Monday for me is my start to my weekend. I am a waitress by trade (for now!) and anyone who has ever waitressed knows that your money is made doing double shifts on the weekends. So, when normal working people who have Monday-Friday jobs say no to Mondays, I am silently cheering in the corner thankful that the weekend is finally over!
Today, while I relax (and possibly take a much needed nap later) I want to share some really simple meal prepping tools I use to help me prep faster and easier. I am a college girl on a budget so this is a crucial part of eating healthy and being able to afford it as well.
If you are in college or have ever experienced the life of a poor kid just trying to pay rent for the month, you understand my pain when it comes to spending money on groceries. It's a weekly struggle when I decide how much I want to spend on food. So let's start with my tips on how to spend less and save more!
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Tip #1 - Never go without a list.
I have learned that going into any store without a list is a BAD idea. I always buy everything that I don't need and spending way more than I really can afford. So stick to a list! Be a man or woman on a mission!
Tip #2 - Great Value is always cheapest but now always the best quality.
For those of you who have no idea what I'm talking about, Great Value is a Walmart brand version of the more expensive brand name items. They have great products and normally don't skimp on quality. Instead, they use a simpler form of branding with less "pretty colored packaging." HOWEVER, I have found a few items like the look-a-like Oreos... don't go near them. If I was to waste calories, they will be brand name Oreos! But other than the few items I wouldn't recommend, I would always try GV first.
Tip #3 - Go above or below eye level
The "Golden Eye Level" is exactly where you want to steer clear from. This is where the most money is made with the most expensive items right there staring you in the face. The bigger companies pay more money for their products to be in that prime position because let's be honest, where does your eye immediately go when shopping? The fun colored bags of chips right at eye level! Us short girls are vertically challenged to get those bags on the top shelf, but if it's a dollar cheaper, grab that tall creepy man beside you and ask for help!
Tip #4 - Bulk is most of the time better
If you can buy in bulk, do it! Freezing and Ziploc baggies are going to be your best friend. Buying in bulk is more expensive at the register but when you are saving $2-5/meal it adds up your savings. Costco and Sam's Club are a few of the popular stores that are conveniently priced when it comes to bulk. Anywhere from bread, chicken, fruits, anything really. Most things are able to be split up and put in the freezer in smaller portions to use when you need.
Tip #4 - Get rid of the fluff
Getting rid of the extra foods and not sticking to a meal plan are going to be your biggest areas of money problems. Living on a student budget is not easy if you are buying non-essential items for your pantry that just sit there and are not being used. I have gotten to the point where I have to go to the store if I have an unexpected dinner to make or someone is visiting because I don't keep anything extra in my cabinets besides what I need for the week. I have essential all-purpose seasonings and sauces, that's about it. I don't buy a lot of extra and I have perfected how big my servings are so I can eyeball them when shopping and really know how much I will need. Plus, by sticking to your list and meal plan and not buying all the extra you will be less likely to cheat and go off track with your progress.
Tip #5 - Pay attention to sales ads
Paying attention to weekly ads when you are planning your grocery list for the week is always an easy way to get the best deals. If you are willing to go to a few different stores instead of a one-stop shop, you will save more.
Tip #6 - Walmart Savings Catcher
This app is A M A Z I N G. If you are wanting the one-stop shop like I do, this is the thing to do. You buy your groceries, get your receipt and scan it into the app. It then scans the prices for up to 3 days and if there is a better deal at another store they will credit you money back! Pretty cool idea I thought :)
Tip #7 - Coupons!
I am no coupon-er but I can tell you this is most right-in-your-face advertising ever and it's FREE! You are taking a few minutes out of your day and saving some money while doing it!
Tip #8 - Do not shop when hungry
Shopping when you are hungry is an easy and for sure way to fill your cart with extra stuff that you don't need like the donuts and chocolate covered pretzels. You will watch your bill go sky high and end up not using half the stuff you bought.
Tip #9 - Don't center every meal around meat
Focusing on getting your lean protein in every meal is one thing, but getting it from animal sources and watching your grocery bill skyrocket is another. Tofu will become your best friend along with other non-animal proteins. Google it, get on Pinterest, become more knowledgeable about other ways to get your protein and you will be amazed at how much you save!
Tip #10 - Stay away (mostly) from the alcohol
Okay, let's be honest here. I know it is the "social" thing to do in college but let's be honest, can you afford it every night or 3-4 times a week. Do this and you are guaranteed to not see progress with your workouts, your bank account keeps decreasing, and all of a sudden you have no money for the real food (and that does not include drunk runs to McDonald's!)
For more tips and tricks, email me @ laurenknight4574@gmail.com and we can personally work together to see what works best for you and for your lifestyle whether you are a college student, momma, or anything in between!
Love always,
