Now that you've planned a food budget, you are ready for the next step.
Check to see what you have on hand — be sure to look in your cupboards, your freezer, and your refrigerator. Keep plenty of staples on hand — they store well, and stretch meals. “Staples” are also called “just in case foods.” Here are some examples of “just in case foods”:
Pasta, rice, canned tomatoes, tomato sauce, canned green beans and corn, jarred spaghetti sauce, raisins, canned fruit, canned tuna and clams, canned and dry beans, peanut butter, canned soups like cream of mushroom, and canned and dry milk.
Taking inventory of what you have on hand will keep you from buying food you don’t need.
Keep reading for the next money-saving tip.
