35 ways to eat and shop on a budget

11. Check the sale rack
If the supermarket has too many items near their expiration date, they slash prices to make sure they move. Examine discounted produce and meats carefully, and freeze any you can't eat soon.

12. Use coupons
While this can save cash, you may still be better off buying the generic version rather than the higher-priced brand. It's work, but if you watch for store coupons as well as the ones in the newspaper, you can do well — and some stores double coupons. Just make sure you only clip coupons for products you actually need.

13. Apply for a store card
This gives you extra savings on sale items and means you don't need to clip coupons. Some stores give you purchase points to use toward a turkey at Thanksgiving or other rewards.

14. Shop with cash
Some strict budgeters advocate only taking cash to the store so you keep better track of your purchases and reject extras. Using a debit card is another option.

15. Bring your own bag(s)
Some stores give a discount for each bag you bring — and you're saving the planet as well as your own green.

DIY budget-stretching tips


1. Do your own prep
While it's tempting to buy those prepared fruit salads, precut vegetables and precleaned greens, you can save a lot by doing a little bit of the work. Same goes for cheese: Buy a chunk and slice or grate it yourself.

2. Invest in a freezer
This lets you buy meats and vegetables in bulk or on sale, divide them into smaller serving sizes, and store safely for later use. It also helps you avoid expensive last-minute dinner purchases because you have nothing in the house. Frozen veggies and fruits come in handy for quick stir-fries or desserts.

3. Make your own cold cuts
One of our biggest purchases at the supermarket is convenience. Sometimes it's worth buying time, but often you'll eat better — and definitely less expensively — if you get creative. If you see ham or turkey breast on sale, it may be worth roasting it and slicing for sandwiches. Too much meat? Freeze extra slices for later.

4. Mix up drinks
Brew your own tea and ice it, or mix seltzer with fruit juice for a light and refreshing spritzer. If you use milk only for your coffee or tea, a slightly weaker flavor milk won't be obvious — so stretch your milk dollar with a mixture of the powdered variety enhanced with the real thing from its carton cousin.

5. Try your hand at canning
When produce is in peak season and you have a glut (and prices are typically at their lowest), stock up and preserve them. It's inexpensive, convenient, and a great way to enjoy tasty fruits and veggies throughout the year.

6. Bring lunch
Cook up batches of pasta, quinoa, stir-fry vegetables and the like so you have a few days' worth of lunches to microwave at work. If you're not that organized, at least throw together a sandwich and snack or fruit instead of buying a much more expensive version.

7. Waste not
Overripe bananas can be frozen and used later for banana bread or smoothies. If you roast a chicken, save the bones and make your own homemade stock. Stems from parsley and basil are great for flavoring soups and stocks. Keep the rind from Parmesan and other hard cheeses and use to flavor soups. Stale bread can be used for bread crumbs or meatball filling.

8. Freeze properly
Label freezer packs with contents and date. Invest in containers or special freezer bags —you're not saving money if your food gets freezer burn and has to be tossed out. Squeeze as much air as possible out of freezer bags before sealing.

9. Grow food
You don't need a big yard — even window boxes or planters will work for herbs and some veggies.

10. Compost
Save landfill space and also make your own nutrient-filled soil for growing those veggies.

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