Check out steps 1-4 here.
5. Store leftovers before serving, keep track of your leftover habits, and plan to use leftovers. Check out this post on decreasing waste to learn about strategies for leftovers!
6. Set a budget based on your current spending and the identified places you can spend more or save–and stick to it!
Apps such as Pennies and You Need a Budget can remind you about your budget and keep track, but you can also keep a running total on a notepad you keep with you. I also recommend keeping up a streamlined version of your running spreadsheet to keep a check on where your money is going.
7. Meal plan–and don’t forget snacks! Be realistic about leftovers. Be realistic about how long produce will last in the refrigerator; prolong your storage time by following these waste reduction tips in this post. Be realistic about when you will eat out and how much you would like to spend. It is easy to overspend on individual sized snacks when you are hungry, so make sure to include enough snacks in your plan!
8. Keep track of how you are doing! Sometimes you will overspend, and sometimes you will underspend. Keep track and adjust your budget as needed to fit your desired spending and lifestyle.
You can do it!
Happy holiday food shopping–this is a great time to use these tips and save your bank account! 🙂
The Eat. Move. Live. Blog 