7. Plan Your Meals
The cornerstone of any savings goal is planning. Set your budget thoughtfully and then do the research to support it. That means poring over the stores’ weekly circulars and building a meal plan based on items that are on sale. You might also want stock up on your favorite pantry items when they’re on sale.
And speaking of the pantry, don’t forget to peruse it as you make your meal plan, as there are often a lot of items there – things like dried pasta, jarred sauces, canned goods, and boxed rice – that can be used as the foundation of a meal. The freezer may also hold some forgotten treasures. Aim to use everything you have.