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How are you saving money on meals with all the increases?
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How are you saving money on meals with all the increases?
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I try to save using coupons and only buying things on sale.I have started making a breakfast meal at dinner time and also serving one meatless meal a week.I'm making oatmeal instead of cold cereals,wh
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How are you saving money on meals with all the increases?

posted at 8/3/2011 8:31 AM EDT
Posts: 4948
First: 6/4/2010
Last: 4/30/2013
I try to save using coupons and only buying things on sale.I have started making a breakfast meal at dinner time and also serving one meatless meal a week.I'm making oatmeal instead of cold cereals,which we should probably do this anyway.I have been making ice tea instead of drinking diet pop.Instead of buying pre made breakfast sausage I have been making my own by seasoning ground pork with salt ,pepper and sage.I just make up sausage patties and freeze them.I try and make what ever I can if it costs less to do so.Please share some of your cost saving tricks and maybe we can come up with a lot of ideas to share.Thanks!
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Re: How are you saving money on meals with all the increases?

posted at 8/3/2011 12:50 PM EDT
Posts: 693
First: 12/31/2009
Last: 5/17/2013
I look for reduced items at the grocery store because they usually lower the price and give you a large portion.  The other day, I found a large package of onions for only 99 cents at SuperKMart.  I took them home, cleaned them, chopped them and then put them in the freezer.  I pull out what I need when I make soups or casseroles.  I've done this with peppers and celery too.
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Re: How are you saving money on meals with all the increases?

posted at 8/3/2011 9:59 PM EDT
Posts: 1396
First: 8/9/2008
Last: 5/24/2013
I use coupons all the time.  I coordinate them with what is on sale.  I buy large packages of chicken, ground turkey, etc. since it is cheaper.  I put food in the freezer all the time.  If we have any leftovers, we eat them the next day or freeze them.  If there is a little of something left over, I freeze it and use it with more of the same down the road or combine it with somethlng else.  With the large packages of chicken or ground turkey, I make the large package which also saves on utilities by making it all at one time and then freeze the rest in packages.  I label them and date them. 

I have a store card from the grocery store I shop at and check the store flyer to see what is on sale with the card and purchase the items, if I use them.  If there is something new that I want to try I wait until I have a coupon and it is on sale.
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Re: How are you saving money on meals with all the increases?

posted at 8/4/2011 6:52 AM EDT
Posts: 2732
First: 1/16/2009
Last: 5/24/2013
I'm trying to make better use of leftovers and not waste them.
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Re: How are you saving money on meals with all the increases?

posted at 8/4/2011 7:13 AM EDT
Posts: 4948
First: 6/4/2010
Last: 4/30/2013
I'll tell you,I miss my older boy not being here at home.That kid would eat left overs for breakfast! When I have extra I always send it home with him.
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Re: How are you saving money on meals with all the increases?

posted at 8/4/2011 7:37 AM EDT
Posts: 959
First: 1/30/2010
Last: 1/22/2013
I always look at the grocery meat mark downs first.  Sometimes I can get the sale items for the week marked down even more!!!!  Better than coupons.  LOL!  I just put them in the freezer if I don't use them within a day or two.  They have always been fine.  One thing, I don't let my husband see the date on the package.  He gets silly about those sometimes.
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Re: How are you saving money on meals with all the increases?

posted at 8/4/2011 8:42 AM EDT
Posts: 2953
First: 9/5/2010
Last: 5/25/2013
I use coupons. You think about it before you purchase It. If it is on sale you use coupons to make the purchase. It a store in your area  has a senior discount  dayshop  on that day , use coupons, look for mark downs.
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Re: How are you saving money on meals with all the increases?

posted at 8/4/2011 9:34 AM EDT
Posts: 1641
First: 8/8/2008
Last: 5/24/2013
I make a list and stick to it try to find the items on sale or store brand check out what meat they have reduced and will get it even if it is not on my list
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Re: How are you saving money on meals with all the increases?

posted at 8/4/2011 10:21 AM EDT
Posts: 189
First: 3/11/2010
Last: 2/16/2013
were eating less meat...
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Re: How are you saving money on meals with all the increases?

