How to Save Money on
Groceries

by Julie McMurchie
The Homemade Way

Homemade foods not only taste
better, they are better for you and
your budget. Cooking is one sure
fire way to reduce your food costs.
Learn to make it yourself and get
more food for the dollars you
spend.
2. Learn to Cook the Homemade Way

money. Not only do they taste canned, the cost per serving is several times what
homemade soups cost.
homemade soups cost.


I am a firm believer in making it myself whenever possible. I do not buy boxed rice
mixes, pasta dishes or frozen meals. Neither do I buy frozen chicken nuggets, pizza or
spaghetti sauce, salad dressings, or pre-cut vegetables and salad mixes. The reason,
the more I rely on others to do the work for me, the more I pay for the food my family eats.

I didn't always cook this way. I am just as busy as the next person, and convenience is
nice. It is also a luxury I am not willing to afford. I will buy some things, like large cans of
tomato product, when I am making marinara. You would be surprised at how much you
can do with a six pound can of crushed tomatoes, some garlic and a few herbs. For
about $5 you can make marinara for a spaghetti dinner, save some for pizza sauce and
bread sticks, pour some in a soup pot with broth and vegetables for minestrone, and
use the rest for one of my favorite meals, pasta e fagioli. And, if you don't use it all, you
can freeze the rest.

Learn to make homemade salad dressings, pasta sauces, soups, gravies, breads,
even pizza and you will start saving money. And, with my methods, you will be able to
make large amounts and freeze meals for later in the week, which will save you time as
well.