In this edition of #MoneyChat @BenitaTyler of www.tbsusa.com taps into her mommysense! As a proud mother and wife, she shares her secrets on how to save money for your family while still eating healthy. (Big thanks to @LatoniyaAJones for filling in as host for me!)
Q1. My husband and I have three children. How do we eat healthy and be wealthy when natural and organic food costs so much?
Create an inventory list for the menu that you create. Scan the pantry for items already in stock so you’re not duplicating them; challenge yourself to use up what’s in the fridge and cupboards before buying more.
Make sure that you buy what you will eat. It’s easy to get caught up in the joys of cooking, but when you try too many new recipes at once - food often goes to waste. Try sticking to a few new recipes at a time instead of a total menu overhaul. This way you get to try them before blowing money on things you’re not likely to eat.
Q2. Some people have problems with restraining purchases for cars and clothes. I am a foodie who loves gourmet meals and fine restaurants. How can I draw the line when eating out?
Watch for grand openings and special occasions where fine restaurants often have great deals in order to get people to patronize their new place. You and your friends can also all order a different appetizer and share. This way you get to sample several dishes and enjoy the ambiance of a nice restaurant.
Q3. I know I'm in the group of Americans they say waste up to 40% of the food they buy. What can I do to gain better control?
Plan selections that fit within your time frame – check the expiration dates of the food that you purchase. After shopping, prepare the items that can spoil the fastest and freeze what you can’t use right away. If you bought or cooked too much consider giving food away to a family member or neighbor.
Local businesses may also appreciate in-kind donations to share among their staff. We’re all a community and what better way to show your support than with a basket of fresh fruit or veggies grown from your organic garden. Give to hospices or school lunch programs. Buy items with “sell by” dates to get better deals before they are thrown away at grocer. Also if planting your own garden, only plant what you can reasonable grow and use. You can plan a few times per season – so that packet of seeds has the potential of going a much longer way.
Q4. What do we do about recipes that involve expensive ingredients?
Ingredients can be costly at the market so trying buying things like seasonings in bulk when you can. Your wholesale club like Sam's or Costco can be a great source for staples like flour, pepper, and nuts. It’s also a great place to save on organic fruits and veggies. Try substituting higher cost items for less expensive ones where you can. Perhaps the exotic fresh item that out of season can be replaced with items that are in frozen foods.
Q5. As my business grows, it is important to make a favorable impression on clients. How do we control meal/entertainment costs? It is an important piece of our total budget.
Plan meetings that are cost effective. Consider meeting over breakfast instead of a having a lunch appointment. You can also invite clients to meet at your location and have meals in-house. You can also have lunch delivered to your client and chat by phone. This leaves a good impression and cuts the meal costs in half.
Q6. Any last tips?
Consider your tools carefully. It is worth the investment to buy quality cookware and storage containers that will last versus cheaper ones that will have to be replaced in a few years. This adds to your savings especially when you buy in bulk. Freezing items stretches the food budget a long way and can be done quickly and inexpensively with quality storage containers. Freezer bags are also great for separating items for smaller use. Instead of buying mini bags of fruits, vegetables and snack items, separate them into individual servings so that they’re conveniently ready for when you’re running out the door.
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