Sandra's Money Saving Tips

$ Tip: Buy things in season when you can. If it's out of season, shop for it in the frozen section.

• Fresh blueberries in season are $0.99 cents a pint; out of season they are $2.99. If you buy them frozen, blueberries are only $1.99.

$ Tip: Sometimes you don't pay for convenience.

• Whole Mushrooms cost the same as pre-chopped or sliced mushrooms.
  
• Boxed pound cake costs less than making from scratch (due to the amount of butter).
  
• Eggs: Hard-boiled and peeled go on sale for same price as raw eggs on Tuesdays.

$ Tip: Shop for inexpensive cuts of meats that fit your budget.

• Fish, such as tilapia, can cost $6.99/lb, Cod $10.99/lb, and Halibut $14.99/lb.
  
• In comparison to ground meat, 80% lean ground beef costs $2.99/lb, 80%lean ground pork costs $2.49/lb, 90% ground veal or turkey costs about $2.99/lb.

$ Tip: Store Brand vs. Name Brand

• We all love a good sale! Name brand products are on sale in the beginning of the month (when families have just been paid) and private label store brands go on sale at the end of the month (when families may have less in their budget).

$ Tip: Expiration date: There is a misconception that you have to throw food away.

• Fact: The date is just a "for-sale by date." These items are good for five more days.

$ Tip: Invest in a slow cooker; running a slow cooker costs $0.02 per hour.

$ Tip: Know when to substitute expensive ingredients for less expensive ones.

• For example, for my Slow Cooker Cheese Cake, I used ricotta costing me $1.67 vs. Cream Cheese at $3.75. I saved $2.08 or 55%.

$ Tip: Measuring ingredients accurately is an important aspect of saving money.

$ Tip: Buy staples in bulk to save money and stock your pantry smartly.

• Buying items in bulk such as a 5lb bag of onions will save you money. Buying a whole chicken and cutting it yourself will save you more than 50%. Buying meat in bulk is also a great way to save money; family packs of chicken or 3lb bags of ground meat.
  
• Keeping a few key items on hand like seasonings, baking mix, condiments and lean protein will ensure that a tasty meal is just a mixing spoon away.

$ Tip: Choose double-duty foods and beverages.

• Many food garnishes and juices can serve as flavor enhancers. Using fruit juice in place of water in mixes – white cranberry or white grape juice – adds flavor without changing the color.