’re comparing foods that you’re comparing the same thing. A can of tomato sauce with onion and spices isn’t the same thing as a can of plain sauce.

I agree with you Moonie! Prices on things are getting rediculous! I made a cake for my Grandma’s birthday and she wants nothing but a duncan hines strawberry cake from the box so that’s what I made and can you believe cake mix is $3 a box!? I almost fell over it used to be 88 cents

Here Albertson’s Grocery Store & Food 4 Less (low end grocery store owned by Kroger) has weekly flyer’s with sales. They will have Duncan Hines or Pillsbury or Betty Crocker Cake Mixes & Frosting on sale. Albertson’s has this 10 for $10 and Food 4 Less has them for 98 cents. Even if I do not need them right away…I will pick up a few to have on hand in case something comes up so I don’t have to pay the $3 or more when I need them. I do that with other pantry items and it saves in the long run. Just have to be sure that I don’t let them go past the expiration date. My hubby always know when they are about to expire cuz i make Gooey Butter Cakes

It works great for other pantry or canned items as well. I can’t tell you how many times a spur of the moment recipe called for a canned product that wasn’t on the months grocery list and I remembered “Oh I do have this…..horray!” It happened the other night with a new recipe from Paula’s Magazine “Bubba’s Sour Cream Pork Chops” and canned mushrooms. It was such a big hit with my hubby I was grateful I had gotten them months ago when they were on sale!

We’re growing a big garden this year to save on food purchases and eat healthier. No chemical fertilizers or insecticides. I’m starting to like all the vegetables I couldn’t stand in my younger years and I “feel” healthier for it. I just found some food in the pantry that’s getting close to expiration. It goes on this coming week’s menu. Rice and Beans are super cheap and good for you in combination.