I’m a bit of a Type A personality, so the first thing I did was create a wedding planning checklist and quickly realized we were looking at thousands of dollars. Needless to say, my daughter was amazing and willing to DIY whatever she needed to, as well as accept help from others (more on that below). In the end, it was perfect, and she had her dream wedding (on a budget).

If you have a small wedding budget, you’re in the right place. With a little creativity and an open mind, you can bring your wedding vision board to life. From choosing the venue, food menu, flowers, decor, and bridal gown, this post will show you how to make every detail count while sticking to your budget (and even saving some money).

As I mentioned, we saved thousands, but we had help and a lot of it. Some truly amazing people offered to do things for free or at an affordable price. So, you’ll see this advice suggested a lot below. In our experience, people are happy to help  – they want to help! In addition to accepting these generous gifts of time and energy from family and friends, we bought the wine from Costco and Trader Joe’s, ordered the cake from Publix, and let go of some of the things we wanted.

We were fortunate to have a low-cost wedding photographer and saved tons on the wedding flowers thanks to a good friend (more on that below). For the food, my amazing sister cooked for almost 100 people, her gift to my daughter. Her food was so good, in fact, that one of the staff members at the venue told us it was delicious and “this is the kind of food that people really want at a wedding”. See what she made below!

Related: Realistic Ways to Save Money Each Month

Wedding Ideas On A Budget

I’m no wedding expert, so this isn’t a comprehensive guide to having a budget wedding. However, it’s how we saved money on my daughter’s wedding, so we know these strategies work. 

Be Willing To Compromise

Being open-minded and willing to compromise is crucial when planning a wedding on a budget.

• For example, instead of focusing on having the best and most expensive things, be willing to compromise and choose a few things you want the most. For example, my daughter wanted fireworks at the reception. They were an extra $500, so we budgeted for that by saving money in other areas. She and Drew were easy to work with and willing to compromise, which made the entire process more enjoyable and helped save money. 

Your Perfect Day Wedding Planner

The Complete Wedding Planner – A 132 page wedding planning book and organizer with an 18-month countdown calendar and a 12-month bullet point checklist. Keep track of appointments, fittings, vendors, food tastings and more. A great engagement gift!

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Affordable Wedding Food

A simple, approachable menu and help from friends and family will save money on food.

• Ask for help. Do you know an excellent cook? Ask if they would be willing to prepare the food. My sister was a caterer and graciously offered to do all the food for my daughter’s wedding. It was her gift to the kids. Don’t know anyone? Local Facebook groups are a great place to find wedding ideas on a budget, and they often have recommendations for local chefs and caterers.
• Choose simple and affordable food. We chose good old-fashioned Southern comfort food for the menu, and here’s what may surprise you. Several venue employees pulled us aside and said the food was the best they’d ever seen. When the professionals who help execute weddings daily tell you people want easy, unpretentious food – that’s a big statement! If you’re set on fancy, expensive food, you might want to rethink that.
• For the cocktail hour, we served cheese and crackers, charcuterie, nuts, and fresh fruit. It was easy to grab and eat while the guests mingled. The food tables were all decorated with extra flowers and greenery we bought for the wedding. We purchased the wine from Costco and Trader Joe’s, and the cake was from Publix because, as everyone knows, Publix makes the best cakes!

Related: 52 Week Money Saving Challenge + Free Printable PDF

Wedding Flowers On A Budget

Buy your florals and either do it yourself or ask for help.

• When my daughter did the Disney college program, she made the best friends for life. One of those friends had a mother who was a florist, and she offered to do all the flowers for the wedding, which was incredibly generous and kind. She sent us a list of what she needed, and we purchased everything from a local wholesale flower shop. It saved us so much money, and she did a fantastic job, as you can see in the photos!
• Do you have a creative friend who makes beautiful arrangements for their home? Ask them to help with the flowers. They don’t have to be an expert. All it takes is creativity and a good eye. Also, social media is an excellent source for finding tutorials and budget-friendly wedding ideas. There are thousands of free videos showing you how to put together gorgeous bouquets!

Little Book of Wedding Checklists

This portable wedding planner provides all the tools and tips you need to stay organized and stress-free. Streamlining the planning process into easy-to-navigate sections, like accessories and attire, venues and vendors, and flowers and décor!

Shop Here

Cheap Bridal Gowns

My daughter found her dream dress at a pop-up that came to town, and we ended up paying a fraction of what we would have at an expensive bridal boutique. Depending on your budget, you have many options.

• Consider altering the vintage gown your mother or grandmother wore.
• Shop at a department store to find gorgeous dresses at a fraction of the price.
• Ask to buy a floor sample at a boutique or department store. They can be highly discounted!
• Opt for a simple style, which usually costs less, and jazz it up with accessories.
• Local thrift stores often have unique dress options at low prices.
• Consider buying a used wedding dress locally or online at Stillwhite, Nearly Newlywed, Borrowing Magnolia.

Wedding Photography Cost

The photographer can be one of the most expensive things at your wedding, but there are ways to save.

• Look for photographers who specialize in courthouse weddings.
• Post your specific request and budget in your local Facebook group. 
• Use Guestpix or put disposable cameras on the tables so guests can take pictures. Candid shots are fun!
• Skip the getting ready and after-party photos. These aren’t the ones you’re going to frame.

Wedding Venue On A Budget

This can either be the most expensive or the cheapest part of your wedding.

• Some of the best ideas for having a wedding on a budget come from people you know, especially when it comes to the venue. Do you have a friend who has a fantastic backyard? Do you know someone who lives on the beach or a beautiful farm? If so, you may already have the perfect venue that you could use for free! Local Facebook groups are another great place to ask about affordable venues.
• I looked at the photo above from my daughter’s wedding and thought this could be ANY farm. Just look at those views! Instead of thinking, “A farm wedding is all I can afford,” change your mindset to, “I’m going to rock this farm wedding, and it’s going to be PERFECT!”

Renting Wedding Supplies

Depending on the venue, you may or may not have to rent supplies and decor.

• Our venue included what we needed, but I threw my daughter’s bridal shower at my house and needed several large tables, chairs, and linens, which were surprisingly expensive to rent. I went directly to the Nashville wedding Facebook group and asked for suggestions. Ultimately, I found the sweetest woman who took care of everything, including delivery, setup, and returning to pick it up for less than $200. She was a lifesaver! 
• Dollar Tree was a goldmine for supplies. All the gold chargers you see on the tables came from Dollar Tree, juice cafes for a mimosa bar, silver serving utensils, and so much more.

A Year of Us: A Couple’s Journal

Great for gifting―If you’re looking for unique gifts for a wedding. Covering everything from the lighthearted to the heartfelt, help the couple grow closer with a year’s worth of questions.

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Utilize Local Facebook Groups

Local Facebook groups had some of the best wedding ideas on a budget, and they love to share them!

• There are dozens of Facebook groups and forums where people are already asking the same questions you probably have. Some of the suggestions in these groups are brilliant! These were the best sources for finding small, local businesses and creatives, and we would prefer to support them over big box stores.

Honeymoon Budget

It’s all coming out of the same pot, so saving on your wedding will leave more for the honeymoon budget. 

• Let’s say you have a total wedding budget of $10,000, but also want to take a honeymoon. Choose which one is more important. Consider leaving out some of the expensive details, such as a huge cake, paper invitations, an open bar, or valet parking. It can add up to significant savings, leaving you more in the bucket for your honeymoon!

I hope this post has given you some helpful ideas for having a wedding on a budget. If you have any suggestions, please share them in the comments below!

It’s more than smart grocery shopping. It also involves understanding what’s in season (and why that matters), knowing how to properly store fresh produce, and having a collection of go-to seasonal recipes and simple vegetable sides when you’re in a pinch.

Speaking of savvy shopping, it’s a popular topic here on the blog. Be sure to check out my tips for grocery shopping on a budget, stocking up on the least expensive foods, and how to prevent food waste, because we don’t want our hard-earned dollars going in the trash!

Saving money on fresh produce isn’t just about savvy shopping. It’s the leading category of food waste in households, often due to over-purchasing and spoilage from its short shelf life. From the time it’s picked, processed, arrives at the grocery store, and makes it to your table, it’s already weeks old. I can give you all my best tips and tricks for saving money on fruits and vegetables, but you’ll inevitably find yourself with more than you need, so be sure to read to the end, where I’ll share some of my favorite ways to use it up.

Incorporating more fruits and vegetables is one of the simplest ways to improve overall health. Produce is also one of the best natural sources of fiber, a nutrient that supports digestion, helps balance blood sugar, and keeps you feeling full longer. Speaking of fiber, I recently wrote about how increasing fiber significantly improved my health.

Saving Money On Fresh Produce

Buying in-season produce is cheaper, tastes better, and is more nutritious than out-of-season alternatives. One reason is that it’s more plentiful, so there is more of it to cycle through. Be flexible and adapt to what’s in season and more affordable, rather than what you want.

Shop weekly ads and plan your grocery budget around what’s on sale. Your family might love strawberries, but if they’re not on sale that week and apples are, buy the apples.

Asian markets have ridiculously low prices on produce and fresh herbs. Like…crazy low. If you’ve never been to one, I encourage you to go see what deals you can find. This is my go-to place for buying fresh herbs and other unique produce, such as baby bok choy.

Prep it yourself. We’ve all seen those containers of already prepped produce that’s ready to use. They’re convenient, but they come at a high cost. Just today, I saw a package of diced onions at Publix for $3.29. A whole red onion was 89¢. It takes three minutes to dice an onion. This one is a no-brainer. If you want to buy it already prepped, head to the frozen aisle where it’s much cheaper.

Related: Reduce Your Grocery Bill With These Tips 

Buy the bigger size. If something is priced as “each” and not “per pound”, look for the biggest ones to get more for your money. In the picture above, you can clearly see the size difference. It may not seem like a significant savings, but for someone who cooks for one person frequently, like me, it’s the difference between having enough for one meal and possibly two or three. When buying bags of produce, choose the larger bag. Even though the weight is the same, a bag with six smaller apples will last longer.

Farmers’ markets have some amazing deals on produce, but they can also be a money trap. Try not to get sucked into all the fun things and stick to only what you need.  The main benefit of buying from local farms is that it supports small businesses, and you’ll likely receive produce that was just picked and will last longer, helping prevent waste and save money. 

Shop at discount stores like Aldi and Save-A-Lot. For produce specifically, I find the prices unbeatable and the quality superb. This varies by store, but the Aldi I shop at in Nashville consistently offers higher-quality produce than Publix and Kroger at much lower prices. 

Use coupons. Almost every grocery store these days has a loyalty program and a mobile app to go with it, where you can scan weekly sales ads, save digital coupons, and redeem loyalty discounts. My favorite time to do this is when I’m watching TV. It’s an easy, low-effort way to save money on groceries, including produce!

Related: Ingredient Prepping To Save Time & Money

Miscellaneous Tips

• Grow your own garden, join a local co-op, or go to u-pick farms, and use coupons.
• Sign up for newsletters of your favorite produce brands for coupons and discounts.
• Grow your own. I use a LOT of fresh herbs. Having window sills has saved us so much money!
• Properly store fresh produce to extend its lifespan. Click here for a simple list and a free printable.
• Compare unit pricing instead of package pricing. Sometimes what you think is the better deal isn’t.
• Buy less.  It’s easy enough to stop at a grocery store if you need something, which helps reduce waste.

How To Keep It From Going Bad

As promised, here is exactly what I do with produce that’s about to go bad.

Just cook it. A quick cook will often buy you several more days. The trick here is to keep it simple. Just yesterday, I microwaved a potato to prevent it from ripening. I also had bell peppers that needed to be used, so I cut them in half, removed the core, rubbed them with olive oil, and placed them in the air fryer. It took two minutes, and now they will be fine for a few more days. My cooked apples (shown below) take just five minutes to prepare and can be enjoyed for breakfast, as a snack, or as dessert. You can find the recipe here.

Freeze it. Most produce freezes without blanching. If you hate blanching as I do, cook it, let it cool, and freeze it. One of my favorite things to freeze is fresh greens, like kale and spinach. They can go directly from the freezer into a pot of soup, smoothies, or casseroles. Once they’re frozen, you can actually crush them with your hand and voilà, no chopping necessary.

I hope this post has provided helpful ideas for saving money on fresh produce. If you have any suggestions, please share them in the comments below!

Ultimately, the desire to save money led me to create a meal plan on a budget, and I quickly learned that with the right approach, you can prepare delicious, affordable meals while sticking to a realistic grocery budget. Having an arsenal of easy and frugal recipes like my cheesy bean dip (three ingredients), cabbage and beef, and a one-pan sausage and rice helps keep you on track, along with a simple strategy which I’ll share below!

You can apply these tips to any healthy lifestyle, including low-carb, high-protein, dairy, and gluten-free. Create stress-free, budget-friendly meals that make your week easier and wallet happier! 

Preparing three meals a day, whether for your family or just yourself, can feel overwhelming, and sticking to a budget can make it even more challenging. Many people assume meal planning is only for families, but cooking for one person comes with its own set of hurdles. In this post, I’m sharing practical tips and strategies to help you create a meal plan on a budget that works for any lifestyle.

Meal planning is simply knowing what meals you will have throughout the week. It’s not the same as meal prepping, which is preparing complete meals. Meal prepping requires much more time because you cook meals for the whole week. In my opinion, meal planning gives you a little more flexibility. You still know what you’ll eat all week, but you don’t have to dedicate an entire Sunday afternoon to preparing meals. In this post, I’m sharing my tips for meal planning on a budget and for pulling it together as quickly and stress-free as possible.

Related: 25 Ways to Save on Groceries Each Month

Meal Plan On A Budget

You’ll notice that I work backwards. Creating a meal plan on a budget means saving money every step of the way, and that starts with setting a budget, using things you already have, and scouring sales ads. Only then can you plan out your meals.

If you’re a family with young kids, your meal plan will look different than mine. For us, breakfast usually consists of scrambled eggs with cottage cheese and fruit. It takes five minutes. There’s no planning there, but I make sure those items are on my grocery list. All that to say, you don’t have to have a grand plan for every single meal. Sometimes, it’s simply having the ingredients to quickly assemble your go-to meals.

Related: How to Grocery Shop for One Person

1. Set A Budget

• First and foremost, you need to know how much money you have to work with. Depending on how many people you have to feed, your weekly food budget can be drastically different than mine, which is why this post gives you the tools you need to meal plan on a budget rather than giving you a set meal plan.

2. Shop Your Kitchen

• Once you’ve set a budget, shop your entire kitchen. Look for items in the pantry, refrigerator, and freezer near expiration. If you’ve had leftover chili in the freezer for three months, it’s time to eat it, and that’s one less meal for the week you need to plan. After you do this, you will have a list of ingredients and meals to use first. Remember, wasting food is throwing money in the trash, and we don’t do that here!

A simple Pantry + Perishables Inventory List, like the one below, makes this and keeping inventory easy!

3. Shop Sales

• You want to do this before you create a meal list. If a great deal catches your eye, plan some meals around that. Try to find deals on items you can pair with some of the ingredients from above that you already have. For example, if you already have two bags of frozen broccoli and some rice, all you need is a protein. You could make beef and broccoli over rice if ground beef is on sale. If chicken breast is on sale, you could make a broccoli, chicken, and rice casserole. Combining ingredients you already have with items on sale is a great place to start when creating a meal plan on a budget.

4. Write Your Meal Plan

• Now it’s time to write your meal plan. This step is the most difficult for people. One day, I was talking to my daughter, and she said, “Some people can’t think of things like you, Mom.” I’ve never forgotten that. My brain never shuts off when it comes to food and recipes, but if you struggle to come up with ideas for meals, there are millions of ideas on the Internet. I recommend doing specific searches on Google. For example, if a rice bowl sounds good, you can search for “rice bowl” + chicken, which will only return rice bowls with chicken. Without the quotation marks, you will get results for anything with a bowl, rice, and chicken.
• Using a pad like this, write down the recipes you want to make on one side and the ingredients you need on the other, crossing off ingredients you already have. When doing this, combine as many ingredients as possible into one meal. For example, if chicken breast is on sale this week, you can use it in many different ways, like my chicken congee, high-protein pasta salad, or 4-ingredient chicken salad. Rice bowls are a great meal prep because the variations are endless. I make a batch of my oven-baked rice every week.

5. Time To Shop

• You now have a plan and a list, but there are additional ways to save on groceries. I share 25 tips in this post. If you’re usually tempted by other things at the grocery store, consider having your groceries delivered. Additional fees may apply, but they may save you money if you know you’ll be tempted to buy other items. My two favorite services are Instacart and Amazon Fresh.

Note. With Instacart, I pay for an annual membership, which provides free delivery on orders of $35 or more. Amazon Fresh does not charge surcharges but does have a delivery fee.