posted at 8/4/2011 11:44 AM EDT
Posts: 856
First: 1/20/2010
Last: 5/24/2013
I use coupons all the time and I have a big garden which I am
canning out of.
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Re: How are you saving money on meals with all the increases?

posted at 8/9/2011 6:32 PM EDT
Posts: 992
First: 10/7/2010
Last: 8/28/2011

Doing as always: shopping the (sale) ads;using  matching) coupons; eating lless meats ( less of everything lately; a good idea in this hot humid weather.Making more from 'scratch"; alwaysles costly than buying  foodprepared by others!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Still I'm spending 10% more than in  this past springtime
I'verun outof ideas for money savigmenus; butwe'restil eating wellSurprisedWink
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Re: How are you saving money on meals with all the increases?

posted at 8/9/2011 9:02 PM EDT
Posts: 1474
First: 9/9/2008
Last: 5/24/2013
I try to match coupons to sale items to get a better deal.  The folks issuing the coupons are not making it easy with the shorter expiration dates and the "buy 3, get 1 free" things.  If the store is having a really good sale on something, it's usually limit of 1 at that price.   (I'm starting to think they are timing the coupons to run out right before they have a promotion to get us all to pay full price.)  Share coupons I don't use with my kids and neighbors.

Usually I take my Mom shopping and just buy what I need at the same time.  Saves some gas that way and she doesn't have to haul all the groceries in the house by herself.

If I buy a large package of meat I usually divide it up into meal size portions to cut down on leftovers that might have to be tossed.  Sometimes I will grill everything and then freeze it in meal size packages for those days when I don't have time to cook.  Makes it easier to thaw and reheat.
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Re: How are you saving money on meals with all the increases?

posted at 8/10/2011 2:10 AM EDT
Posts: 4948
First: 6/4/2010
Last: 4/30/2013
I started making more meals like sausage gravy,we had it the other night.I made the gravy and put it over biscuits and fried 2 eggs and put that on top.A local restaurant serves it that way and I have to say it is very tasty.I made hamburger gravy tonight over rice,with a salad.It makes the meat go further.I also use beef and chicken soup base for flavoring my gravies.It has salt in it so I don't add anymore until after cooking just to make sure it isn't too salty.The nice thing about soup base is it doesn't need refrigerated,it's concentrated and takes up very little space.It sells for about $4 a jar and it makes gallons of soup.You can find it by all the soups and broth.I'm spending more every week but what can you do?The cashiers at my store say I'm the Queen of coupons but I think I'm getting knocked off my throne! lol I always have a hand full of coupons,they are always in order and I check the dates to make sure they arn't expired and I put any free ones on top so they can write the price on it without searching for the item later.I was a cashier at one time and believe me they do appreciate when everything is in order and in turn your groceries will be rung up correctly also.
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Re: How are you saving money on meals with all the increases?

posted at 8/10/2011 3:18 AM EDT
Posts: 1
First: 8/10/2011
Last: 8/10/2011
well, you make friends with the people that work in the butcher then ask for a discount, or you get one of your friends to work so that they can give you a discount. thats how we buy our meat for low prices ^_^
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Re: How are you saving money on meals with all the increases?

posted at 4/26/2012 3:46 AM EDT
Posts: 1
First: 4/26/2012
Last: 4/26/2012
Breakfast meal for dinner? That's a great strategy for saving money on meals! But that doesn't mean you'll be spending all your shopping time in the cold cereal section. Here are a few recommendations for inexpensive breakfast food that's completely suitable for dinner: Cheap breakfast for dinner alternatives
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Re: How are you saving money on meals with all the increases?

