Money Monday

As part of Febusave (read about that here and hit the button on the right-hand-side of my blog to join), I told you I would share some tips for saving money. 


I thought I'd start with food: a huge expenditure for families, as well as something I love to have lots of!


Here are the ways in which I save money on food, while still eating well:


Plan meals each week. I am fairly new to meal-planning. But there are so many benefits: saving time racing to the shops a few times each week to grab more items needed for meals; saving money, because inevitably every trip to the shops for a couple of things means returning with three bags of goodies; less waste, because you buy what you need and therefore you use it.


Make your lunches. Include them in your meal plans. Buying lunch is expensive. When I worked in an office, going out for lunch would involve a focaccia and a drink, totalling at least $10. It doesn't sound like much, but that's $50 every week (not including going out on a weekend) or around $2,500 each year. 


Buy lots of fresh fruit and vegetables. I don't like fruit and vegies from the supermarket. I find they are often expensive and don't last terribly long. I go to a local fruit shop or market, where the prices are reasonable and the produce worth eating. 


Explore the option of buying meat in bulk. I found going to the butcher, or buying meat from the supermarket, would cost me a fortune. Now we buy our meat through a cattle farm, who supply us with beautiful fresh beef and lamb at a really reasonable price.


PS - Just wanted to let you know that my being an ambassador for Febusave is purely a voluntary exercise. There is nothing in it for me, other than trying to open up the lines of communication about money and saving.


Good luck!

Megan