Related: 18 Realistic Ways To Save Money Every Month

Meal Plan On A Budget – Extra Tips

Avoid Unique Ingredients

• Avoid using unique ingredients that will only be used for one meal. For example, if you find a recipe for chicken curry that calls for unique spices, buy a jar of curry sauce instead. Remember that recipes are guides, not rules, and many ingredients can be substituted or omitted. I wouldn’t go out and buy a five-dollar seasoning for one recipe. I would find a way to work around it. This also helps you repurpose existing ingredients.

Stock Up On Essentials

• Having a variety of seasonings and condiments on hand helps you pull meals together quickly and adapt them easily. For example, suppose you meal prep my broiled chicken thighs. You can completely change the flavor profile by switching up the seasonings you use and the condiments you serve with it. Slowly stock up on seasonings and condiments when they’re on sale. You should be fully stocked within a few weeks, and these ingredients will last a while.

Canned Protein

• Most people think of the meat or seafood department when choosing a main protein, but canned tuna and salmon are healthy and affordable protein options. Tuna salad with rice crackers is one of my favorite high-protein, five-minute lunches, and I always make my high-protein tuna pasta salad for meal prep!

Cook Once, Eat Twice

• At the beginning of your meal plan journey, you can freeze ingredients like cooked protein, rice, and raw and cooked veggies. You’ll have a freezer stocked with ready-to-go ingredients within a few weeks. I always double my broiled chicken thigh recipe and my one-pan sausage recipe (shown below) so I can freeze them into serving-size portions in my favorite freezer containers. one-cup portions. You can use these ingredients to prepare quick, easy meals.

I hope this post has provided helpful ideas for creating a meal plan on a budget. If you have any suggestions, please share them in the comments below!

From getting creative with leftovers, using what you’ve got, packing a lunch, and getting your kitchen organized, these are just a few strategies that I practice myself, and I know they work. It’s not just about shopping sales and meal planning. Those are good, but let’s dive a little deeper.

For more ways to save, it’s not too late to start the 52-week money savings challenge, read my top 5 tips for saving money, and build an emergency savings account (even when you don’t think you have enough).

My OG’s may remember that before I rebranded to Plain Everything, my blog was all about saving money. I rebranded because I wanted to talk about more of the things I love, like cooking and Disney, but saving money was and still is my jam. If you’ve been paying attention to everything I write about here on the blog, there’s always a subtle nod to my roots. I have a whole series on how to save money at Disney World, and almost every recipe I post is budget-friendly.

Saving On Food

When it comes to saving on food, we’ve discussed how to shop on a budget, how ingredient prepping saves time and money, and which foods are least expensive. But how do you save money on groceries at home? Today, we’re discussing that and more, including how to prevent food waste (which is money going to waste), getting your kitchen organized, and why that matters. Let’s dive in.

Related: Side Job Ideas (To Make Extra Money)

No Spend Challenge

• To save money on groceries immediately, challenge yourself to use what you’ve got. I actually do this about three times a year. It’s easy to forget about things in the back of the pantry or freezer. Challenging yourself to cook from what you’ve got is a great way to save on groceries. When I do this, I still buy the things we use every day, like eggs, coffee, and cream, but I make a conscious effort to make meals and snacks with what I already have.

Pro tip. Having a simple spending/budget tracker like the one below will help keep you in check!

Get Organized

• Organize your entire kitchen. Take note of what you already have so you can plan to use it as soon as possible. Knowing what you have prevents duplicate purchases and gives you a starting point for meal planning. An organized kitchen also saves time and sanity. I’m easily overwhelmed by a messy panty. Keeping things organized ensures you can find what you need quickly!

Pro tip: Implement a “first in, first out” system. When you bring home new products, place them behind the older ones so they are used up first. A simple Pantry + Perishables Inventory List, like the one below, makes this and keeping inventory easy!

Use It Up

• Saving on food and preventing waste go hand in hand. Throwing food away is throwing money away. Use or freeze things before they go bad. Plan meals around what you already have, focusing on items that need to be used first. For example, as I write this, I have an avocado and some tomatoes that need to be used, so I’ll make a quick batch of guacamole and plan dinner around what pairs well with it. 

Bring Food With You

• We’re all guilty of this, including myself. A “quick trip to the store” turns into four different stops, and now you or your kids are hangry. Bring snacks! No one is going to starve to death, but having a few snacks with you will satisfy everyone until you get home. I can’t tell you how many times I have found myself in this position and then been mad at myself for spending the money. Use whatever you already have to make portable snack bags and save money. Nuts, cereal, dried fruit like raisins, or whatever cookies or crackers you have on hand!

Pack Your Lunch

• One of the easiest ways to save on groceries is to bring your lunch. Almost everyone my husband works with leaves for lunch. I can’t imagine how much they spend per month. He prefers home-cooked meals, so leftovers never go to waste in our house. Dining out is something you can stop immediately. It’s SO expensive. Save that cash for a nicer meal out once a month. My husband and I have noticed that the more we eat out, the less special it feels.

Pro tip: Immediately store leftovers in lunch containers, so they’re ready to go throughout the week!

Repurpose Leftovers

• Eating up those leftovers prevents food waste, period! If leftovers aren’t your thing, try repurposing them. Turn chili into taco salads, meat and vegetables can be topped with cheese and mashed potatoes for a riff on shepherd’s pie, spaghetti can be made into a crispy spaghetti pie – you get the idea. A quick Google search will help you turn those leftovers into a whole new dish your family will love!

Saving On Food Requires Creativity

• Let’s say chicken parmesan is on your list this week and calls for mozzarella cheese, but you don’t have any. You can use literally any cheese. With a bit of creativity, ingredients can be swapped, and you may even wind up with something you like better. I recently needed heavy whipping cream for a sauce and used cream cheese because that’s the only creamy dairy product I had. It worked beautifully, I saved myself a trip to the store, and used up the rest of my cream cheese, too. Blended beans can thicken soups, crushed crackers and chips can replace breadcrumbs, and ground meats are interchangeable. 

Pro tip: Recipes are guides, not rules. Don’t be afraid to play around with ingredients, work with what you’ve got, and make it your own!

Related: 18 Realistic Ways To Save Money Every Month

Start Food Prepping

• This is simply having things ready to go. Make it a priority. I posted my simple process for ingredient prepping here. Statistically, over 40% of families order take-out because they’re tired and don’t feel like cooking. If you have some things already prepped and ready, you can have dinner done in 20 minutes – and save that money. 

Pro tip: My favorite containers for food prep are linked here. These are affordable, durable, dishwasher- and freezer-safe, and can be taken from the freezer to the oven. They’re BPA-free, and I love that you can stack the various sizes neatly in your freezer or refrigerator. I use the half-cup portion size most. It’s the perfect amount to grab a quick rice bowl for a one-person meal!

Cook More For Later

• Making larger batches of freezer-friendly meals saves time and money. If you’re making chili, make a triple batch and freeze some. You can also batch-cook parts of a meal you’re already making. For example, if you’re making shredded chicken for tacos, make extra and freeze some for another meal. There is no right or wrong way. Do whatever works for you! My go-tos are baked rice (a fan favorite on the blog), breakfast sandwiches, and gluten-free sausage balls.

Say Yes To Water

• We can’t talk about saving on food costs without acknowledging the small expenditures that add up, such as soda and energy drinks. Frankly, these things should be a treat, not an everyday thing – IF you’re trying to save money on food. I know many people dislike water, but hear me out. My husband was buying energy drinks almost every day. He doesn’t dislike water, but it had become a habit. Once I showed him the monthly cost, he was shocked and went back to drinking water (most of the time). 

Pro tip: Nickels and dimes add up. Saving a couple of dollars on energy drinks and lattes may not seem like much, but it will save us around $50 a month or $600 a year!

I hope this post has provided helpful ideas for saving on food at home. If you have any suggestions, please share them in the comments below!

Healthy cooking for one begins with planning. Without a plan, things can get out of control quickly. You can easily buy too much food, resulting in a lot of waste, which is your hard-earned money going in the trash. With the tips below, I hope to help you streamline the process and make it less stressful.

Continue reading to learn my strategies for saving money at the grocery store, repurposing leftovers, batch cooking, and preparing healthy meals for one on a budget!

Learning how to cook for one person can take time and effort. With a husband who travels for work and is gone a lot, I completely change how I plan and prepare my meals when he’s gone. With the right strategies and tips, you can create delicious meals tailored to your needs and wants without breaking the bank. 

How To Cook For One Person

Before we dive in, I genuinely believe this is self-care. If you can shift your mindset, it won’t feel like a chore. 

• Cooking for yourself saves money and is healthier than grabbing takeout. 
• Pour some wine, play some music, and try to enjoy the process. Don’t rush it.
• You are in control of the ingredients, making it easier to tailor dietary restrictions.
• Enjoy the satisfaction of creating something delicious and nourishing for yourself.
• Experiment with different flavors and cuisines without having to please anyone else.

“Cooking is like love. It should be entered into with abandon or not at all.” – Harriet Van Horne.

Meal Planning For One

Meal planning is an integral part of the process. It keeps you on track and saves money by making the most of your ingredients. Don’t overcomplicate it. Here are some tips!

• Step One: Look at your weekly schedule to determine how many meals you need. Consider any commitments, such as work lunches or dinner plans with friends.
• Step Two: Based on step one, create a simple meal plan template that includes your favorite foods and snacks. If you’re craving tacos, build a simple plan around those flavors.
• Step Three: Look for recipe inspiration online and jot down some ideas that use similar ingredients. For example, ground beef, cheese, and salsa for tacos can also be used in rice bowls and egg scrambles. 
• Step Four: Once you have chosen your recipes, make a detailed shopping list based on the ingredients needed for each meal. Before going to the store, check what you already have in your pantry and fridge to avoid buying things you don’t need.

I have a separate blog post with more tips on how to meal plan on a budget!

Cooking For One On A Budget

Now that you have a plan, it’s time to shop. We have many articles on ways to save money at the grocery store, so be sure to go back and check those out.

• Taking advantage of sales is one of the easiest ways to save money on food. I like to review the sales flyer before making my meal plan to find lower prices on the ingredients I need.
• Shopping in the bulk bins or at the deli counter allows you to buy smaller portions of ingredients, which is perfect for single-serving meals. This way, you can get just the amount you need, saving money and preventing leftover ingredients from going to waste.
• Protein is the most expensive part of a meal. Choose affordable protein sources like eggs, canned tuna or salmon, or chicken thighs instead of breasts, lentils, and chickpeas. These ingredients are incredibly versatile and can be used in a variety of dishes.
• To save on produce, buy frozen and seasonal. Frozen produce saves money and waste. Seasonal fruits and vegetables are more abundant and, therefore, cheaper.
• Learn to love store brands. Being a brand snob is a money suck. Opting for store-branded products can save you significant money without compromising quality.

I’m an advocate of not going to the grocery store. It eliminates impulse purchases, which can result in overspending and overbuying. I regularly get groceries delivered via Instacart and Amazon Fresh.

Related: How to Grocery Shop for One Person

Prep Your Ingredients

Now that you have a plan and you’ve done your shopping, it’s time to do some prep. Prepping ingredients in advance will take some of the stress out of mealtime. You can see my weekly ingredient prep process here.

• Wash and cut produce. I use bell peppers, onions,and scallions almost daily, so I always have them prepped and ready to go in my fridge. I love these glass containers for keeping things organized.
• Cook grains in advance. My oven-baked rice is in regular rotation at our house. It can be used for quick meal bowls and even breakfast. Rice and eggs are a fast and easy breakfast, high in protein and filling. Quinoa, farro, and pasta can all be cooked in advance.
• Prep and cook your proteins. Cooked ground beef or turkey can be used for quick breakfast scrambles, protein bowls, and so much more. You can also freeze it into meal-size portions so there’s no chopping required when you’re ready to eat.

These are my favorite freezer containers for food prep. They come in various sizes, so you can mix and match them depending on your needs!

Repurpose Your Leftovers

When you cook for one person, you inevitably have leftovers, and many people only like eating the same meal once. Here are some ideas for turning those leftovers into something else.

• Make an omelet: Most leftover veggies and protein can easily be used in an omelet or egg scramble. 
• Easy stir-fry: Leftover rice, noodles, protein, and veggies with store-bought sauce for a quick stir-fry.
• Love soup? Cooked veggies, cooked protein, and grains can be combined into a hearty soup. I used leftover chicken in the congee recipe above. You can find that recipe here.

How To Make Cooking For One Easier

For those who don’t enjoy cooking, let’s discuss ways to make the process a little more enjoyable.

• Keep it simple. Avoid complicated recipes with long ingredient lists. When looking for recipe inspiration, search “5 ingredient recipes” or “20-minute meals”.
• Use an air fryer or toaster oven for tasks such as baking, broiling, toasting, and reheating. They’re perfect for cooking single servings without turning on the stove or washing multiple dishes. I have this air fryer and love it!
• Eat whatever you want! Don’t pressure yourself into thinking dinner has to be dinner food. The beauty of living alone and cooking for yourself is that you don’t have anyone else to please. Scrambled eggs and cottage cheese are on regular rotation in my house!
• If you don’t want to prep produce, buy it frozen! These days, you can find everything from onions to potatoes in the frozen section. It’s prepped and ready.

No one is giving anyone an award for doing it all from scratch. I buy prechopped, frozen, and ready-to-go ingredients all the time because sometimes you don’t want to chop an onion!

Related: 25 Ways to Save on Groceries Each Month

Batch Cooking For Quick Meals Later

Make larger meals that you can divide into smaller portions and save for later. This allows you to have a stockpile of ready-to-go meals. Here are some meals you can make in big batches and freeze for later.

• Soups are perfect for batch cooking because they hold up well and thaw easily. Avoid adding pasta, which can become overcooked and mushy.
• Mini casserole-style meals like a layered taco bake, shepherd’s pie, chicken and rice, and tater tot casseroles are affordable, filling, and freeze well.
• Hearty beef-and-bean chili is one of my favorite meals to batch-cook. It reheats beautifully and tastes even better!

I hope this post has given you inspiration and helpful tips for cooking for one person. If you have any suggestions, please share them in the comments below!

From a handyman business to driving for Uber, the side hustles on this list come from personal experience, so we know they work. If you need ways to make money that you can trust, you’re in the right place!

If you’re looking for ways to make extra money, saving money may be helpful. Our top five tips for saving money, as well as 18 additional realistic tips, may also be helpful.

I can’t tell you how often I’ve looked for side job ideas online, only to feel frustrated with what I find. Online surveys? No, thank you. Start a blog? You’ll be lucky if you make a dime in the first three months. If you’re reading this post, you need real and honest advice. So, when I sat down to write this post, I focused on side job ideas we’ve personally had success with or that we know someone has.

These aren’t get-rich-quick side hustles, and I would caution you to be very leery of that type of advice. If it sounds good, too good to be true, it probably is. You’ll have to put in the work, but you can start generating income from most of these ideas within a week or so!

Side Job Ideas – That Actually Work

Before we dive in, I can only assume that if you’re looking for ways to make extra money, money is tight. If that’s the case, you must be in the right mindset. That means while you’re working hard and doing some of the side jobs on this list, you must also get your spending in check. Money saved is money earned. We have several articles on saving money that may be helpful. Let’s dive in!

Sell On Facebook Marketplace

Facebook Marketplace (and local buy/sell groups) makes selling your stuff easy. Find local groups, list the items you want to sell, and coordinate the exchange. Gently used clothing, baby items, furniture, electronics, small appliances, books, fitness equipment, and tools sell well. Before starting, read the rules to ensure your listings don’t get removed. Sign up for Facebook Marketplace here.

Sell On eBay

I was an eBay seller in college and made a decent living by drop-shipping items from big-box stores. While eBay is one of the more complicated ways to make money, you can make a lot of money there, especially if you have a good eye for valuable things. My niece has an eye for vintage clothes and toys and has a thriving eBay business. She finds most of the products she sells at yard sales and Goodwill outlets, where you pay a set price per pound. Start selling on eBay here.

Related: Realistic Ways to Save Money Each Month

Drive For Uber

Of all the side job ideas on this list, this is the one that my own husband does and truly enjoys! He’s a people person, so this is right up his alley. Setting up an account is an easy, step-by-step process, and you’ll experience a short waiting period while your background check is completed. Here are a few tips and tricks from my husband. 

• It’s nice to keep bottles of water, mints, hand sanitizer, and extra phone chargers in the car for riders.
• Get out of your car and help your passengers. I can’t tell you how many Uber drivers have watched me struggle with my bags and never offered to help. Most Uber drivers don’t receive many tips, but my husband does, and it’s because he does thoughtful things like this.
• Be friendly, but don’t overdo it. You’ll know pretty quickly if someone wants to talk to you. If they don’t, leave them alone. 
• You’ll likely receive many questions about local restaurants, coffee shops, shopping, and other areas of interest. Print a small cheat sheet to hand out when people ask. They’ll be so grateful! Sign up to be an Uber driver here.

