|
Bulk deals from warehouse club stores like Costco can save you a bundle, unless you lose a lot of those bargain goodies to spoilage. If you don't keep track of the inventory in your pantry and your fridge, you need to factor in the cost  of food spoilage on those massive portions. Spoilage rates can be as much as 15% in some households and as high as 50% for fresh fruits and vegetables. Who hasn't lost track of a giant yogurt container that somehow evaded detection by hiding in the back of the refrigerator for six months? To reduce food spoilage and save as much as $25 to $50 a month, try these handy tips:
- Make sure you clean out your refrigerator once a week
- Right size your meals if you aren't good at keeping track of your leftovers
- Keep a list or calendar of leftover meals if you make these
- Resist the urge to buy super size packages if you don't tend to finish them
- Plan your shopping around the meals that you intend to cook, then cook them
- Eat out less, you'll finish more of the food you have
- Keep your refrigerator 38 degrees or below
The last tip reminds us that sometimes when we try to save money (in this case by turning up the refrigerator to a warmer temperature), it often costs us more than the savings we get. Be smart about what you buy and how long it will last and you'll save money in the long run.
Are You Cheap? Take the Quiz that will enlighten you!
Related Articles:
Want to Learn How to Live Better and Cheaper?
Get our Famous 5 Rules of Living Cheaply today! You'll get over 20 pages of great content for free with full access to our Cheap University.
Like this Article? Get our Daily email of cheap articles and tips:
|
