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Budget Tips

By Betty Crocker Kitchens
Created January 10, 2017
budget tips
From cheap eats to smart kitchen ideas, check out these thrifty tips and tricks for saving.

Every dollar counts, especially when it comes to feeding your family. That’s why we’ve reached out to our top budget bloggers, gathering their best tips and tricks to help you save at every meal. A little trimming here and there adds up quick. So read on, chose the ones you love and enjoy the savings!

Brenda Thompson from MealPlanningMagic.com

  1. Look for markdowns: Learn what day your store marks down it’s perishables for quick sales on produce, bakery goods or meat. Plan your shopping day accordingly
  2. Brown bag it: Skipping out on eating out could save you upwards of $40 a month. Instead of paying the big bucks, pack your own lunch. Think sandwiches, fruit and healthy snacks to keep you full all day long.
  3. Save those veggie peels: Don’t throw away those extra vegetable peelings.  Save them in a freezer container, then use to make a tasty soup stock.
  4. Freeze leftover yogurt: Fill your ice cube trays with extra yogurt and use them in your smoothies or creamy homemade dressing recipes.
Cate O'Malley from Sweetnicks.com
  1. Throw coupon swap parties: Hold regular coupon-swap parties with other coupon-toting, like-minded, budget-savvy friends.  It’s an easy way to get more of the coupons you need and pass along the ones you don’t.
  2. Divide and conquer the to-dos: Text a small group of your friends the next time you’re headed to the grocery store, home improvement store or library and see what they need.  Having them repay the favor is a win-win and will save gas.
  3. Cook with friends: Once-a-week set up time to cook with your friends. In just a few hours you can make plenty of meals to freeze and later eat with your family. They’ll be perfect for those crazy busy weeknights when time is short.
  4. Keep pricing notes: Jot a note on your smart phone or keep a small notebook to record what you’re paying for the usual grocery items (pasta, cereal, butter, etc.). Compare those prices with other stores and start to keep track of where you can maximize your savings.  Every dollar saved counts!
Angie McGowan from EclecticRecipes.com
  1. Make fruits and veggies last: Line your refrigerator bins with paper towels to help absorb excess moisture.  This will help prevent mold and extend the edible life of your fruits and veggies.
  2. Stock up! Stock up on sale items when you see them.  You can easily rewrap large amounts of meat and store them in the freezer.  Just remember to check the expiration dates so you can use them before they expire.
  3. Dinner themes each week: Have a pre-planned “Meatless Monday,” “Taco's on Tuesday,” or one night of breakfast for dinner.  They’re great ways to cut back on the grocery bills and create a tasty event!
  4. Season’s eatings: Buying only fruits and vegetables in season gives you the freshest taste and an immediate savings on the grocery bill.
  5. Energy-efficient fridge: Vacuum or dust the duct from the condenser coil to help your fridge run more efficient.  Also, turn up the temp one notch during the colder seasons to save even more energy.
Paula Jones from bellalimento.com
  1. Hang your onions: Tie your onions in stockings and hang them in your kitchen.  This extends their life.
  2. Freeze leftover wine: Freeze your unused wine in ice cube trays.  When needed, place them in sauces or stock to add flavor.
  3. Freeze chicken stock: Freeze your extra chicken stock, as well.  This is a great way to add extra flavor to sauces when the time comes.
  4. Soften your sugars: Don’t throw away hardened sugar. Simply place a slice of apple in the bag and the sugar softens up in no time.