Deliver Food

As the holidays approach and people become busier, the demand for food delivery skyrockets. You can set your hours, choose your deliveries, and work as much or as little as you want. DoorDash, Grubhub, and Postmates are great places to start. You can earn anywhere from $15 to $20 an hour, and even more during busy periods. Provide good communication, look presentable, be polite and friendly, deliver on time, and you might even rack up some tips!

Pro tip: Avoid driving during rush hour. You’ll be sitting in traffic more than driving. Focus on delivering during peak times, such as football Sundays, Fridays/Saturday evenings, and weekdays during lunch, when people are most likely to order delivery.

Related: Realistic Ways to Save Money Each Month

Provide A Service

There are many side job ideas, but being a handyman has genuinely changed my son’s life. He started his business about a year ago and has stayed busy ever since. I can’t tell you how often I’ve needed someone to install a ceiling fan, repair a toilet, move a heavy piece of furniture, or mow my lawn. You’re almost guaranteed to be successful when you provide a service that someone needs. 

Pro tip: It’s up to you to spread the word. People don’t know about your service unless you tell them. Social media makes advertising easy, and your friends and family can share, too. You can also sign up for TaskRabbit, a platform connecting people to handymen in their area.

Use Your Talent

Sites like Fiverr connect you with people who will pay you to do a variety of tasks. I just hired someone to make Pinterest images for me. I’m not creative in that area, and it takes me forever. I’d rather pay someone with more experience to get it done quicker. If there’s something specific that you’re really good at, chances are there’s someone out there who is willing to pay you for it. You can get some ideas by browsing Fiverr. The downside to Fiverr is the waiting, but once you have regular clients, this can be a lucrative little side hustle! Sign up for Fiverr here.

If You’re Crafty, Sell It!

When we lived at Fort Knox, I started making crafts and selling them at various places around the Fort Knox area. I loved all the people I met and made extra money, which we needed back then as a young military family with two kids. These days, there are numerous ways to sell items both locally and online. You can sell a variety of items, including handmade jewelry, soaps, candles, artwork, stationery, pottery, farmhouse signs, woodworking, blankets, and ornaments.

Locally, you can sell at farmers’ markets, holiday bazaars, and local Facebook buy/sell groups. You can even ask local businesses if they’d be willing to carry your goods for a share of the profits. Online, you could post on your personal social media channels, ask friends and family to share your posts, or sell on sites like Amazon Handmade, Etsy, and through your own social media channels. This is one of my favorite side job ideas!

Related: How To Lower Your Electric Bill

Snag A Seasonal Position

Have you ever noticed all the help-wanted signs that pop up around the holidays? Virtually every single retail business needs extra help, and since holiday shopping starts picking up in October, you’ll have a couple of months to earn extra cash before the holidays. Third-shift stocking jobs are popular this time of year because stores typically replenish their shelves during this period. I worked one of these jobs in my 20s, and I loved it! 

Indeed has hundreds of seasonal positions available if you’re looking for ways to make money from home. They typically require a landline phone, reliable Internet, a quiet work environment, and online training before you can begin.

Flip Home Furnishings

One of my best friends does this and loves it! If you see a piece of furniture on the side of the road, stop and pick it up. Sometimes, an old chair needs a little sanding and a fresh coat of paint, and you can turn right around and double your money. Facebook Marketplace and local buy/sell groups are great places to buy AND sell your items. Check Goodwill stores and flea markets, or ask friends and family if they have any old pieces they want to get rid of. Sometimes, people just let you have things if you’re willing to pick them up for free.

Related: 25 Ways to Save on Groceries Each Month

Rent A Room

If you have a spare room and an open mind, you can make a nice chunk of change doing this. Sign up with Airbnb, VRBO, or advertise locally. Sometimes, simply sharing the word with friends, family, or on your social media account is all you need to do. Traveling nurses, businessmen, and students always look for affordable places to stay!

To prepare the room for guests, I suggest keeping the decor simple and uncluttered. A bed, a dresser, a small nightstand or table, and a light are all you need. Remember that people will bring their own things and appreciate the extra space.

That’s it, friends! I hope this list of side job ideas has given you some inspiration. If you have any to share, please leave a comment below!

The plan is perfect for those who need structure rather than a more flexible savings plan without a clear strategy. If you’re ready to turn your New Year’s resolutions into real action, stick with me, and I’ll show you how to make this challenge fun, flexible, and totally doable.

And to help you reach your financial goals, we have dozens of money-saving tips on the blog, including 18 realistic ways to save money and realistic ways to make extra money!

There are countless ways to save money, yet thousands of people still struggle to do so. Most of the plans I see online are unrealistic and will set you up for failure. The 52-week money-saving challenge works because it’s realistic, customizable, and easy to understand.

This post breaks it all down for you. Don’t forget to grab your free printable so you’re ready to go in 2026!

Related: 5 Tips To Save More Money

52 Week Money Saving Challenge

The 52-week plan is a super-simple way to build cash over the course of a year.

1. You start small—just $1 in week one—then add one extra dollar each week.
2. So week two is $2, week three is $3, and you keep going until week 52, when you save $52.
3. By the end of the year, you’ve saved $1,378 without really feeling it.

It’s an easy, low-pressure way to build a steady savings habit and actually stick to it.

What you do with the money is entirely up to you. Most people use it for Christmas, while others add it to their emergency fund. Ours typically goes right into a savings account for our next Disney trip!

As for where to save it, you have options. You can add it to an existing savings account or start a new one. Personally, I add it to a high-yield savings account, which accrues more interest than a traditional savings account. It also makes it a little harder to access the money. Both options are convenient because you can transfer the money each week quickly, either online or from the app on your phone. 

Related: 18 Realistic Tips To Save Money Each Month

Variations To The Plan

There are many variations to the plan, so that you can choose what works best for you!

Reverse 52-Week Challenge

• Instead of starting with $1, you start big with $52 in week one and work your way down. It’s great if you’re most motivated at the beginning of the year or want faster results upfront.

Pick-Your-Week Challenge

• Each week, choose whichever amount works best for your budget. On tight weeks, grab a smaller number; on good weeks, knock out one of the bigger ones.

Double-Up Challenge

• If you want to build savings faster, double the weekly amounts. So instead of $1, you start with $2, then $4, then $6, and so on. You’ll save a lot more—but still in manageable steps.

Flat-Rate Challenge

• Choose a set amount—like $20 or $25—and save that every week for 52 weeks. No increasing numbers, no tracking a pattern, just a simple “set it and forget it” plan

As promised, I’ve included a free printable PDF below. Print out as many copies as you need and get ready to start saving in 2026!

52 Week Money Saving Challenge Free Printable PDF

52 Week REVERSE Money Saving Challenge Free Printable PDF

Since this needs to last all year, I like to print it out, laminate it, keep it on my fridge, and use a washable marker to check off the deposits as I make them. It stays clean and lasts all year!

Related: How To Save Money On A Budget

I hope this post has inspired you to take on the 52-week money-saving challenge in 2026. I’m cheering for you and would LOVE to hear from you if you’ve done the challenge or have any tips to share!

You’ll also discover how to track your spending, cut expenses, and even lower your monthly bills! Use these tips to save for a rainy day, build your emergency fund, or have extra cash for the holidays, vacations, or whatever your goals are. The hardest part is just getting started, so I’ve narrowed it down to five of the easiest and most realistic ways to help you start saving!

When I was growing up, we didn’t have much. My mother died at a young age, and my dad was left with three young girls. He worked hard to provide for us, and money was never just handed out. If we wanted it, we worked for it, which taught us to think about how we spend it. 

Fast forward 20 years. I was a young mother, and we didn’t have much left. However, because of those lessons I learned at an early age, we continued to work hard, be responsible with money, and we got through it.  To this day, I still live frugally. Saving where you can gives you more for what you need. So when a friend recently asked me for five tips on saving money, I had to think it over. I’ve written several articles on saving money, but here are five of my personal favorites!

5 Tips On How To Save Money

When it comes to saving money, most of the advice you see online is unrealistic and repetitive. A significant amount of information is copied and pasted from other websites or AI tools, and whoever is writing it seems out of touch with reality. Everything I write about on this blog comes from personal experience. I value my money, and I value yours. I genuinely hope these tips help you. As a reminder, I have dozens of articles on saving and making extra money.

Immediately Stop Spending

If you’re researching ways to save money while drinking a nine-dollar drink from Starbucks, that’s nine extra dollars that could still be in your bank account. Nickels and dimes add up, and little splurges will sabotage you. Frivolous spending has to stop.

• Intentionally choose to save money every day. For example, I was starving on my way home yesterday and wanted to stop at my favorite little sushi place, but I didn’t. Those small choices add up to significant savings. I’m also not saying that you should never splurge, but it should be intentional, like planning a nice lunch or date night. It’s the frivolous, mindless spending that can sabotage your budget.
• Put a spiral notebook or expense tracker on the kitchen counter to get your spending in check. Don’t use your phone or any fancy apps where you’ll forget to do it. We used an old-fashioned spiral notebook right on the counter. Every day, write down everything you spend. Whether it’s a Coke from the vending machine at work or lunch at McDonald’s, physically write it in the notebook. There’s something about seeing this daily that helps keep you in check. The first time we did this, we were shocked at how much we had spent. It clearly shows you the areas you need to get in check.

Stay Home + Do Free Stuff

Staying at home is one of my favorite tips on how to save money. By staying home more, you save money by not spending it. However, I realize you can’t stay home all the time, and you don’t have to sacrifice fun when trying to reach your goals. Here are a few low-cost activities.

• Many communities offer free events, such as movies in the park, outdoor concerts, festivals, and more. At these events, there are often free activities for kids. Your children do not care how much money you are spending on them. What they remember is that you were together and having a good time.
• For adults, these events can be just as meaningful. In Nashville, there are numerous free concerts at parks throughout the city. Shannon and I will pack a picnic using whatever we can find at home, bring a blanket, and enjoy a free evening listening to great music and socializing with others. You don’t need to spend a dime to have a great time and make memories!
• Family game nights or hosting a game night at home with friends are one of our all-time favorite things to do. The adults have fun playing games and socializing, while the kids run around the house. Ask everyone to bring a dish, and you have a free or low-cost evening making memories with friends.

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Cut Household Expenses

Review all your subscriptions and cancel any that you don’t use or use infrequently. I do this several times a year. My husband is notorious for signing up for things and forgetting. Those small, automatic subscription payments add up!

• Cut the cable or find an alternative. I recently canceled my AT&T internet service, and my son added me to his T-Mobile account. I pay half the bill—about $22 per month—saving me $88. You also don’t need five streaming services. Pick two or three you use the most, and cancel the rest.
• How long has it been since you shopped around for lower insurance rates? You might be surprised how much you can save, especially if circumstances have changed. When I switched from our small hometown insurance company to State Farm, I saved over $100 a month. 

Save Money On Food

Food is a necessity, not a luxury, and it’s usually the most substantial expense for most families. We have several posts about saving money on food, but when it comes to my top 5 tips on how to save money, this area is the easiest to control.

• Cook from scratch. Simple home-cooked meals are cheaper than ordering in or going out. Focus on uncomplicated meals using affordable ingredients. You can draw inspiration from all of the budget-friendly meals I’ve posted. Meals like my easy beef goulash and tuna pasta salad are great examples of inexpensive, delicious meals. Make a double batch and pack the leftovers for lunches throughout the week, which brings me to my next point.
• Pack your lunch. My family loves leftovers, so they never go to waste. When my kids were growing up, they preferred leftovers over packing a lunch or buying the school lunch. It saves money and prevents food waste. Sandwiches are also an easy and affordable choice.
• Ingredients like pasta, rice, and potatoes are some of the least expensive foods and a great way to stretch your meals. For example, a box of macaroni nearly doubles the volume of a pot of chili, or consider adding cooked rice to your favorite meatloaf recipe.
• Plan your menu around what’s on sale. If your family prefers chicken breast, but thighs are what’s on sale, buy the thighs. If you like lean ground beef, but 80/20 is on sale that week, consider purchasing the fattier beef and draining off the grease. You get my point. You have to be willing to compromise if you’re trying to save money.

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Get A Side Hustle

Remember that a penny saved is a penny earned, and a penny earned is extra money you can save. I’ve written several posts on how to make extra money, and if I needed to save money quickly, one of the first things I would do is find easy ways to earn it.

• My husband has a full-time job, but he’s driven for Uber for years. It’s easy to make some extra cash, and he’s a people person, so he truly enjoys it. Sometimes, he doesn’t drive for three months, and at other times, he goes out a few times a week. It’s very flexible!
• Another quick and easy way to make extra money is to sell stuff on Facebook Marketplace. One of my best friends makes loads of money doing this. We all have things in our houses that we no longer need or want, and one man’s junk is another man’s treasure. I’m constantly amazed by the stuff that she sells that other people want to buy, lol!

That’s my top 5 tips on how to save money. I hope it helps, and I’d love it if you shared your best tips below!

I’ve been frugal my entire life. I can remember my dad giving us a $20 bill on vacation and coming home with most or all of it to put in my piggy bank. I’ve always hated spending money, and consider myself quite the pro at shopping and cooking on a budget!

As you go through the list below, you’ll notice I have a lot of tips for saving money, and that’s because I firmly believe that a penny saved is a penny earned. Saving money is the same as making money because it’s money that is still in your bank account. Let’s dive in!

We recently shared the least expensive foods you can buy and how to realistically build an emergency savings account if you want to check those out, too.

Lowering your grocery bill is one of the best ways to reduce your overall spending, leaving you with extra help to achieve other goals. With grocery prices constantly rising, food shopping on a budget is even more challenging. In this post, we’ll discuss practical ways to save on groceries.

The list is long, but don’t be overwhelmed. You don’t have to implement all of these things at once. Pick one or two that work best for you and start there. The most important thing is to start!

Food Shopping On A Budget

Shopping on a budget starts with having the right mindset. Instead of feeling like it’s something you have to do, I encourage you to feel empowered and in control of your money. With minimal effort, you can save hundreds, if not thousands, of dollars a year on food, and that’s empowering!

Preventing food waste and shopping on a food budget go hand in hand. Part of our strategy is to buy only what you need and use what you have, which is one of the easiest ways to reduce waste. When you throw food in the trash, you are literally throwing your hard-earned money in the garbage. Let’s dive in!

Related: How To Stop Food Waste To Save Money

1. Shop Your Kitchen

Before we get into how to save at the grocery store, let’s talk about what you can do at home. Go through everything you already have in your refrigerator, freezer, and pantry. This reminds you of what you have, prevents waste, and prevents unnecessary purchases.

2. Brainstorm A Simple Meal Plan

Strict meal planning isn’t for me. I prefer a loose plan that allows for more flexibility while still keeping me on track. For more on that, I wrote a detailed post on how to meal plan on a budget. Before you go shopping, come up with a few dishes you’d like to make. Ideally, they would include some of the items you identified during your kitchen inventory.

Pro tip. Keep this simple. The more we overcomplicate things, they feel overwhelming, and we don’t want to do it. You can simply use a sheet of paper, but I do love these magnetic meal plan + shopping list notepads. Jot the meal you want to make on one side and the groceries you need on the other!

3. Check Weekly Sales

You can’t shop for food on a budget without taking advantage of sales. This is the easiest way to save money on groceries! Each week, scroll through the new ads and plan some meals around what’s on sale. You can view the ads in the mobile app and online. I often do this while watching TV and clip any digital coupons at the same time. If you have several stores nearby, you can visit more than one to snag the best deals!

Pro tip. Be flexible. If you’re craving beef tacos but chicken breast is on sale, consider making chicken tacos instead. If you like a certain brand of yogurt but another is on sale, consider trying the sale brand. 

Related: How To Meal Plan On A Budget

4. Make A Grocery Shopping List

To create the list, write down the ingredients you need to prepare the meals from the step above, ensuring you exclude any items you already have and note what’s on sale. Add additional items you use regularly, such as coffee, creamer, eggs, and bread, and that’s it. Going to the store with a list not only keeps you on track but also prevents impulse purchases, making the whole experience less stressful. Sticking to the list is crucial when shopping for food on a budget.

5. Clip Digital Coupons

Most grocery stores offer mobile apps that allow you to load digital coupons and view offers. In most cases, all you need to do is enter the phone number associated with your store account, and the savings will automatically be applied at the register.

Pro tip. Most stores these days offer a free membership loyalty program. Signing up is usually simple within the app, on the website, or at the register. Once you’re a member, you’ll have access to exclusive offers, digital coupons, birthday rewards, and more.

