When it comes to making a dollar stretch, Black folks know what time it is! These clever hacks for saving money on your grocery bill will help you stay budget conscious down every aisle.
Tip 1: Shop from what’s on hand
Black folks don’t let good food go to waste! Whether you piece together a meal that uses what is already in your pantry or freezer, or try swapping ingredients with your neighbors, assembling a resourceful meal using what’s already available is one way to cut down on over-purchasing food items.
Tip 2: Redefine dinner (or any meal)
Who says you can’t have traditional, often cheaper breakfast items for dinner? Or that leftovers can’t be used for lunch the following day? We’ve got to get creative to clean out the fridge if we’re going to make ends meet.
Tip 3: Pay with cash
According to the FDIC, 60% of Black low-income households have no or limited access to banks. That means most transactions are done with cash.
But this actually benefits your budget – since you are less likely to overspend if you only carry a finite amount of funds with you to the store.
Tip 4: Always compare unit prices
Compare the cost effectiveness of shopping for volume by comparing the “cost per unit price” typically listed right beside the sales price. That $6.99 bag of frozen vegetables – unit price 25 cents per ounce – is a better deal than a $4.99 bag with a unit price of 40 cents per ounce!