Saving Money at the Checkout During Holiday Time

September 3, 7:53 PMHome and Family ExaminerSandra K. Bouie

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Save money at the checkout!

The holidays will be very expensive this year unless you look for ways to cut down on grocery spending.  Buying loads of candy for Halloween, a large menu of meats, potatoes, spices and dessert materials can be fatal to your paycheck with these rising prices nationwide.

You can stress less at the checkout by following a few simple rules according to stresslesscountry.com.  They are experts on frugal living and can show you how to have a stress free holiday and save money too. First, have your own garden and freeze or can most of the produce like tomatoes, cabbage, greens, and herbs.  Having your own garden can save you plenty of dollars on vegetables and herbs.

Save on meats like chicken by purchasing them whole and cutting them up yourself.  You can save up to a $1 per pound by boning them yourself.

Shop early for the holidays and take a handful of coupons with you.  Purchase your turkey and hams earlier, meats are cheaper during off-season.  Try shopping during the store’s sales events and buy higher priced items in bulk that you can freeze such as butter and meats.  Sam’s Club is an excellent place to buy bulk items such as soda pop, water, flour, margarine, or even baked goods.

Also baking from scratch to make homemade bread, cookies, candy or other desserts instead of store-brought foods can lower grocery bills tremendously.  Buy soap, cleaning liquids, laundry detergent or other household products at your local Dollar stores.  They carry all the name brands and are always cheaper than other larger stores.

Know your prices!  Always check prices at different stores, and catch the lowest price available.  Spices are expensive!  Buy them early and check price availability.  Make your own baking powder by using 1 teaspoon of baking soda plus ½ teaspoon cream of tarter for each teaspoon of baking powder called for.  Self-rising flour can also be self-made with 1½ cups baking powder and ½ teaspoon of salt for every cup of flour called for in a recipe.

Stretch your electric and gas bill by doubling up when cooking or baking.  Cook similar items together and save on the utility bill.  Your holidays can be less stressful, full of life, and fun.  Not to mention you can have some money left in your pocket to enjoy another day!