6. Compare Prices

Take a few minutes to compare prices. Instead of grabbing what you usually buy, look at what’s on sale and compare it to the store brand, which may be even cheaper. Being a brand snob can hinder your money-saving efforts. In most cases, the store brand is just as good, if not better. 

7. Don’t Ignore The Bulk Bins

The prices on the bulk bins can give you sticker shock, but they can save you money when you only need a small amount. I recently needed a very small amount of sesame seeds, but the smallest-sized package I could find was over $7, so I purchased exactly what I needed from the bulk bin and paid less than $1. Items here are often priced per pound, so something like sesame seeds, which have no weight, will cost next to nothing.

8. Look For Markdowns And Clearance

I always check the clearance rack at Publix and Whole Foods (yes, Whole Foods) and have found some truly incredible deals there. Kroger has a rack by the bakery where they sell the day-old bread. There is often nothing wrong with it. They’re just making room for that day’s fresh-baked goods. And if you love Whole Foods as much as I do, I wrote an entire post with my top 12 hacks for saving money there!

9. Choose Frozen Produce Over Fresh

Frozen produce is picked and flash frozen at peak ripeness. It hasn’t been stored in crates and trucks for weeks, and can be even more nutritious than fresh. There’s no forgetting about it in the fridge, and it’s already prepped and ready to go. This saves time in the kitchen and helps prevent food waste. The next time you see a great deal on frozen produce, stock up for quick and easy meals!

10. Stock Up For The Future

Food shopping on a budget requires savvy shopping, and this is a pro move. While you’re browsing what’s on sale, take note of staple items you may not need right now, but you know you’ll need in the future. Buy products you know you will use when they’re at their lowest price. These savings add up and can save you a significant amount of money in the long run. 

Pro tip: Most sale cycles occur every 4 to 6 weeks, meaning most products will be on sale again within that period. When you stock up, keep this in mind and buy enough to last until the next sale.

11. Grocery Delivery On A Budget?

These days, most cities have multiple services like this. Instacart, Whole Foods via Amazon, and Amazon Fresh are some of the most popular options available where I live. These services may seem like a luxury, but they can save you time and money. When it comes to food shopping on a budget, sometimes skipping the trip to the store is the better option. We’re all guilty of buying things we don’t need, so utilizing these services keeps you out of the store and away from temptation. 

Related: Least Expensive Foods To Buy On A Budget

12. Get Paid To Shop For Food

You can get paid to buy groceries you were going to buy anyway! There are many places that offer cash back these days, but Ibotta is the grocery program I prefer and have used for years. Once you register (for free), locate your store, browse the list of offers, and save the ones that interest you. It’s similar to clipping digital coupons and is so easy. I average $300 to $400 a year (literally free money). If this sounds too good to be true, cash back programs have been around for years, and Ibotta is one of the most reputable. Sign up here.

Pro tip: Other than store sales, Ibotta is the only way I know of to save money on alcohol. You read that right. Get cash back for buying beer, wine, and liquor!

I hope this post, all about food shopping on a budget, has provided you with some helpful tips. If you have any suggestions, please leave a comment below. Have a great day, friends!

With a bit of planning and a handful of staples ready to go, you can craft nourishing breakfasts, lunches, and easy dinners in minutes — perfect if you want healthy and delicious meals for the week without spending hours in the kitchen. 

Food prep is my secret weapon for quick, healthy weeknight meals. It’s less time-consuming than meal prep and allows for more flexibility. Also, see the ingredients I prepped this week and the meals I made with them!

Meal prepping is a popular strategy for saving time in the kitchen, but I prefer ingredient prepping, which is precisely what the name suggests. Instead of having complete meals ready to go, you have a variety of ingredients prepped, allowing you to put together meals quickly and with minimal effort.

If you follow me on Instagram stories, I often show my weekly food prep and the meals I make with it. I love having a variety of produce, proteins, and dairy products prepped and ready to go, and I can’t stress enough how time-saving it is!

Ingredient Prepping vs Meal Prepping 

While the two sound similar, they are very different and cater to various needs. Meal prepping involves preparing entire meals ahead of time and eating the same or very similar things all week long. This works for many people, especially those with little time in the kitchen. If you’re interested in meal prepping, we have a simple five-step planning process to help you get started!

On the other hand, ingredient prepping involves prepping individual ingredients such as vegetables, proteins, grains, and dairy. You can prepare meals quickly by having separate ingredients prepped and ready to go. It allows more flexibility in your meals and is best for those who need to save time in the kitchen and don’t want to eat the same thing every day.

Prevent Food Waste

We all know I’m passionate about preventing food waste. In fact, I wrote a whole blog post about it. In my experience, perishable foods, mainly produce, can be easily pushed to the back of the refrigerator and spoil quickly. Having these ingredients prepped and ready to go encourages you to use them.

Ingredient prepping is a great way to use up things that need to be used. One of the first things I do when choosing what to prep is to inventory what I already have. Anything that needs to be used goes on the list, and this week, that was two avocados. Since a dressing or a sauce is always part of my weekly ingredient prep, I used them to make an avocado sauce!

Related: How To Stop Food Waste (and stop money from going in the trash)

Food Prep Planning

I like to start with what I already have. It helps prevent food waste and saves money because you’ll buy less.

• Begin by taking an inventory of your refrigerator, freezer, and pantry. Then review what you already have, jot down what you need to use first, and plan your meals around those. This is the step that should start to give you some inspiration. For example, if you have black beans in your pantry already and ground beef in your freezer, you can build on that.
• Brainstorm some meals that allow you to use the ingredients you prep in different ways. For example, if you want to prep ground beef, rice, and roasted veggies, think of a few meals you can make combining those ingredients.
• Write down what you’ll need to make each meal and cross off what you already have. One of my favorite meal-planning hacks is to use specific Google searches for inspiration. Let’s say you have ground beef, broccoli, and black beans, and want to use them in various meals. Do a Google search exactly like this: “ground beef” + broccoli + “black beans”. The plus sign tells Google to include every word, and the quotation marks to search for that exact phrase. Swap those ingredients out with whatever you’re looking for. I like to go to the image tab because I’m a visual person.
• So you’ve taken a quick kitchen inventory, brainstormed some meals, listed the ingredients you need for each one, and crossed off what you already have. Now, you can finalize your shopping list.

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Ingredient Prep

Multitasking is your BFF here. Start with what takes the longest to cook, and prep everything else while it cooks. 

• Cook your protein. This usually takes the longest, so I start with that. This is also when I start my water for hard-boiled eggs, pasta, etc…
  • When cooking your main protein, keep the seasoning simple so you can use it in various ways. For example, if you heavily season it with Italian seasonings, that limits the dishes you can use it in.
• Cook your grains. My oven-baked rice is a staple in our household. Since it needs to be in the oven for a bit, I’ll get that started after I start the protein.
• Prep your produce. This depends on personal preference. I prefer to keep it raw so I can use it in salads, and if I want to cook it, it’s already prepped.
• Extras. Grate cheese, toast nuts, and make a sauce or dressing. Your future self will thank you on a busy night when these little things are ready to go.
• By now, your protein is either done or almost done, and so are your grains. At this point, I usually remove everything from the oven or stove and let it cool slightly before transferring it to the fridge.

I suggest storing all your prep ingredients in clear glass containers designed for stacking. This way, you can easily see what you have without opening each container. You’ll be surprised how time-consuming this is. I’ve included some affordable options below!

Related: How To Meal Plan On A Budget

Storing Produce

How you store your produce can make a big difference in maximizing its life and maintaining freshness.

1. Diced or shredded carrots must be covered with a damp paper towel to prevent them from turning brown and drying out. As you use them throughout the week, dampen the paper towels if you notice they are drying out.
2. Bell peppers, onions, and hearty greens like kale do better when moisture is kept to a minimum. I typically line the bottom of the container with lint-free paper towels to absorb any excess moisture.
3. Fresh herbs have a short shelf life, but I’ve found what I think is the best way to store Italian parsley, which I buy every week. When I get home from the store, this is precisely what I do.
   1. Leave the bunch together, then plunge it into ice-cold water.
   2. Leave it for about 15 minutes.
   3. Shake out the excess moisture.
   4. Release it from the rubber band or tie, and lay it on a towel.
   5. Dry it well before storing it in a container between several paper towels.

I’ve tried every method imaginable for storing Italian parsley, and I’ve been doing it this way for years. 

Related: How To Save Money on Fresh Produce

My Ingredient Prep + Plan This Week 

Now for some inspiration, let’s review what I prepped this week. I keep myself stocked with Greek yogurt for yogurt bowls, canned protein and cottage cheese, frozen vegetables, condiments, scallions, and Italian parsley. Those ingredients are always in my kitchen! The list below is what I prepped this week (pictured above), and I’ll give you some meal ideas below. 

• Two pounds of ground beef sautéed with simple seasonings
• Six hard-boiled eggs
• One can of black beans, rinsed and drained
• Three bell peppers, diced
• Two large carrots, shredded
• One red onion, marinated
• Two containers of fresh mushrooms, quartered and sautéed
• One cup of pecans, roughly chopped and toasted
• One block of sharp cheddar cheese, grated
• Avocado ranch. I make a sauce or dressing every week. This week, I have two avocados that need to be used up, so I made an avocado ranch sauce using my homemade ranch dressing mix, Greek yogurt, lemon juice, and avocados. This can also be used as a dressing.

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Meals Made With The Ingredients Above

You’ll notice there’s no dessert here, and that’s because we don’t eat dessert every night. 

• Veggie egg bake. I loved this so much last week that I made it again using the peppers, scallions, and cheese. For extra protein, I added some of my homemade Italian chicken sausage.
• I made an egg-and-veggie scramble with black beans, peppers, mushrooms, scallions, and cheese, topped with avocado sauce. It’s not pretty, but it was good!
• Rice and eggs. I make this all the time. It’s a quick and delicious savory breakfast that always hits the spot!
• Ground beef rice bowls. I make a batch of oven-baked rice every week, which serves as the base, along with some lettuce. I used peppers, beef, eggs, carrots, and avocado sauce for this bowl.
• Bean and pasta salad. I love having an easy bean or pasta salad that I can quickly throw together. I mixed the black beans with peppers, marinated onions, carrots, scallions, and parsley, then tossed everything with a simple Dijon vinaigrette.
• A savory cottage cheese bowl with beef and peppers. To jazz it up, I seasoned the meat with Za’atar seasoning and Aleppo pepper. The cottage cheese became the sauce, and this was SO delicious!

I prefer the flexibility of making meals on the fly. That said, having some planned out will help you on nights when you need something quick and don’t want to think.

Related: How To Stop Food Waste (and save money)

Final Thoughts

• Don’t overcomplicate it. Your food prep doesn’t have to be done all at once or on the same day. If you have an extra 10 minutes while you wait for pasta to cook, use that pocket of time to get something else prepped!
• Frozen produce is hugely underrated. It’s prepped and ready to go. If you’re guilty of letting fresh produce go to waste, consider keeping a variety of frozen produce on hand to avoid this issue. You can use as much or as little as you need and pop the rest back in the freezer.

I hope this post has inspired you to start ingredient prepping. If you have any suggestions, please share them in the comments below!

A regular savings account is for achieving goals like a vacation, new furniture, or a car. An emergency savings account is separate from that and only meant to be used in the case of an actual emergency.

Having a financial cushion prepares you for unexpected expenses. Recently, I needed about $4000 worth of dental work done, and even though I hated taking that money out of my savings, I was grateful to have it. I also went through tonsil cancer treatment at the beginning of 2023, and cancer isn’t cheap. We have fantastic insurance, but no one prepares you for everything you need before, during, and after treatment.

In both situations, I was so grateful for our emergency savings account. That extra money also allowed my husband to come home from Iraq for three months without financially burdening us. Life throws curveballs at you all the time, and having that financial cushion can at least help you get through it without stressing about money!

Related: Realistic Ways to Save Money Each Month

Emergency Savings Account

Job loss, medical bills, veterinary expenses, and home repairs are just a few of the things that can create a financial burden. It can happen to anyone at any time. We can’t predict when something like that will happen, but we can be financially prepared!

How Much Do You Need

Most of the advice I see online is to have three months’ worth of bills in your emergency fund. I disagree and think you should save at least six months’ worth of necessary bills. I say necessary bills because if you find yourself in this situation, unnecessary spending will only make things worse.

For example, if your necessary bills are rent or mortgage, utilities, groceries, and gas. Add those up for one month and multiply the total by six. That’s the minimum amount you should have in your emergency savings account to protect you financially for six months in the event of hardship.

I recommend six months’ worth of bills instead of three, which is usually what’s recommended. If you experience job loss or an expensive home repair, three months’ worth of bills will be wiped out immediately. Setting a six-month goal will most likely leave some in savings, which means you still have some cushion.

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Once you’ve determined how much you need to survive for six months, you have a goal. I’ll post my example below. 

• Mortgage $1435
• Utilities $475 (this is a HIGH average)
• Car Payment $376
• Car insurance $221
• Credit cards $100 (we usually keep these paid off)
• Groceries $500
• Gas $200 ($50 a week)
• Miscellaneous $400 ($100 a week)

Total: $3,707 per month
Multiplied by 6 months = $22,242

If we hit rock bottom, we would need $22,242 in our emergency savings account to keep a roof over our heads, our utilities working, and food in our stomachs for six months. You’ll notice that I always have a small amount for miscellaneous expenses, and that’s because necessary things still happen, like your kids getting sick. Also, I could get that grocery bill down if needed, and I have written several articles on how to save money on groceries and food.

How To Build An Emergency Savings Fund

Try not to let the number above discourage you. It’s simply a starting point. If the six-month number completely overwhelms you, start with a three-month goal or take it a month at a time. An emergency savings account of $1000 is better than nothing. That six-month total is what we recommend in the event of total income loss or a significant event, but the chances of that happening are less than something like an HVAC unit going out or expensive dental work, so you’ll still have income coming in. 

Save Your Money

To reach your goal more quickly, save as much as possible and put the extra money into your emergency savings account. A penny saved really is a penny earned, and we’ve shared several ways to save money on the site. 

• If you’re a spender, you must get your spending in check. Those Starbucks and McDonald’s drive-thrus add up. Did you know that $10,000 a year is only $27 daily? How many times have you spent $27 in a day that was 100% unnecessary? I’m not saying you should never treat yourself, but getting your spending in check will help you build an emergency savings account more quickly.
• Immediately deposit any extra money into your emergency fund. I recently received a $1700 check from Vanderbilt, which immediately went into our emergency savings account!
• Get control of your budget. When we started tracking every penny we spent, we had much more money than we thought. I started doing this over 20 years ago, and I started with a notebook and pen. I left that notebook on our kitchen counter, and we would write anything we had spent in it daily. These days, I do it in a spreadsheet. The first thing I do every morning when I sit down with my coffee is check the bank account and enter anything that came out the day before. My spreadsheet is organized into necessary and unnecessary spending. I keep an eye on unnecessary spending, and I can’t tell you how much this helps keep us in check. If you think you don’t have any money to save, you might be surprised. 
• Once you start saving money, immediately put the extra cash into your emergency savings account. I love an automatic withdrawal for this. I recommend a specific type of account, which I’ll discuss below. Whether it’s $25 a week or $100 a week, start an automatic withdrawal as soon as possible. Chances are, you’ll forget it’s even coming out. We do.

Related: 25 Ways to Save on Groceries Each Month

Make Extra Money

There are many ways to make extra money, and my husband and son both have side hustles to earn extra cash. The more extra money you make, the more you can put into savings. 

• Side hustles are a great way to earn quick and easy cash. My husband drives for Uber often throughout the year, and he can usually earn anywhere from $150 to $500 extra a week, depending on how much time and effort he puts into it.
• My son started a handyman business, and it’s been a great little side hustle! He’s done everything from cleaning out gutters to hanging ceiling fans to small demolition jobs. If you put the word out to family and friends, you could be making money by the end of the week—my son did! Everyone needs a good handyman, and most of his work now comes from repeat customers.
• For ideas on how to make extra money, check out this blog post.

Where To Put Your Money

I’m an expert on my spending and savings, but I am not a financial expert, so I feel the need to add that disclaimer—ha!

• I highly recommend a high-yield savings account, which pays more interest than a standard bank account. For example, our savings account with USAA only pays out 0.1% interest, while our high-yield account with Ally pays 4% interest. That interest is added to the principal balance, and more interest is earned on that balance. Your money is literally making money while it sits there.
• We have an automatic transfer that withdraws the same amount weekly from our checking account and goes into our high-yield savings account. It’s an automatic deposit, so we don’t even have to think about it. Keeping your savings in a regular savings account means you’re missing out on free money.

I hope this post has given you some helpful ideas for building an emergency savings account. If you have any suggestions, please share them in the comments below. I’d love to hear it, and it will help other people, too!