posted at 4/27/2012 8:08 PM EDT
Posts: 2906
First: 9/13/2011
Last: 5/21/2013
GRANA  here;I followthesale brochure, match up coupons & cordinate w/ items already in my pantry or freezer to makeup MENUS .Thisworks great excet when the store  doesn't s't have the  sale item   available ; then I frantically haveto think of substitutes hopefullyon sale  & in stock or already inmy freezer or pantry.We eat less meat ( 2-3oz pp per meal; supplementing w/ yogurt & whole grains to get a better suppy o f protein at  lower prices. We drink hot or iced tea instead of soft drinks; buy beer on sale  i BIG packs.Hubby gave up beer for over 5 yers & now  allows himself a 1/2 bottle if on sale  .
He really enjoys the flavor  of  some[ lite Or n/a  beer  w/ pizza ; deli sandwiches, even soups/chili
After dinner dessert is served w hot or  ced tea, filling us up & helping to expand the whole grains that are a part of every meal.
 We eat manyINTERNATIONAL DISHES ;  Other countries eat morefrugallythan us: patas rice& other grains, meat is used for flavoring not  to fil up the plate & belly.
Dessert is fresh fruit &   one  wholegain cookie or a piece of 1/2 price OR whole grain pastry.
Ibuymyspices& herbs at a$$ storethat pomisesfreshnessorarefund.I pay  $.99 -$1v fora botl/jarof spice/herbsthat costs $2-$4 for thebrandname one.I buy storebrand( tuna;  canned tomato  products, cereals, pastas,  even salsa & most arejust asgoodasthebrand names orarefundisavalable. w/ receipt.Iwashclothesin coldwater & dryonly till slightly damp & fluffy, then air dry on racks around round the house saving utility costs as much as possible. Theextra moisture is likeahumidifier & moist air heatsmoreefficiently than dry air.Costs nothing & isaWIN WIN idea alltheway'round.
I put orange & lemon peels down the drain & run the disposal which  releases a fresh citrus scent to mask kitchen odors of  cabbage, broccoli spices ( curry, especially)
I ash lingerie in my bubble bath ( cheaper than hand wash soap & ges my  dainties scented just like myself at litle  extra cost
Sale shampoos  that do not  work well on my hair, becomehand ashables   detergent for  lingerie &  sweaters.
Very little goes to waste &  expensive specialty  products are seldom purchased. My  facial cleanser is spread s over neck etc w/ the back of  my hand, snmoothing &  eliminating "age spots" at no extra cost".Money mouthCool
 Th end slices f bread hat obody wants or andwiches or toast are turned into breadcrumbs & dried for meastloaf &meat balls or breading chicken for  "oven " frying.
Potatoes are pre- baked in themcrowave till lnearly done& finished up alongw/  cookies; casseroles & cakesto get that dry skin texture we both prefer .
Lefovers are turned into soups s, casseroles& side dishes,even main dishes
Celery leaves are reserved & dried to  crush & pack into spice bottles for soups; cole slaw & potato salad. It's a science & a challenge; requires  constant  awareness but becomes fun to win at theecononomy game.    Hubby rewards my success w/  value  meal treats on grocery shopping day so I get a  nicemeal  meal w/o effort  as payment for  all my  hard work !  
We   often have breakfast for dinner; pancakes; Fre nch toast;omelets & limit ourselves to = of 2 eggs.
i make my wnbreakfast  sausage for eggs usingTVP in broth  w/ sage; salt to taste  & fresh ground black pepper( samespices used  sed for pork sausage. There's no fat shrinkage , only as  much alt as you want..
Add it to beten eggs w/  diced leftover bell pepper &   choped onion trimmings for a " DENVER" style omelet.
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Re: How are you saving money on meals with all the increases?

posted at 4/28/2012 12:14 AM EDT
Posts: 2953
First: 9/5/2010
Last: 5/25/2013
Careful shopping + coupons + sales + home gardening if it is not stolen in the middle of the night.
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Re: How are you saving money on meals with all the increases?

posted at 4/28/2012 7:24 AM EDT
Posts: 981
First: 8/8/2008
Last: 5/24/2013
i use coupons but theres not a store near me that doubles them just a walmart and food lion . i watch food lion for sales from papers towels to t paper as i save 1.00 coupons  till theres a sale then get t paper for 4.99 with coupon i stock up  with 4-12  packs
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Re: How are you saving money on meals with all the increases?

posted at 4/28/2012 7:56 AM EDT
Posts: 2732
First: 1/16/2009
Last: 5/24/2013
I use coupon whenI can, take advantage of sales and try to waste less.
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Re: How are you saving money on meals with all the increases?

posted at 4/28/2012 8:53 AM EDT
Posts: 1173
First: 9/10/2008
Last: 5/23/2013
We use coupons, buy in bulk, go for the weekly specials (especially the BOGO's etc.) at the local grocery stores and I cook, divide into individual portions and freeze my husband's work lunches.   
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