Saving Money at the Store: Spend Less on Produce

Posted: 11 Jan 2011 04:00 AM PST

Recently, I was dismayed to throw away a package of pre-washed celery sticks. I’m allergic to raw celery, but we had bought it because my husband vaguely intimated that he might want to snack on it. Into the vegetable crisper it went, only to be discovered mushy and inedible weeks later. As I contemplated this unfortunate waste of money, I thought about what we could do to improve matters so that less was spent (and wasted) on produce during our grocery shopping trips.

: Photo: The Consumerist

Have a Plan and Make a List

So often, we just purchase produce without a plan for eating it. Creating a meal plan for the week — and making a list to go with that plan — is one of the best ways to save money at the grocery store in general. Know what you are going to make, and then buy the produce you need for it. Make an effort to use all of the produce you purchase before you go back to the store. Pay attention so that you can adjust your purchases according to your usage.

Another part of planning is preparing to use the produce. My husband really didn’t know what he would do with the celery, but we bought it anyway. We could have planned to use it with a vegetable tray when company comes over, or he could have decided to eat it for lunch. You can also prepare the produce ahead of time. Cut it up into snack size pieces the night before. For produce like carrots and celery, you can cut it up and store it in baggies, making it easy to grab for snacking or lunches.

Avoid Prepackaged Produce

One of the mistakes we made was getting a huge package of pre-washed and pre-cut celery sticks. It cost more money, so when it went bad, it was more of a blow. From lettuce to apples to carrots, produce usually costs less when it is bought loose or by the pound. Dried beans and peas cost less when bought in bulk, rather than in packages. It usually only takes a few minutes to prepare produce. We have increased our frugality by taking five minutes to wash and tear lettuce and herbs, rather than buying ready made salads. Plus, it has forced us to slow down and enjoy dinner time as a family as we help each other prepare the meal.

Purchase Produce in Season

Produce costs less when it is in season. It is true that some items have to be bought out of season (during the winter, it can be hard to get your hands on in-season produce). However, you can compensate by choosing less expensive produce when it is out of season. Roots, some fruits and other produce are generally less expensive than others. Look for these items out of season.

You can also save money by canning produce when you buy it in season. Some produce is ideal for bottling, and that can preserve it for times when it is out of season. Buy the produce when it is less expensive, and save it for when it is costlier. If you want to save even more, you can grow your own produce. It is even possible to make use of container gardens, and some produce (tomatoes and herbs are good examples) can be grown indoors. My family actually has an orange tree in our house, by a sunny window.

With advance planning, it is possible to save money on produce, reducing your overall grocery bill.

Dollar Matters: Choices

Posted: 10 Jan 2011 09:00 AM PST

Often, the choices you make affect your financial situation. You want to make the right money moves for the new year, and that might mean paying attention to the choices that you make now. Here are some interesting posts about the choices you make:

Do You Suffer From Stuff Attachment Disorder? (SAD)

Brad at Enemy of Debt offers an insightful look at how stuff can cause financial problems. Especially if you are too attached to it.

Stocks or Mutual Funds: Which Should I Buy?

Mike at Oblivious Investor tackles an age-old investment question: individual stocks or funds?

Are You Responsible for Your Spouse’s Debt?

Over at Moolanomy, I offer a basic overview of what you are responsible for when you say “I do” to someone with debt.

10 Ways Having Kids Saved Me Money

We hear a lot about how expensive kids can be. But can they actually save you money? Tracy at MoneyNing shares a tongue in cheek list of how having kids turned out to be a good financial decision.

Retiring Later: Preferable or Not?

Mike at Do Not Wait! provides a look at the choices you face when it comes time to retire. (With a Canadian focus.)

2011 Quick Tip: Only Focus on One Goal/Habit at a Time

Do you feel overwhelmed by everything you have to “fix” about your financial choices? Jeff Rose at Good Financial Cents offers you some helpful advice about narrowing your focus a bit.

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