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I often discuss how to stop food waste on Instagram stories. I’m incredibly passionate about this topic, partly because of how I was raised and partly because I hate wasting money. The bottom line is that throwing food away is throwing money away.

My father was incredibly strict about wasting food. We had to finish our plates, and when we didn’t want to, he reminded us that many kids had no food to eat. I realize that seems extreme, but he wasn’t wrong. As a parent, I tried to instill the same values in my children, although I approached it more gently.

As always, all the tips I’m about to give you are things we implement in our household. So much of what you see on the Internet is copied from other sites, and now AI has made it even worse. I would never recommend anything to you that we don’t do ourselves.

How To Stop Food Waste

Admittedly, I’m a bit neurotic when it comes to wasting food. I will eat the same thing for days, eat weird things, and even eat things I don’t enjoy – so I don’t have to throw them away. I don’t expect anyone to be as crazy as I am, but I hope sharing some of the things I do daily to prevent food waste helps you, too. Of course, there will still be times when you have to throw food away. That’s OK. Do your best, and remember that even small choices can make a big difference.

Freeze It

• I was well into my 40s before I learned that freezing food was the best thing ever! If you want to stop wasting food and can’t eat it before it goes bad, freezing it is your next best option. When it comes to freezing leftovers, most of them do well. Leftover taco meat? Freeze it. Have a bag of fresh spinach or kale that needs to be used? Throw the whole bag in the freezer. I use frozen spinach in my smoothies, and frozen kale works beautifully in soups and stews. I love these silicone freezer containers. I have both the single and meal-size containers and use them all the time!

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Give it Away

• Even though my kids are grown adults, they still happily take all the food I’m willing to give them, lol! Neighbors, coworkers, friends, and family will always be happy to receive home-cooked food! My husband LOVES taking leftovers to work and sharing them with all the guys!

Cook It

• Of all my tips on how to stop food waste, this is the one I do the most in my kitchen, and I did it yesterday. I had a package of mirepoix that needed to be cooked immediately, but I also didn’t want to use it that day. I threw it in a pan with olive oil and let it sauté for a few minutes, and that’s it. All you have to do is cook it, which gives you a few more days to use it. Keep the seasonings simple or none at all. That way, you can use it in any dish.

Repurpose It

• For example, there are ways to repurpose leftover chili into a completely new meal. Leftover chili makes delicious taco salads, nachos, or chili mac. Leftover pot roast can be turned into tacos, pizza, or rice bowls. There are dozens of ways to transform leftovers into something completely new and delicious! 

Eat It

• The most obvious way to avoid food waste is to eat it. I roll my eyes when people say I can’t eat chili three days in a row. Yes, you can. Be a grown-up and eat the chili so you don’t waste food that you paid for. If you’re sick of it, refer to the tip above and transform it into something else!

Eat Less

• The amount of food shown in the picture above could have been lunch the next day. You may think it’s an exaggeration, but I was a server for years, and it accurately represents how much food people leave on their plates. If you’re eating in a restaurant, that’s even more money down the drain because you paid a lot more for that meal. Shannon and I always share meals, and I can promise you neither one of us is going hungry. If we are, we order a dessert and share it. When you’re at home, start with less and get seconds if you’re still hungry. When it comes to how to stop food waste, simply putting less food on your plate can save so much food from going into the trash!

Buy Less

• When I was younger, I was guilty of buying too much food. This was before I had experience running a household, feeding a family, and learning about money. When you buy too much food, you often can’t eat it all, and trying to becomes overwhelming. More often than not, it winds up in the trash. You can always buy more food. We all have access to local grocery stores, Amazon, and multiple grocery delivery services. No one is going to starve. One of the best ways to stop wasting food is to buy less.

Get Organized

• It’s nearly impossible to stop food waste in an unorganized kitchen. An organized pantry, refrigerator, and freezer will help you track what you have and what needs to be used. When you buy too much, things become disorganized, jammed in the back, and forgotten. There’s a balance between having a good stock of pantry staples and not having too much. This is especially true for items in your refrigerator, which have a much shorter shelf life than those in your pantry and freezer. 

Buy Frozen

• When I talk about ways to save money on food, this is a tip I’ve given repeatedly. Frozen produce is a game-changer! First of all, it comes prepared and ready to go. You can use what you want and return the rest to the freezer. It’s also more nutritious. Unlike fresh produce, which has sometimes sat on trucks for weeks before it hits the shelves at your grocery store, fresh produce is often picked at peak ripe and frozen for hours, making it more nutritious than fresh produce. You don’t have to worry about the strawberries or onions going bad when you buy them frozen, and frozen works just fine for most recipes. 

Have A Plan

• It’s too easy to go to the store, spend a bunch of money, and then come home and realize you still need several things to create cohesive meals. Having a plan, even if it’s a loose plan, will prevent that from happening. You may want to check out my post on how to meal plan on a budget. I like to buy ingredients that can be used in several different meals. This is also a great way to ensure everything is getting used up. For example, I may have frittata, burritos, and rice bowls on the menu this week. I can buy cheese and veggies that can be used in all three dishes. Try not to have Asian one night, Mexican the next night, and the next. Plan your ingredients so they can be used multiple times.

Save Scraps

• I’ve got one more tip on how to stop food waste, and this is something my daughter taught me to do! Keep a large baggie in your freezer to throw produce in. Whether it’s half of an onion you couldn’t use or a few carrots that are getting ready to go bad, add it to the bag. If you chop celery, the leaves can go in the bag. The same applies to the stems of herbs, broccoli, and cauliflower. When the bag is full, dump the contents into a large pot, cover it with water, and make vegetable stock. So clever and so healthy! 

I hope this post has provided you with some helpful tips on how to reduce food waste. If you have any suggestions, please comment below, and have a great day, friends!

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More Money-Saving Posts You May Enjoy

• 25 Ways to Save on Groceries Each Month
• How to Grocery Shop for One Person
• Realistic Ways to Save Money Each Month
• How To Save Money on Fresh Produce

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2026 is right around the corner. If you’re ready to crush your money and health goals in the New Year, this list of affordable foods will help you eat well on a budget while enjoying delicious and nutritious meals. From dry beans to frozen veggies, these are the cheapest foods to buy that still support your goals.

If I had a nickel for every time someone said healthy food is too expensive, I’d have a lot of nickels. If you take the time to compare prices and shop smarter, you’ll be surprised to find that some of the least expensive foods are also the most nutritious.

To achieve any goal, you need the right mindset. If not, it will feel challenging from the start. Shopping and preparing meals take time and effort, and having the right attitude will make them easier and more rewarding. 

Least Expensive Foods

Before we dive in, I didn’t haphazardly throw together this list. Eating healthy is important to me, but what is “healthy”? For me, it’s simply eating whole foods without a long list of mystery ingredients. You won’t find things like Hamburger Helper on this list. It’s super cheap (and delicious) but not the healthiest. However, beans are beans. They’re whole and complete foods, so I try to incorporate as many as possible into our meals.

Related: How To Stop Food Waste (and save money)

Eggs

• Eggs are one of the most nutritious foods you can eat. In addition to iron, vitamins, and minerals, one large egg can have up to 7 grams of protein. Protein is king for preventing sugar cravings, giving you energy, and keeping you feeling full. It was the key to me finally losing my menopause weight and keeping it off three years later. For quick snacks, keep some hard-boiled eggs in your fridge and enjoy them on their own, make egg salad, or make eggs and rice – an incredibly cheap meal!

Pasta

• Dried pasta is a staple that everyone should have on hand. It fills you up, it’s cheap, and there are endless ways to prepare it. My kids grew up on “white spaghetti,” which is just cooked noodles, olive oil, salt, pepper, and Parmesan cheese. Sometimes, I would add broccoli and call it green pasta, which my Sicilian mother made us regularly growing up. My easy goulash recipe will feed the whole family for less than $10. There are many high-protein pastas on the market these days as well. They may cost slightly more, but you’re getting healthy carbs, protein, and usually some fiber with one ingredient.

Related: Realistic Ways to Save Money Each Month

Canned Protein

• Canned proteins like tuna and salmon are some of the most nutrient-dense, least expensive foods you can buy. That means you’re getting a lot of nutrition in a small amount of food, so you don’t need much. They can be found at every grocery store and are a great way to add protein to a dish, not to mention a ton of vitamins, essential fatty acids, and minerals. Tuna salad is cheap and healthy. Serve it on sandwiches or over a bed of lettuce. My tuna and avocado salad is quick, healthy, and delish.

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Dry Beans

• Like rice, beans can be added to many dishes, and there are endless ways to use them. They’re full of protein, vitamins, and minerals, so they’re not only a cheap pantry staple but a healthy one. Try my Italian beans and rice, a simple chickpea salad, and tuna pasta salad. Dry beans are even more inexpensive. The soaking process is mostly hands-off and very easy to do.

Canned Tomatoes

• You can use them in sauce, soups, stews, casseroles—the sky is the limit. If you have canned tomatoes, you don’t need pasta sauce. Our favorite pantry meal is pasta with tuna. I saute onions and garlic in olive oil, add some canned tuna and tomatoes, a little broth, seasonings, and butter. Mix that with cooked pasta and veggies of your choice, and you have a nutritious, filling meal for less than ten bucks.

Fresh Produce

• Fresh produce can be affordable if you know how to shop for it. We’re not going for dragon fruit and fresh figs, which can be pricey. Buy cheaper options like bananas, apples, onions, and potatoes. Potatoes are inexpensive, filling, and nutritious. Buy a bag when they’re on sale and plan some meals around them. The same applies to apples. A bag will cost around three bucks, and you have healthy snacks for the week. Check out my tips for saving on produce for even more ways to save.

Related: How To Save Money on Fresh Produce

Frozen Produce

• Frozen produce is among the healthiest and least expensive foods you can buy. It’s often cheaper than fresh produce, which can lose up to 45% of its nutrients before it hits your table. Frozen vegetables are often more nutritious because they’re flash-frozen within hours of being picked, retaining most of their nutrients. Unlike fresh produce, which can spoil very quickly, frozen produce lasts months in the freezer. It’s also prepped and ready to go, making it perfect for nights you need dinner on the table quickly! 

Rice

• Rice goes with everything—literally. Having eggs? Add some rice. Tacos for dinner? Add rice to the filling. It’s a cheap way to add volume to your meals. I often use it to stretch soups and casseroles. I regularly make sausage rice, easy Italian beans and rice, and foolproof baked rice. We’re big fans of rice around here, and it’s one of the least expensive foods you can buy!

Peanut Butter

• Peanut butter is incredibly nutritious! It contains vitamins and minerals and is an excellent source of plant-based protein and fiber. A serving size is only two tablespoons, which means one jar for around three dollars will last you a while. If you’re a peanut butter lover like me, look for brands with just one ingredient: peanuts! This one is my favorite.

Related: 25 Ways to Save on Groceries Each Month

Oats

• A giant bag of oats is cheap and will last a long time. You can use them in granola bars, meatballs, cookies, and cakes. They’re incredibly nutritious and add fiber and nutrients to whatever you use them in. You can even add them to smoothies to make them more filling. A little goes a long way, making them incredibly affordable. Just 1/4 cup of dried oats is enough for a filling breakfast or snack, and you’ll be doing your cholesterol a favor, too. Steer clear of the instant oatmeal packs. They are loaded with sugar and processed ingredients.

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Popcorn

• Not only are popcorn kernels ridiculously cheap, but popcorn is high in fiber, low in calories, and satisfying! We make it at least three times a week, and it’s a lot easier than you might think. I add 1/4 cup of kernels to a brown paper bag, sprinkle in some salt, and about a teaspoon of olive oil. Fold the top over three times, put it in the microwave, and cook it on high until you hear no popping for 3 seconds. Voilà. You’ve got a quick, healthy, super cheap snack! 

I hope this list of the least expensive foods is helpful. I’d love to hear your tips for saving money on food and for preparing affordable, healthy meals on a budget!

Whole Foods, or Whole Paycheck, as it’s often called, gets a bad rap. Sure, it can be expensive, but so can every other grocery store. So, if you’re like me and love Whole Foods but also consider yourself a savvy shopper, let’s talk about how to save money at Whole Foods!

If you’re paying attention and comparing prices at various grocery stores, you will find many items at Whole Foods are a better deal than anywhere else. I suspect many people complaining about how expensive Whole Foods is haven’t taken the time to do that. Being a savvy shopper also means being willing to shop sales, use digital coupons, and get cashback.

I’ve also seen blog posts and social media stories where people compare prices at Whole Foods to other stores, but I think these comparisons are unfair. First, if you’re a savvy shopper, you’re not going to the store and paying full price for the most expensive things. If you can afford to do that, then you probably aren’t concerned about prices to begin with. Those of us actively trying to save money at Whole Foods (or any other grocery store) are willing to do whatever is necessary. So, I did my own comparison shopping.

The sale price on chuck roast, asparagus, avocado, rice crackers, and ground beef at Whole Foods was cheaper than Publix and Kroger. Chuck roast was the biggest surprise at $6.99/lb compared to Publix and Kroger, where it was $12.69/lb and $14.99/lb. I’m not here to argue. These are facts. I did the hard work and research before writing this post. So, let’s dive in.

How To Save Money At Whole Foods

These tips will help you save money at any grocery store, not just Whole Foods. Be sure to read to the bottom, where I share my all-time favorite Whole Foods hack!

It’s also necessary to point out that those of us shopping at Whole Foods are invested in our health, and consuming products made with better ingredients matters to us. Sure. I could go to Dollar Tree and buy a box of crackers for $1.25 that has crappy ingredients, but I don’t eat that way. You get what you pay for. Ingredients matter to me, and I will pay a little more.

Saving Money On The Hot Bar At Whole Foods

Oh, how I love the hot bar. I’d much rather pop in for a few of my favorites than go out to eat, but it’s easy to build a $21 lunch if you’re not paying attention.

• The Whole Foods hot bar in Nashville is $11.99 a pound, so you’re paying for weight. Be mindful of this when selecting what you want, and don’t pay for liquid you won’t eat. For example, if the item you choose is sitting in liquid like the photo below, drain it off. You’d be surprised by how much liquid weighs and how much it costs. If something is in a sauce or gravy, only scoop out what you’ll be able to eat.
• Choose your protein wisely. Again, weight matters. I LOVE their chimichurri pork, but I’ve noticed it’s much heavier than the braised chicken thighs. That’s because the pork is shredded and sitting in sauce. It holds a lot of liquid, making it heavier and thus more expensive.
• The same rule applies to literally everything else. Once you understand this, you’ll be more mindful of the ingredients you choose.

Weekly Sales at Whole Foods 

Whole Foods has weekly sales, but they also have daily specials that are pretty great!

• Weekly sales at Whole Foods start on Wednesdays and run through the following Tuesday. You can check the sales at your store here or in the app. Some of these sales are incredible, especially on meat and seafood.
• Shopping sales is the easiest way to save money at any grocery store, not just Whole Foods.
• Whole Foods also has daily specials like $2 off rotisserie chickens on Tuesdays and $12 large pizzas on Fridays. These may be different from store to store. You can check your store here.
• If you’re an Amazon Prime member, you can save 10% on top of the sale prices.

Pro tip. If you look at the bottom of the sale tag, you will see the date that the sale ends. This is important because some sales last more than a week. In the photo below, you can see that Banza pasta is on sale for almost THREE weeks! Also, this is an amazing price for this brand. I buy this all the time and have never paid this low of a price, once again provong Whole Foods os often less expensive than other stores.

Shop The 365 Brand

• 365 is the Whole Foods store brand, and it’s surprisingly affordable. The 365 brand adheres to the same high standards expected at Whole Foods Market. The ingredients are clean and straightforward without any of the junk you don’t want. If you don’t have time to scour ingredient labels, the 365 brand makes it easy while saving you money!
• 365 Everyday Value items in the produce section are my go-to. They have consistently low prices on greens, carrots, and fresh herbs, and they’re always super fresh!

Shop With A List

• Shopping with a list keeps you on track and can make the whole experience less stressful. This is especially true at Whole Foods, where the store has fun and unique items to tempt you. It’s easy to get caught up in that and spend too much. Having a list also ensures you’re not forgetting the most important things. I like to keep this magnetic meal-planning grocery list on my refrigerator. You can easily tear off half of the page and just take the shopping list to the store.

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Learn To Love The Bulk Food Bins

The prices on the bulk bins will give you sticker shock, but you can save money by shopping them.

• Need a quarter cup of pine nuts but don’t want to spend $10 on a small bag? The bulk bins are where you should go. It’s often cheaper to get exactly what you need from the bulk foods section rather than buying an entire package.
• I don’t use coconut flour often, but recently, I needed some for a recipe, so I went straight to the bulk bins. I measured out 1/4 cup, which was a little more than what I needed, and paid less than a dollar.
• For those who live alone, bulk bins can not only save you money because you can buy small amounts of only what you need.

