Save Money on Food with the Help of these 5 Tips

Do you know where a big chunk of Filipino families’ money goes to? Believe it or not, food.

According to the Philippine Statistics Authority, food and non-alcoholic beverages constitutes 42.8 percent of the total household expenditure. This is totally understandable because who doesn’t want to eat, right?

Apparently, whether or not you are here or overseas, food can be expensive. Don’t even get us started with the increasing prices of basic commodities, which explains why the money you sent from abroad are “just enough for day-to-day” living. Still, you can do something to save money on food without actually starving.

Here are some of the things you and your family back home could do:

Tip No. 1: Always schedule and follow a meal plan.

It may be tedious for many but creating a meal plan is the first step in helping you save money on food. This is because meal planning:

  • Helps you organize the dishes to prepare everyday
  • Allows you to maximize food ingredients left in the kitchen
  • Ensures that you buy food items that are only necessary, thereby preventing you from throwing leftovers

Tip No. 2: Make a (grocery) list and (always) check it twice.

Now that you have a meal plan, the next thing you need to worry about is grocery.

Admit it. There are instances when you buy more than what you actually need. If you are serious about saving, then you need to commit to that list and buy only the things that are necessary.

Additional tips when grocery shopping:

  • Compare similar items and choose those that are less expensive.
  • Generic items are always cheaper than branded ones.
  • Always buy regularly consumed items in bulk. This will save you more in the long run.
  • Don’t always settle in supermarkets, especially for meat and fish. Even abroad, food are generally cheaper in the market.

Tip No. 3: Bring your own lunch.

This is applicable if you are not working in a household setting.

Food can be expensive, especially when you buy yours everyday. If you are working in an office setting, then make sure you bring your own food. Preparing your own lunch may be time consuming and tiring, but this will help you save more in the end. The best part is you could allot the money saved on more important things like investment or your child’s educational fund.

Tip No. 4: Be creative and re-create leftovers.

Sometimes, you cooked more than what you can consume. Don’t throw that dish away. Instead, re-create leftovers, which could be your baon as well when you go to work or dinner as soon as you get home.

You can also try cooking base recipes like burger patties or pork chop and let your imagination run wild on how to eat these dishes in various manners.

Nonetheless, do your best to cook only what you can finish.

Tip No. 5: Learn to say “no” to eating out.

You might be asked to eat out with your colleagues or the Filipino community from time-to-time. That’s fine. You deserve a break and have fun after working hard for your family back home.

Here’s the thing: you should learn when to say no to every invitation. Eating out means spending money and if you do this regularly, then you might not be able to save money for the essentials.

The key here is to schedule your eat outs. You may also want to consider potluck every time there is a get together with the Filipino community.

This may be challenging at first but every sacrifice is worth it in the end. Establish your priorities and remember the reason/s why you are overseas in the first place.

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