We think you're near Los Angeles

Currently in Los Angeles

Location: Los Angeles Current temperature: 58°F: Current condition: Clear See Extended Forecast

Eating frugally in a bad economy

When the economy is not cooperating with what you need to do to feed your family, drastic measures may need to be taken. Each person has their own comfort level, things they will do to save money when necessary. You will have to decide where you are at right now.

There are many ways in which it is possible for frugal families in the Bangor, Maine area to save money of your food bill, including the following:

  1. Grow herbs on your kitchens' window sill. Use pots with drip pans that will fit on the sill, and choose the most important herbs to grow. Try parsley and chives to start. Mints are also useful, as is sage. Decide if the rest of the herbs are really important before purchasing them retail. Herbs are expensive.

  2. Grow a garden outdoor next spring. Much of your produce can be grown this way, and will save much on your food bill. Look into methods for growing up, square foot gardening and container gardening if you have little or no space for a garden.

  3. Check out what is available at the dollar stores in the Bangor area. You may be able to glean a dozen eggs for a dollar and other great deals.

  4. Purchase in bulk and with coupons only when it is truly cheaper. This means comparing prices at every store in Bangor, keeping a price book and looking at sales fliers. No the regular prices for all the brands you will use, including store brands.

  5. Look for loss leaders. These are the foods that are cheap, such as 3 cans of mushrooms for a dollar. Stock up when you can, but only if you will truly use all of the food that you stock.

  6. Let everyone know that you are happy to take leftovers from their gardening efforts.

  7. Roadside stands may also net you some great deals.

Advertisement

, Bangor Frugal Living Examiner

Shannon L. Buck, author of the Living the Low-Income Life blog on Wordpress.com, is a single mother of two. As a freelance writer, Shannon has written on many aspects of living the frugal life over the years. Her tips and articles have been published on eHow.com and Yahoo! Contributor Network. ...

Don't miss...