Produce At Whole Foods Is Superior

• Throwing food away is throwing your hard-earned cash in the trash. The produce at Whole Foods is fresh and lasts longer. Don’t even get me started on Trader Joe’s. Their produce is terrible and goes bad SO fast! Whole Foods also has some pretty amazing weekly sales on produce, and one of my favorite ways to save on groceries in general is to plan your menus around what’s on sale.

Saving Money On Meat, Poultry, And Seafood

I have a you get what you pay for attitude regarding meat, poultry, and dairy. I can’t bring myself to eat low-quality products, nor do I want to contribute to the inhumane practices. This is the one area that I will spend more money on, and Whole Foods has high standards.

• Wild-caught seafood is certified or rated for sustainability.
• Farmed seafood is third-party verified Responsibly Farmed.
• Meat is traceable to farms or ranches. No antibiotics, ever, and no added growth hormones.
• All eggs meet Animal Welfare Standards.

If you’re shopping sale prices, you can stock up on grass-fed ground beef and pasture-raised chicken when they’re at their lowest price. When it comes to saving at Whole Foods or any grocery store, stocking up on products you buy regularly when they’re on sale is key.

Look For Clearance + Last Chance Stickers

• These little yellow stickers often indicate that an item is being discontinued or they have too much overstock. These are easy to miss, but you’ll spot them easier now that you know about them. The best deal I ever got was on bags of grass-fed beef jerky for $1.25 a bag-but I would’ve missed it if I wasn’t keeping an eye out for those little yellow stickers!
• Look for stands around the store with marked-down items. My store also has two, one in the produce section and one near the beer (weird location), and I never leave without taking a quick look. One thing I’ve noticed about Whole Foods is when they mark something down, they price it to get rid of it, and you can score some amazing deals!

Download The App

• The Whole Foods app lets you check the weekly and daily sales, check in-store prices, and create shopping lists. If you’ve linked your Amazon Prime account with your Whole Foods account, you can use the app to scan your Prime code at the register to save an additional 10%. That might sound like a big savings, but nickels and dimes add up!

Don’t Always Buy Organic

• Organic isn’t always better. Every year, the EWG releases the Dirty Dozen and the Clean Fifteen. The Dirty Dozen lists 12 fruits and vegetables most contaminated with pesticides, while the Clean Fifteen lists 15 items with the lowest pesticide residues. They take the guesswork out of the equation, so you don’t waste your money buying organic when you don’t need to.

Get Paid To Shop

• Simply put, you’re getting paid to shop. Many apps offer cash back for purchasing groceries, but Ibotta is the one I’ve used for years and can personally recommend. Once you register (it’s free), simply find your store, scroll through the list of offers, and save the ones you want. I usually do this while I’m watching TV. After shopping, follow the steps in the app to get your money back. It’s VERY easy, and the app walks you through it. On average, I withdraw $500 – $600 yearly – in free money! Ibotta is the only way I know of to save money on alcohol. You read that right. Get cash back for buying beer, wine, and liquor. Sign up here for free!

Cheese Case Odds & Ends – My Favorite Whole Foods Hack

• There’s plenty of information online about how to save money at Whole Foods, but I’ve never seen anyone talk about this. If you love cheese and enjoy trying unique cheese, then you already know the cheese case at Whole Foods is the bomb. But, have you ever noticed the “odds & ends” basket? It’s easy to miss, but it’s a little basket usually tucked somewhere in the cheesecake with little chunks of cheese. These are pieces that are left when they trim the cheese to sell, and it’s a great way to try specialty cheeses without spending a ton of money. Some specialty cheese costs upwards of $30 a pound, but you can find little pieces in the basket for less than a dollar.

I hope you enjoyed these ideas for saving money at Whole Foods. It can be a fun place to shop for unique and hard-to-find items, but it doesn’t have to be as expensive as some people make it out to be. Follow these tips and enjoy the savings!

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• Realistic Ways to Save Money Each Month
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Protecting your home is crucial for your safety and peace of mind. Please don’t wait for something terrible to happen to do something, which is precisely what happened to me. A few years ago, I had one of the most terrifying experiences of my life. I was home alone, and a man started aggressively banging at my doors. It was late at night, and he continued going from door to door. Even though I had played the scenario over in my mind many times and thought I knew what to do, I completely froze. After a few minutes, I set off the house alarm and called 911, and then my kids, who live just a few minutes away.

The police didn’t arrive for over 20 minutes. Had that man gotten into my house, a lot could’ve happened in that time. Thankfully, everyone was okay, but it was an eye-opening experience, and protecting our home became a priority.

Is Your House As Safe As You Think?

Growing up, my dad always told me that if someone wants to get into your home, they will, despite the best security measures. Statistically, fancy house alarms don’t deter professional burglars because they know how the system works. This proved to be true for me. Even after setting off my alarm that night, that man continued trying to get in. Burglars know there is a pocket of time between setting off the alarm, the alarm company contacting you, and the authorities.

So, what do you do? Make it hard for them. The harder you make it for them to get in, the more time it takes, allowing you to get safety and the authorities to arrive. Furthermore, most burglars want an easy in and an easy out. By making it hard for them to get in, they’ll likely give up after a few failed attempts.

After that terrifying experience, my son immediately jumped in. With less than $100 and only a few hours of his time, he secured my windows and doors, making it much harder for someone to get in, and so can you!

Protecting Your Home On A Budget

Secure The Doors

It’s very easy to kick in most doors because the screws that go into the doorknobs and deadbolt are short and only go into the door frame. Replacing short screws with longer screws instantly secures your exterior doors. This is because one swift kick to a door is how most burglars get in. With longer screws that go all the way into the door frame, they would have to kick out the entire frame of the door to break it down. Not only would that be hard to do and time-consuming, but it would also be loud. Two things most burglars don’t want to deal with.

To further secure the doors, my son also installed defender locks. A defender lock is similar to a hotel room door lock. He also used longer screws to install these defender locks, making both doors with outside access nearly impenetrable.

Secure Your Windows

Depending on the type of window you have, you can use cut broomsticks, wooden dowel rods, or even just a screw to quickly stop someone from raising your window. If using the dowel rods or broomsticks, you may need a small saw to cut them to the correct size.

My son put screws in all the windows except for two. If you need to get out quickly, leave at least one or two windows unsecured, but ensure they’re the hardest to access from the outside. We chose my bedroom windows because they’re higher off the ground, making it hard to access from the outside, but not so high off the ground that I couldn’t jump if I needed to.

When thinking of ways to protect your home, the goal is to make it hard for them. You want them to make some noise, which you will hear, allowing you to get to safety.

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Have A Safe Room

This tip came from a police officer years ago. While this doesn’t directly protect your home, it will help keep your family safe. Have a place to go when in danger. He recommended a closet or large pantry.

In a perfect world, all the safety measures we’ve taken to the rest of the house will slow a burglar down enough, but if they get in before the authorities arrive, having a prepared safe room is an added layer of protection.

You can’t think straight when panicked, and the only thing you’ll be thinking of is getting your family to safety, so he also suggested having the following in the room.

• A list of phone numbers for local authorities, family, and neighbors who live close to you.
• Necessary codes, specifically the code and/or phone pin for your house alarm.
• A fully charged throwaway phone with all the essential numbers pre-saved and ready to be called. When people run for safety, they often forget their phones, so having an extra one in your safe room is crucial.

My safe room is my bedroom closet. We secured the doors the same way we secured our exterior doors. If someone enters my house, I want to slow them down if they come after my family. Securing my safe room doors may buy me a few extra precious minutes for help to arrive.

Extra Tips For How To Protect Your Home

Have a barking dog. The size doesn’t matter as long as it barks! Most burglars don’t want to deal with a dog and know that if it is barking, the dog has already warned you that they’re there.

Maintain the outside of your home. A well-manicured yard shows that the house is occupied and actively cared for, potentially deterring burglars. Keeping hedges around the window trimmed can help prevent hiding spots.

Outdoor lighting. Bright, motion-detected floodlights around your home also reduce hiding spots. We have these lights around the outside of our house. They’re affordable and effective.

Indoor lighting. I keep the lights on if I’m alone and it’s dark outside. Most intruders aren’t looking for a fight and will likely move on if they think people are awake.

Door sirens. If all else fails and an intruder gets through one of your doors, door sirens will immediately alert you that they’ve entered your home. When we lived in Charleston, there was a rash of home invasions. Many of the people who were injured never knew the intruder was in their home until it was too late. So, in addition to making it hard for them to get in, you want to know they’re there. These cheap door sirens are LOUD, alerting you and possibly scaring them off!

Don’t answer the door. The night that man tried to get into my house, the police officers said it was a common tactic. The intruder bangs on the door frantically as if they need help, and many people open it. Don’t do that!

Secure patio doors. A simple broomstick pressed firmly into the groove at the bottom of the door makes it nearly impossible to open. A sliding door kick lock is another popular and affordable option.

By providing layers of security, you can protect your home and keep your family safe!

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More Money-Saving Posts You May Enjoy

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I visited a friend last week, and she told me that her son was looking for ways to make money but couldn’t find what he was looking for online. As someone who has had an entrepreneurial heart since I was young, I know a thing or two about making money as a kid. I did almost everything on this list and can confidently say that you can make some extra money if you’re willing to put in the work!

Most of the advice I see online is entirely unrealistic. I just read an article on a popular money website recommending kids download investment apps to start learning about earning money that way. That’s nonsense. If someone is looking for ways to make money, they need realistic advice and don’t have time to learn about investing.

Whether helping out around the house or working for others, children learn valuable lessons when they work for their own money. It helps them develop good money habits, teaches them the value of hard work, and instills a sense of responsibility and work ethic.

Best Ways To Make Money As A Kid

Depending on the child’s age, parents may need to assist. Some things on the list, like mowing lawns, are obviously for kids a little older. My father had us mowing lawns as soon as we were old enough to push the lawnmower, but he was also there to supervise. So, choose things from the list that work best for you. Safety comes first, so in addition to getting to know your neighbors, I’ve included links to products that can help keep you safe.

Ask The Neighbors

I’ll preface this by saying that times have changed, and it’s less safe to go door-to-door than in the 1970s. However, if you know your neighbors well, they might need some help, even if they don’t realize it. I’ve learned from watching my son grow his small handyman business that people often forget and need reminders about things that need to be done.

Mow Lawns

• I can’t think of anyone who enjoys mowing their lawn. My husband would rather be fishing, and I’m certainly not. When I was young, I pushed the lawn mower around the neighborhood, and almost everyone I asked said yes, especially older adults who have difficulty doing physically demanding tasks. You can start by mowing your lawn to get some practice, and I’m sure your parents won’t mind ha! I recommend a face shield or goggles and good work gloves for protection.

Rake Leaves

• As soon as the leaves start to fall, grab your rake and go door-to-door. Like mowing lawns, most people don’t have the time to do this and would gladly hire someone. It’s also the perfect job for someone a little younger, assuming you know your neighbors well and your parents are OK with it. You’ll need a good pair of work gloves, a high-quality adjustable rake, and large leaf bags to get started. They even have complete sets that include the rake, leaf scoops, and a large garden bag.

Wash Cars

• People are fanatics about their vehicles and can never keep them clean enough, my son included. That kid spends more time cleaning his car than I think is normal, and I’m confident that if someone came to our door asking if he wanted to wash it, he’d immediately say yes. If you have a bucket, some good car soap, a sponge or washing mitt, and a few dry towels, this is a great way to make extra money as a kid!

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Dog Baths

• I wouldn’t have thought about this if my dad hadn’t had me do it every single weekend of my young life. Dogs need to be bathed regularly. You’ll need dog shampoo, a brush and comb set, and a good leash. It’s easier and less messy to do it outside using a hose. Offer to walk the dog after the bath for an extra fee (or include it in your price). No one wants a wet dog running around the house, and this allows the dog to dry while getting a walk.

Pet Sitting

• When discussing pets, pet sitting is another popular way for kids to earn extra money. Many families are away for most of the day and take vacations in the summer. They may need help taking care of their pets. We’ve used the same pet sitter for years. I found her on Rover, and we know our pets are in good hands when we can’t be there. Having someone look after your pet while you’re away is a need and not a want. Anyone who owns a pet needs someone to perform basic tasks, such as letting them out to use the bathroom, feeding them, cleaning their litter box, and checking in on them once or twice a day.

Lemonade Stand

• Lemonade stands are still a great way for kids to make money. A glass of cold lemonade hits the spot on a warm day. I recommend selling freshly squeezed lemonade, not the powdery stuff. You can find a recipe online or create your own. An affordable electric lemon juicer will make this much easier. You could offer fun additions like puréed strawberries, fresh mint leaves, or flavored seltzer water for a bubbly twist. There are tons of cute lemonade stand decorations on Amazon.

Pull Weeds

• I would gladly pay someone to do this for me! It’s tedious work that’s hard on anyone with back problems, which is the case for most people these days. Look for homes with well-maintained flowerbeds, because that indicates someone is already doing the work, and they might appreciate the break! All you need are some good gardening gloves to protect your hands.

Take Out Trash

• Offer to take down the trash the evening before the trash truck comes. This task can be difficult for some people, and you might be surprised how many take you up on your offer. You can do it every week and earn consistent money.

Shovel Snow

• This is one of the best ways to make money as a kid in the winter because it’s necessary! You may need to be older for this one, as it’s hard work, and lifting a shovel may be hard for younger kids. It’s labor-intensive but easy work, and they have lightweight snow shovels that would make it a little easier.

Clean Porches

• When guests visit, they walk up to the front porch, but most people (including myself) get busy and forget to clean it. I don’t know how or why they get so gross, but I feel I can’t sweep mine enough. It’s something that needs to be done often, so this is another thing you can offer to do regularly. All you’ll need for this is an outdoor broom and small trash bags.

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In addition to everything I mentioned above, help your parents and ask for larger jobs that you can do for extra money. When my son needed extra money, some of the jobs I would give him were cleaning the garage, straightening the attic, raking the yard (including the dog’s area), and washing the cars.

My kids didn’t get paid for everyday things like picking up, helping set the table, or cleaning it after dinner. They were expected to do these things because they were part of the family, not for money. This was an important lesson for them to learn. It’s not just Mom and Dad’s job to do everything around the house. They lived there, and they were required to help out, period.

But as they got older, I realized that giving them extra chores with an allowance as an incentive was just one way I could help them learn how to earn and manage their own money. 

How To Get The Word Out

• Most of the ideas on this list require you to go door-to-door, which is a lesson in and of itself. It takes courage, and you’ll hear the word “no” a lot, which is an important life lesson. Once you’ve done work for one person, you’ll likely attract repeat customers and new ones through word of mouth. You could also ask your parents, friends, and family to help spread the word.

How To Keep Track Of Income

• Since this post is geared toward children and teenagers, I recommend an income and expense notebook like this one. It’s uncomplicated and straightforward, which is all you need. A simple spreadsheet would also work, and is easily customizable to suit your needs.

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More Money-Saving Posts You May Enjoy

• 25 Ways to Save on Groceries Each Month
• How to Grocery Shop for One Person
• Realistic Ways to Save Money Each Month
• How To Save Money on Fresh Produce

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From an early age, my Dad instilled in us the value of hard work and living within our means. I vividly remember him saving his change all year and having us kids roll it for vacation. He gave us each $20 for doing it, which was our vacation spending money. If we wanted extra money for something like school clothes or makeup, we were given a chore to earn it. It was rarely just handed out. Because of this, I became a bit obsessed with saving my money. To this day, I’m always looking for creative ways to save money each month, and many of the things on this list came from my dad.

Money saved is money earned. Read that again.

Money you don’t spend = money saved = money earned. It’s that simple!

My dad also kept track of every penny he spent. He always wore shirts with pockets and kept a small notebook there. If we stopped at 7-Eleven or picked up fast food, he’d take that notebook out and write down what was spent before driving away. I watched him do this every day of my life. While I don’t have a notepad, I do have a spreadsheet, and I know where every dollar of my money goes.

Keeping Track Is Crucial

The first thing I do every morning is make coffee, sit down at my desk, open my budget spreadsheet, log in to the bank, and enter any transactions that came in overnight, as well as what we spent the previous day. It takes five minutes! To SAVE money, you must know where your money is going.

My spreadsheet columns are income, monthly bills, necessary spending, and frivolous spending.

• Income is ANY money that comes in (paychecks, side jobs, selling things, etc)
• Monthly bills are mortgage, utilities, car payment, insurance, etc…
• Necessary expenses include groceries, gas, home repairs, medicine, etc.
• Frivolous spending is eating out, coffees, that new purse you wanted but didn’t need…

There is a total at the bottom of each column, so it’s very easy to see what we did right or wrong each month. For example, this month, we went about $135 over our budget for frivolous spending. A quick look at that column revealed that we hit up Starbucks more than usual, so we’ll do better next month. Those small debits add up, and this helps keep you in check. There is NO wondering where our money goes.

You must be willing to do this first! It can be as simple or elaborate as you want. My husband and I kept a notebook on the counter that we wrote in daily for a long time. Find what works for you, and start!

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Ways To Save Money Each Month

Now, let’s discuss some realistic ways to save money each month. If this list seems overwhelming, you don’t have to do all of them at once. Choose a couple of things from it and start there. Don’t make the mistake of thinking small savings don’t matter. Nickels and dimes add up, and small changes can make a big difference over time.

Don’t Be A Brand Snob

• Buying generic can save you money, and you may even discover new, more affordable products you love. For example, non-organic Swanson broth is almost three dollars at most grocery stores. At Aldi, the organic broth is less than two dollars.

Cancel What You Don’t Use

• Review your monthly expenses and cancel anything you no longer need. For example, are you using that gym membership? My husband paid around $20 a month for a gaming membership that he rarely used. I was paying $29 a month for an image plan that I had forgotten about. Just canceling those two things saved us almost $50 a month.

Cut The Cable

• Cable is costly, and you can watch pretty much anything you want on Netflix, Hulu, Apple TV, or Amazon Fire TV Stick. We already pay for several streaming services, and they all cost less than our cable did!

Negotiate Bills

• This is one of my favorite ways to save money. Twice a year, I call my cable, cell phone, and insurance companies and ask for a lower rate, and I don’t beat around the bush. I come right out and ask them what they can do to lower my bill, usually after reminding them that I’ve been a long-time, loyal customer. Every time that I do this, I come out ahead.

Buy Used

• Clothing and furniture are just some things you can buy on the Facebook marketplace, Craigslist, and OfferUp. While there, you can also sell some of your things and make some extra cash!

Check Your Hobbies

• Hobbies are fun, but they can be very expensive. Even though I cook for a living, it’s also a hobby of mine. Groceries can get costly when you’re recipe testing and experimenting in the kitchen, so I try to be intentional about what I buy. My husband loves fishing and needs minnows and tackle whenever he goes out. He had no idea how much it cost us until I showed him our spreadsheet. Since then, he’s found a new bait store where minnows are cheaper and is using more artificial bait.

Shop At Closeout Stores

• Here in Nashville, the most popular closeout store is Bargain Hunt. I make a point to stop in regularly, as inventory changes quickly. Our store has a LOT of overstock from Target. When we need something specific, I’ll check Bargain Hunt before I go anywhere else. My husband got all the gardening tools he needed at a fraction of the price. Other popular chains are Ollie’s, Dirt Cheap, and Treasure Hunt. Stores like Dollar Tree and T.J. Maxx are NOT true closeout stores. An actual closeout store buys up the overstock from big-box stores and sells it at a drastically reduced price. You often see the original stickers on the products.

Find Free Events

• These days, almost every city has free events that can be found on its website, Eventbrite, social media, etc… My favorite way to keep up with local events is to follow my favorite local bloggers, who post that kind of content. Make a date night out of it. Pack a picnic, attend a free event, and BYOB whenever possible. Paying for drinks adds up quickly. Free events are such a great way to save money without sacrificing fun!

Reconsider Organized Sports

• Honestly, I was always thankful that my kids had no interest in sports. I had several friends who had kids in sports, and I can’t tell you how many conversations we had about how expensive it was. Sometimes, it can cost upwards of $100 a month per child. If you want your children to be involved but can’t afford organized sports through the school, consider volunteer programs, community projects, and hands-on activities specifically designed for children. You could also form a group with other mothers and develop a neighborhood sport or activity.

Earn Cash Back On Purchases.

• If you shop online, consider using Rakuten, a rebate site that gives you cash back on your purchases. I have been a member for years and regularly earn up to $600 a year in free money on my purchases. They even have a browser extension that makes it virtually impossible to forget. For example, when you go to worldmarket.com, the browser extension prompts a pop-up that reminds you to activate your cash back. They make it incredibly easy to use!

Pro tip. If I find something I want while out shopping, I take a picture of the product number and then order it at home. The price is usually the same online, and I earn cash back for my purchase.

Trade Services

• I love doing this! I cook all day, every day, but I have friends who hate cooking. Some of them own small businesses and are always happy to trade products or services for a home-cooked meal!

Rent Equipment Instead Of Buying

• We literally just did this. My husband wanted to cut down all the trees and bushes that had grown up in the back of our yard, and needed a chainsaw. At the time, we didn’t even know you could rent things like this from Home Depot and Lowe’s, but you totally can! Instead of spending God knows how much on a chainsaw he would rarely use, he rented one for $75 a day.

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A Few More Ways to Save Money Each Month

• Men’s haircuts can be pretty easy to do with a bit of practice. Wahl has a great little haircut kit that’s a perfect place to start. It’s a little more upfront, but will save a lot of money in the long run.
• Get cash back at the register instead of going to an ATM and paying fees.
• The next time you get a prescription filled, ask if the generic is cheaper and make the switch.
• DIY gifts will not only save you money, but they’re more meaningful. I can honestly say my favorite gifts are always handmade.
• Stop smoking, vaping, etc.! It costs a fortune, and it’s terrible for you!
• Don’t pay others for what you can do yourself. My husband and I are pros at googling everything and figuring it out ourselves. If we have to hire someone, you can bet it’s something we absolutely could not do. That even applies to my work. If there’s a glitch on my website, I’ll do my best to fix it myself before contacting my tech guy.

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More Money-Saving Posts You May Enjoy

• 25 Ways to Save on Groceries Each Month
• How to Grocery Shop for One Person
• Realistic Ways to Save Money Each Month
• How To Save Money on Fresh Produce

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Higher gas prices are here to stay, putting a financial burden on many people, especially those with longer commutes. In this post, we will explore effective ways for saving money on gas. As always, these are things that we do ourselves, and they will absolutely work. If you put forth the effort, it will pay off!

Tips for Saving Money on Gas

Like most of our articles on saving money, it starts with looking honestly at your overall budget and spending. Sometimes, you can find areas where you’re spending too much, and rectifying that will keep more money in your bank account for things like gas. We have several articles on this subject that you can find in our Smart Money Tips.

From proper vehicle maintenance to ways to earn money to put towards your gas purchases, these practical gas-saving tips will help you save money on gas. So, let’s dive in!

Fuel Up at Membership Stores

Warehouse clubs and some grocery stores offer memberships that reward you by either offering points that you can use to get a discount at the pump or by offering discounted fuel.

• Kroger
  • In our area, Kroger offers the Kroger Fuel Points Program. When you purchase groceries, prescriptions, and gift cards using your membership card, you earn points that you can apply at the gas pump for up to $0.10 off per gallon. Kroger has a large family of stores. You can check for one in your area here.

Membership stores like Costco and Sam’s offer discounted fuel for members. I usually wouldn’t recommend buying a membership to get a discount, but in this case, it might be a good idea, especially at Costco.

• Costco
  • Costco Fuel Program offers up to $0.50 off per gallon when using their gas pumps, which only members can use. This is a significant savings! Use that discount on all the vehicles in your family, and it will quickly pay for itself every year, not to mention you get the additional benefit of being able to shop and save at Costco. Having said that, the wait times can be long, leaving your car idling. I always suggest turning off your engine, as an idling car can burn nearly half a gallon of fuel every 30 minutes.
• Sam’s Club
  • Sam’s Club Fuel Centers are open to anyone with an active membership. While the discount isn’t as generous as it is at Costco, you can expect to save about $0.05 to $0.15 per gallon, and sometimes even more. As I discussed in this post on ways to save money when traveling, a quick search on Google will tell you what the gas prices are in your area. Fuel prices change by the minute, and this will let you know if driving to Sam’s Club to get gas on that particular day is worth it. Check out that post to see exactly how to do it.

Pro tip: Unlike Costco, Sam’s Club regularly runs specials on new memberships. Check Rakuten before signing up. Not only are they the best source for up to date discounts and coupons, you’ll earn cash back for signing up.

Best Gas Station Rewards Program

• These days, most gas station have their own rewards system in place. They each work a little differently, but typically, you earn reward points for each gallon of gas you purchase. You’re getting a little something back for gas you needed anyway, so it just makes sense to take advantage of these programs, which are usually free. If you’re loyal to one location, the savings here can really add up.
  • Regarding which is the best, I suggest reading up on your local gas station rewards programs and choosing one that works for you. Most of us go where the gas is cheapest that day, so it’s really a matter of preference. Personally, I love the BPme Program. I hate getting gas, and the app allows you to do almost everything from your phone—even pay!

Efficient Driving Techniques

• When saving money on gas, one of the most effective strategies is to practice efficient driving techniques. You can significantly improve your fuel efficiency and reduce gas expenses by making a few adjustments to your driving habits.

Avoid Aggressive Driving

• Aggressive driving behaviors such as rapid acceleration and hard braking can hurt your gas mileage. When you accelerate quickly or brake abruptly, your vehicle consumes more fuel. Instead, try to maintain a smooth and steady driving style.

Maintain a Steady Speed to Save on Gas

• Avoid unnecessarily speeding up and slowing down, as constant changes in your speed can significantly impact how much fuel you use. Keep a consistent speed, especially on the highway, where you don’t have to stop as often.
• Use cruise control on highways—with caution. While it’s true that it helps you keep a steady speed, never use it during inclement weather. If you start to slide, cruise control thinks the vehicle is slowing down and automatically speeds up. This is exactly what happened to my husband, causing him to roll his truck three times. By the grace of God, he wasn’t hurt, but we had no idea this could happen.

Avoid Unnecessary Idling

• Turn off the engine when parked for more than a minute. Every 30 minutes of idling can burn up to a half gallon of gas. Restarting your car uses less fuel than idling for an extended period.

Vehicle Maintenance

Proper vehicle maintenance is essential for maximizing fuel efficiency and saving money on gas. You can minimize unnecessary fuel consumption by taking care of your vehicle and ensuring it is in optimal condition.

• Keep Tires Properly Inflated
  • Maintaining correct tire pressure improves fuel efficiency. When tires are underinflated, your engine has to work harder, ultimately burning more fuel.
• Check Tire Pressure Regularly
  • Make it a habit to check your tire pressure at least once a month. Refer to your vehicle’s owner’s manual or the sticker inside the driver’s door jamb for the recommended tire pressure and inflate your tires accordingly. Keeping your tires properly inflated can improve fuel efficiency by up to 3%.
• Regularly Change Air Filters
  • To get the most out of your fuel and spend less on gas, it’s crucial to change your air filters regularly. Dirty air filters can block the airflow, causing the engine to work harder and reducing fuel efficiency.

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Use a Credit Card with Cash Back

• This is a no-brainer. If you have a credit card that offers cash back, you should use it every time you make a gas purchase or any purchase. It’s free money! The caveat is that you must also be diligent about paying that card off monthly. Don’t just keep racking up a balance on your credit card.

Plan Routes Efficiently

When saving on gas, how you plan your route can make a big difference. By following these tips, you can minimize unnecessary mileage and reduce fuel consumption:

• Instead of making multiple trips in one day, combine errands into one trip. This means less going back and forth, saving you miles driven and extra gas.
• Choose routes with less traffic and stops, especially on long trips. Traffic congestion and frequent stops can significantly impact fuel efficiency. Look for alternative routes with fewer traffic lights, stop signs, and tolls. Even if the distance is slightly longer, you’ll save gas by avoiding idling in traffic.

Use Fuel-Saving Apps

Fuel-saving apps have become increasingly popular, and for good reason. These apps typically use GPS technology to identify nearby gas stations and display real-time prices, allowing users to compare and choose the most cost-effective option.

How Fuel-Saving Apps Work

When you open a fuel-saving app, it uses your location data to compile a list of nearby gas stations and their current gas prices. This information is updated frequently, ensuring you can access the most accurate and up-to-date pricing information. Many fuel-saving apps also provide additional features that can help improve your fuel efficiency.

• Cost Savings
  • You can save significant money over time by finding the best gas prices in your area. Even slight price differences can result in substantial savings, especially for those who frequently drive long distances. Admittedly, I have no clue what local gas prices are, but my husband and son always know where to get the cheapest gas. It matters. Nickles and dimes add up, and consistently saving a little on gas adds up to big savings over time.
• Convenience
  • Fuel-saving apps make it easy to find nearby gas stations and compare prices, saving time and effort, especially on long road trips. If you have a reliable app (discussed below), you no longer have to drive around searching for the best deals or rely on outdated information from gas station signs.
• Improved Fuel Efficiency
  • Some fuel-saving apps offer tips and tools to help you drive more efficiently, improving fuel efficiency and reducing your overall gas consumption.
• Trip Planning
  • Many fuel-saving apps include trip planning features that allow you to input your destination and receive recommendations for the most efficient route, considering factors like traffic congestion, tolls, and road conditions. This not only helps save on gas but also reduces travel time.

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Apps to Save Money on Gas

• GasBuddy
  • GasBuddy is one of the most popular gas apps. It allows you to compare gas prices at different stations in your area, helping you find the cheapest options. You can also earn points and enter giveaways to win free gas.
• Waze
  • Waze is not just a navigation app. It also provides real-time traffic updates and suggests alternate routes to avoid congestion, saving time and fuel.
• Fuelio
  • Fuelio is a comprehensive fuel-tracking app that helps you keep track of your mileage and fuel efficiency.
• Gas Guru
  • Gas Guru provides up-to-date gas prices at nearby stations, allowing you to find the best deals wherever you are.

To recap, saving money on gas benefits your wallet and the environment. Implementing these tips can immediately improve fuel efficiency and save money. Remember that small changes in your driving habits and vehicle maintenance routine can make a big difference in the long run. Happy driving!

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• 25 Ways to Save on Groceries Each Month
• How to Grocery Shop for One Person
• Realistic Ways to Save Money Each Month
• How To Save Money on Fresh Produce

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Christmas is right around the corner, so if you’re looking for ways to save money on a tight budget, we’re here to help! One of my biggest pet peeves when you read articles like this is that most of the advice is unrealistic. As someone who truly knows what being broke feels like, I understand how stressful not having extra money can be, especially during the holidays.

Since I’m writing this post in October, we’ve got approximately three months to make something happen. You won’t find things like “start a YouTube channel or blog” in this post. That’s not realistic, and we don’t have time for that. It’s October, and Christmas is in three months, so we need money quickly! Having said that, these tips apply to ANYONE who needs money, any time of year.

Ways to Save Money on a Tight Budget

If you’re reading this, I can only assume that money is already tight, so making extra cash will be the quickest way to save it. We’ve got an in-depth post on how you can make extra money here, but I’ll briefly discuss a few of my favorites below. These are things that we have done ourselves, and they work. If you implement some of these strategies, you WILL have extra holiday cash!

One of the first things you’ll need to do is have the right mindset. You must be intentional and make an effort. If you have the right mindset, you should be able to contribute a nice chunk of change toward your Christmas fund. I’m using Christmas as the goal because it’s three months away, and that’s what most people are looking for this time of year. Having said that, use this as a guide to work towards your goals all year long!

Sell It & Save It

I know everyone gets sick of hearing this, but selling things from around your house is a great way to make extra money quickly. Save every penny you make. Don’t spend it!! This will be harder than you think, but keep reminding yourself why you’re doing this to begin with.

You’d be amazed at the things people will buy. My niece goes to Goodwill and buys what I can only describe as junk bags, and she makes a full-time income selling it on eBay. I prefer Facebook Marketplace because it’s user-friendly and has no fees. It’s easy, and I like that you can meet people locally and don’t have to mail anything. That said, there are many online platforms where you can sell things, locally or otherwise.

Don’t ignore the big stuff. We had an old bedframe lying around for about two years, and it sold for $65. The person came and picked it up within three hours of listing it.

Have you got kids? Sell their stuff! Used clothing, toys, and necessities sell very well. Bassinets and newborn clothing are in high demand and sell quickly!

Help Others With Everyday Tasks

AKA, be a handyman. My son has been doing this for about a year, averaging a few hundred dollars weekly. Most people desperately need a good old-fashioned handyman to hang a ceiling fan, install light fixtures, or clean gutters. I put the word out to friends and family on social media, and he has stayed busy ever since. People tell their friends, and word of mouth keeps the jobs coming.

You can also offer to mow someone’s lawn, pressure wash their house, and haul off junk. In the winter months, you can offer to weatherproof their windows, which will also save them money on their electricity bill, a great selling point for my son.

Now that you’ve got some ideas for making extra money let’s explore some ways you can do it on a tight budget!

Start A Budget Now

The biggest hack for saving money is knowing where every penny of your money goes and being in control of it. You’d be surprised how many people think they don’t have any extra money, only to be shocked once they start keeping track of it.

It doesn’t matter how much money you do or don’t have. Take an honest look at your spending, and you’ll likely find areas to improve. Start keeping track of everything you spend. You can do this in a notebook, a spreadsheet, or find a user-friendly app. Do what is easiest for you, and you’ll be more likely to keep up with it. This expense tracker is great and makes it super easy!

The first time I did this was nearly 20 years ago, and it was a big eye-opener. I put a cheap notebook on the counter, and at the end of each day, my husband and I wrote down anything we had spent money on that day. We thought we were doing well and not spending frivolously. Not only were we wrong, we were shocked when we saw what we had spent at the end of the month. I encourage you to do this. It’s the quickest and easiest way to get your spending in check.

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Lean Into Cheap Meals

Grocery shopping is a huge expense for most people, especially if you have a family. Avoid meals that require pricier ingredients and opt for budget-friendly options. A few of my favorites are easy beef goulash, beans and rice, freezer sandwiches, and cabbage and sausage.

We spend about $600 a month on groceries. If I wanted to save money quickly, I could probably get that down to about $300 by focusing on cheap meals. If I only had two months until Christmas, that’s an extra $600. Remember that money saved is money earned!

Make It Yourself

Dining out, fast food drive-throughs, and Starbucks all have to stop. Pack your lunch, and focus on inexpensive meals like sandwiches and leftovers.

Coffee. Buy your favorite coffee creamer and make your morning coffee to-go instead of driving through somewhere. If you get a $5 daily coffee on your way to work Monday through Friday, that’s one thousand three hundred dollars a year or $108 every month, and that’s only IF that coffee is five dollars. I’m not saying don’t treat yourself. I LOVE a good latte from our local coffee shop, but it’s a once-in-a-while treat.

Meals. It’s easier and more affordable to stretch dinner the night before and pack leftovers for lunch than buying extra groceries. Everyone in my family loves leftovers, so this one is easy for us!

Here are some ways to stretch leftovers and turn them into another full meal.

• Leftover rice can be fried with a bag of frozen mixed veggies and some eggs for fried rice.
• Leftover chili can be mixed with a box of pasta and topped with cheese for chili mac.
• Most leftovers can easily be turned into an egg bake. Anything goes. I do this ALL the time!
• Pretty much any leftover cooked meat can be turned into a soup. Add a bag of frozen veggies, seasoning, and broth, and you have a whole new meal!

Cook From What You Already Have

Challenge yourself to use what you already have in your pantry, freezer, and refrigerator. I actually do this a few times a year. Not only will you save money on groceries, but it also helps prevent food waste. Have fun with it, and get creative!

Purchase a few affordable pantry staples to stretch the ingredients you already have. If you have cans of tuna, make tuna pasta salad or rice bowls, swapping the protein and using what you’ve got for toppings. A side of buttered noodles or rice can be paired with just about anything, and they’re cheap!

There was a time when we were so poor that I found ways to get creative with cheap ramen. Back then, I think they were around six cents a package, and I could feed both my kids for less than fifty cents. Add some frozen veggies and a little butter, and you have an incredibly cheap meal!

Food is a major expense, so the more you can save, the more money you’ll keep in your bank account!

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Cancel Services You Don’t Use

I recently canceled my DIRECTV and Xfinity services, saving us $248 monthly. Streaming platforms allow you to watch anything you want, even network shows. Pick a platform or two and stick with them. It’s always going to be cheaper than standard cable TV. For the Internet, I use my son’s and pay half the monthly bill, which is only $30.

Look at everything coming out of your bank account and ask yourself what you can cancel. Don’t pay for services that do the same thing. For example, you don’t need three different services to listen to music. Choose one and cancel the others.

Remember the subscriptions on your phone. My husband and I looked at ours a few months ago and canceled most of them. They’re a money trap. Most people forget about them, but those little $2.99 charges add up.

Suck It Up And Sacrifice

I have a tough-love attitude. The world won’t end if you can’t have your favorite brand of water or cookies. Brand snobbery has no place here. Be flexible, buy the cheaper products, and everyone will survive.

Admittedly, the tap water here in Nashville is awful, but cases of bottled water can add up. Consider buying an affordable water filter and save that money.

Ask For A Deferment

Call your mortgage auto loan company and ask for a deferment. Typically, they will take one or two current payments and tack them onto the end of your loan. That’s a big chunk of extra money you can keep in your savings account during the holidays! When my sister was raising four kids alone, she did this every year to have extra money for the holidays.

Save Your Savings

Of course, none of these efforts matter if you’re spending the extra money. Put the extra cash in the bank, and save your savings until you reach your goal!

If you implement the above strategies, you will see more money in your bank account. If you have anything to add to the conversation, please share it in the comments below!

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More Money-Saving Posts You May Enjoy

• 25 Ways to Save on Groceries Each Month
• How to Grocery Shop for One Person
• Realistic Ways to Save Money Each Month
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If you feel like a vacation is out of your reach, these tried-and-true ways to save money when traveling will help you get there without breaking the bank!

Some people see traveling as a luxury, but I see it differently. Growing up, we didn’t have much. My mother died when I was young, leaving my Dad with three young girls to provide for. We had some hard times, that’s for sure. He worked hard and was gone a lot, but somehow, he always took us on a yearly vacation. This time with him was so special to me, and I’ll cherish those memories forever.

I genuinely believe that family vacations are a necessity. They’re quality time spent together without the distractions of household responsibilities, work, school, and everything else life throws at us. Vacations don’t have to be huge or extravagant. When our kids were younger, we used to go camping at state parks, and they thought it was the best thing ever! They had no idea it was all we could afford, but they had a blast playing, swimming, and helping us around the campsite!

Before we discuss how to save money when traveling, it’s important to make extra money for your trip. We have a comprehensive post on ways to make extra money. We also have some realistic ways to save money at home and keep some of your hard-earned dollars in the bank.

How to Save Money When Traveling

When it comes to traveling, the three main areas where you can save are accommodations, transportation, and food. We’ll break that down below.

Have A Plan

Planning is crucial. This doesn’t mean every minute of your day needs to be planned out. Allow time for spontaneity, but having a loose plan helps you stay on track. Of course, make dinner reservations, book tours, and purchase tickets in advance. A simple travel planner will keep all your plans, reservations, and confirmation numbers in one handy spot!

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Set A Budget

Spending adds up quickly on any vacation, and overspending can add unwanted stress when all you should be doing is relaxing!

• Gas, food, coffee, accommodations, entertainment, and parking add up quickly, not to mention unforeseen expenses like things you may have forgotten from home.
• Some people prefer having an overall budget, while others prefer setting a daily budget. I like having an overall budget because trying to keep track of our daily spending stresses me out. We usually use one empty credit card and put everything on that one card, so it’s easy to keep track of, and we try not to exceed our spending goal.

Time Of Year

The time of year you travel will significantly impact your budget. Avoid holidays and peak travel times when prices can be inflated.

• Peak times will vary depending on your destination. During the hot months, tourists are likelier to flock to beaches and lakes, while mountains and ski resorts are more popular during the colder months.

Save Money When Traveling On Accommodations

Regardless of your accommodations, this is often the most expensive portion of your trip. Still, there are ways to significantly reduce the cost, making it one of the best ways to save money when traveling.

• Traveling off-season is easily the best way to save. Businesses are more likely to issue discounts and coupons to fill empty rooms.
• Avoid weekends. Weekend rates are always higher, so we plan our vacations with as many weekdays as possible. For example, we just booked an Asheville trip, and the rate for Friday and Saturday was nearly double the rate Sunday through Thursday, so we adjusted our plans to pay the lower rate.
• Airbnb is a fantastic option, especially if you want to cook some of your meals, as most of them come stocked with the basics. Airbnbs often have a washer and dryer, so you can do as much laundry as needed. If you know this in advance, you can pack less, knowing you’ll be able to do laundry, especially if you have young children who go through a lot of clothes!
• Hotels often have more amenities than Airbnb, such as complimentary breakfast, fitness centers, and evening receptions. A complimentary breakfast is a great way to spend zero dollars on one meal a day. Drury, Embassy Suites, and some Homewood Suites also have nightly receptions with small bites. I recently stayed at Drury, and the nightly reception included THREE complimentary alcoholic beverages.
• BEFORE booking a hotel or cabin, visit the website or app and sign up for their mailing list. Often, you’ll receive a coupon or discount as a thank-you for signing up. Sometimes, it’s only 10%, but nickels and dimes add up. I saved 25% on a cabin in Gatlinburg using a code our favorite rental company releases every July. I wait for it to come out and have a list of cabins saved to book as soon as the code goes live!
• While on the website, look for additional specials and discounts. Sometimes, it’s easier to call them. Be sure to mention whether you are in the military, a teacher, a first responder, or AAA member. These discounts are not always listed on the website, but they’ll honor them if you ask.
• Loyalty can pay off. Be loyal to your favorite hotel brand. In our experience, Marriott offers the best military discount, so we try to stay at hotels within that brand. Our points add up quickly and can be rolled into free nights!

Transportation

Once you’ve secured your accommodations, transportation is another area where you can save money when traveling.

• If you’re open to flying or driving, compare the cost of flights to the estimated cost of gas. Once you’ve done that, there are some things you can do to save on both.
• If you’re flying, it’s best to book your flights as early as possible. As flights are booked and seats become more in demand, the prices will increase. I know that some people have luck booking last-minute plane tickets, but I wouldn’t advise that for a family vacation. It’s too risky.
• Another cost to factor in when flying is whether you’ll need a rental car upon arrival at your destination. This can be a considerable expense, bringing me to my next point.
• We almost always drive! Having our car means we don’t have to rent one and can bring a lot from home. For example, when renting cabins, we spend most of the time there and cook most of our meals. Bringing my favorite pans, knives, olive oil, spices, and pantry staples saves money and frustration.

Food & Drink

As foodies who love to try local cuisine, we always have to strike a balance between trying new things and keeping our spending in check.

• Eating out at every meal drains your wallet, so choose the most important meals and make those your splurges. If you love going out for breakfast, it’s the cheapest meal of the day to dine out. Lunch menus usually have the same menu items as the dinner menu but with smaller/more realistic portions and lower prices. I’m passionate about reducing food waste, and dinner portions are often too large, which brings me to my next point.
• We are big fans of sharing food, especially if we’re going somewhere that offers free chips or bread before the meal arrives. We’ll almost always share a meal in this situation. If you need more, consider ordering an additional side instead of another entree. My husband and I LOVE salads, so it’s usually an extra side salad for us!
• Take advantage of happy hours, where you can save with daily food and drink specials. To find local happy hours, search Google with phrases like “(insert city here) happy hours.”
• Skipping a meal out is an excellent opportunity to save money when traveling. We aren’t big breakfast eaters, so we each grab something we’ve brought from home or cook ourselves. We always have yogurt, cottage cheese cups, and a variety of granola bars on hand for easy meals on the go. If the hotel has a complimentary breakfast, even better!

Cook Your Food

If you can cook, this can save a lot of money, depending on the number of people you’re feeding and the length of stay.

• Most Airbnb properties will have a fully equipped kitchen with essential cooking tools. You can bring additional items from home.
• Many hotels have small kitchenettes equipped with a full-size refrigerator and the essentials for cooking and eating, including pots, pans, serving dishes, and silverware. You can also bring a portable burner or ask the front desk for one. Surprisingly, many hotels have them, and you can cook all kinds of things. Trust me, I’ve done it many times!
• We recently stayed at a Fairfield, and they had a list of appliances that you could check out for your stay. I snagged a double cooking burner, a rice cooker, and a blender. I cooked several meals, and it was nice to have some homemade food, not to mention the money we saved!
• If you plan to cook, buy as much as you can in advance, especially if you’re driving. You’ll pay peak prices if you wait until you arrive to shop. Getting caught up in the vacation excitement and buying too much is easy.
• When I know I’ll be cooking a lot, I make a grocery list that includes what I need for each meal, snacks, and drinks. In the weeks leading up to our trip, I watch the weekly sales and stock up on things we’ll need. Do this consistently, and the savings will add up!
• Make your coffee. Coffee stops add up quickly, and most hotel coffee is often disappointing. We bring our electric tea kettle, pour-over coffee maker, disposable paper filters, favorite coffee, and sweetener. Whether in a hotel, cabin, or Airbnb, we can count on a good cup of coffee and save a TON of money. I even bought a bag that fits everything, our coffee setup, perfectly!

Pro tip. You can make a lot with an electric tea kettle, including hard-boiled eggs, ramen, quick-cooking oatmeal and grits, and warm canned items like ravioli and soup.

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While in Route

There are ways to save while traveling, whether flying or driving!

• Bring your snacks. Gas stations and airports are money traps! Bringing your snacks saves money and can be a little healthier.
• Pack lunch and have a picnic! My Dad did this, and it’s one of my fondest memories. I’m sure he did it to save money, but as kids, we loved it. He let us help pack everything up and always found a beautiful place to stop and eat. Make it fun and not about saving money. Your family will love it!
• Bring refillable water bottles and a few gallons of water. You can fill them as needed, won’t waste as many plastic bottles as you would if you purchased individual bottles, and save money. This one is a no-brainer!

Gas & Transportation

There are ways to save money when traveling, whether you fly or drive.

• Ensure your car is as fuel-efficient as possible by checking your tires for the proper air pressure and getting an oil change. While you’re there, have them check the air filter as well. Jiffy Lube and Valvoline often have coupons on their website!
• Regarding fuel efficiency, if you drive a gas-guzzler, consider renting something smaller and more fuel-efficient. Compare what you would spend on gas to what a small vehicle rental plus gas would be, and choose the more affordable option.
• Never get insurance through the rental car company if you rent a car. It’s overpriced, and you’re auto insurance or credit card probably covers rentals already. Be sure to check first.
• Good car insurance WITH roadside assistance and towing coverage is crucial. You don’t want to be stranded in the middle of nowhere with it!

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Did you know you can check Google Maps for the cheapest gas in your area? It’s one of the easiest ways to save money when traveling. Here’s how:

Open Google Maps

• You’ll see “gas” as one of the options near the top. (Figure 1)
• Click on any of them for location and details. (Figure 3)
• For fun, I checked another location, and you can see the drastic difference in gas prices! (Figure 4)

I was shocked when I first learned this and saw a difference of as much as 80¢ around Nashville! You can also download and check apps like Gas Buddy.

• While in Google Maps, you can also choose a route that avoids tolls, which can add up!
• Use a credit card offering cash back on gas, or consider getting one before your trip. This one can be applied to your whole trip. Just check the terms and conditions on your card for details. If you’re spending money on things like gas and hotels, why not get a little something back?
• We almost always drive. We prefer having our own car when we arrive at our destination. It allows us to load up our car with things from home, which saves us a ton of money.
• Check sites like Kayak, Priceline, Expedia, and Hotwire for the lowest prices on flights.

Extra Activities

Extra activities can be costly, but we have some tips to help you save money on your road trip while still checking off your bucket list!

• Plan out splurges ahead of time. One of the easiest ways to save money when traveling is to control frivolous spending. It can be tempting to splurge while on vacation. Ice cream cones twice a day, expensive tours, souvenirs, and pretty soon, you’ve spent way more than you planned. Instead, limit yourself by planning splurges.
• Know the difference between a bucket-list-worthy activity and something you could do anywhere. When we’re in “vacation mode,” we often splurge more quickly than we do at home. That’s fine sometimes, but if you’re on a budget, consider whether the experience is “once in a lifetime” or something you won’t regret skipping.
• Avoid organized tours. They can be expensive, and most of the time, these are things you can do on your own. You can call to inquire about discounts, as they are not always listed online. You can also find free and inexpensive activities. Simply Google “free things to do in [enter city name]” to find them.

Bring Everything You Can From Home

Depending on the destination, purchasing necessities while you’re there can be costly.

• At Disney World, for example, sunscreen costs twice as much as it does elsewhere. Purchase most of what you’ll need in the months leading up to your trip. If you can shop sales, you’ll save even more.
• Since we drive most of the time, we bring a lot, including food, cases of water, health and beauty items, laundry essentials, medicine, and much more. It saves so much money!
• If you’re flying and can’t bring much, you can have most necessities delivered via Instacart (use my code AWEST2BC1BF for $30 off), Shipt, and DoorDash, which all deliver from grocery and convenience stores – not just restaurants!
• Finally, if you can shop through a cashback program, you can even earn some extra cash while saving! My favorite is Rakuten, where you get paid to shop at thousands of stores and travel partners. Big ticket items like hotels, flights, and car rentals can add up. We recently booked a Marriott stay through Rakuten and earned over $100 in free money by booking through their site!

And that’s a wrap on our top tips to save money when traveling! If we missed any, please share yours below.

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More Money-Saving Posts You May Enjoy

• 25 Ways to Save on Groceries Each Month
• How to Grocery Shop for One Person
• Realistic Ways to Save Money Each Month
• How To Save Money on Fresh Produce

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