6 Easy Ways To Battle Rising Food Costs

I hear you, buddy! Have you looked at your grocery bills lately? If so, you are probably seeing what I’m seeing.

Food prices are going up – especially for fresh food and staples. It looks like they will keep rising, too. Check out this article from the Boston Globe.

Why is this happening, you ask? Robert Gavin of The Boston Globe explains:

Several factors contribute to higher food prices, analysts say, but none more than record prices for oil, which last week closed above $105 a barrel. Oil is not only driving up production and transportation costs, but also adding to demand for corn and soybeans, used to make alternative fuels such as ethanol and biodiesel.

As a result, corn prices have more than doubled in commodity markets over two years, and soybeans nearly tripled, according to DTN, a commodities analysis firm in Omaha. Meanwhile, with poor harvests in major wheat-producing regions, wheat prices have more than tripled.

These crops have a profound impact on food prices because they form foundations for many products, including oils, sweeteners, and flour. Corn, for example, is a key ingredient in livestock feed. When the price of corn rises, so does the price of feed, and ultimately, so do the prices of meat, poultry, and eggs.

He goes on to mention that the weakening US dollar and a stronger global demand for commodities aren’t helping the situation much either.

I’ve noticed that I’ve had considerable trouble staying under my $75 a week limit lately, even when I cook fewer meals and buy less meat.

Seeing the price hikes every time I shop is getting a little depressing. It makes a recession feel much more certain. Sure, gas prices are upsetting, too, but at least I fill up less frequently than I shop for food. The increased exposure to rising costs seems to be affecting my confidence. In the past I could shrug off the pessimism, but now it’s hit home in a new way and I’m a little nervous.

With more money being demanded for the same items my budget is stretching thinner than I’d like. Unfortunately, it looks like my discretionary spending is on the chopping block. I think I’ll suspend the $50 monthly donation to our “fun money” savings account. Sigh.

Pet food costs are rising, too. Two weeks ago I paid $0.33 for a can of cat food and this weekend the same brand was selling for $0.44. Both were the sale prices at the same store. Sigh.

The good news is that I’m being much more selective in what I buy. I’m asking myself if I really need an extra pound of tomatoes, or brand-name popsicles, or instant rice before I buy it.

Saving money on food isn’t all about what you spend; sometimes it’s about how you use it.

6 easy ways to keep food costs down

Eat more vegetarian based meals. Typically, meat is pricey, especially when compared to beans and frozen veggies. We are experimenting with making more meals meat-free and are having a blast. Last week, we enjoyed Pasta with Butternut Squash and Ricotta, Pad Thai with Tofu, and Vegetable Curry. Personally, I’m using it as an excuse to explore ethnic cooking. I estimate that we can save over $30 a month by skipping the meat at most meals.

Start a “Soup and Sandwich” night. Planning a “soup and sandwich” night once a week helps me save money. That night is all about simple comfort food, nothing fancy. I like to pair a classic grilled cheese with canned tomato or potato soup. How about a tuna or turkey melt with veggie soup? Substitute a baked potato every so often to mix it up. Just make it cheap and with the stuff you have at home.

Bring your breakfast AND lunch from home. Just do it. Eric keeps oatmeal, trail mix, and breakfast bars in his desk for quick breakfasts and snacks. For lunch he takes the leftovers from the previous night or I pack him a sandwich, salad, yogurt, and snack. You’ll be shocked at how much you can save by brown bagging it 5 days a week.

Minimize waste. Waste is the enemy of economy. At these prices you simply can’t afford to allow the food go bad before you can use it. I always cook fresh meat dishes in the first few days after shopping, with fish and shellfish being cooked within 1 day of purchase. Pad the end of your week with cheaper and less perishable meals like sandwiches, pasta, frozen meals, and soups. If we have meat or veggies at the end of the week it is almost always from my freezer. Eating the fresh food first really helps cut down on spoiled or unused food and that equals savings.

Plan (and hope) for leftovers. When planning your week make sure to make note of possible leftovers. I find that if I don’t plan for leftovers I’ll end up making too many dinners that week and something goes bad (either the fresh food or the leftovers). Serve the leftovers for lunch or have them again for dinner a few days later with an interesting side dish or topping. Push back meals that don’t have perishable ingredients to make room for those leftovers. Utilizing leftovers is key when stretching the budget.

Tap your pantry once a week. I usually have one or two nights a week where I don’t plan a dinner. That “free space” allows me to push back meals to take advantage of leftovers or other cravings and it “forces” me to use what I have. Many of us have stocked pantries but don’t use the food in them. When I moved I found canned corn and jello that was 5 years old! Match up the fresh food that needs to be used with several pantry items to create something interesting. Your pantry and your pocketbook will thank you.

Are you feeling the crunch at the supermarket? How do you plan to save money on weekly meals?

Image Source: altemark

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Carnival of Personal Finance #144 - St. Patrick’s Day Edition hosted by Being Frugal

Could It Be More Than A Hobby?

Setting up the table… Last Saturday, I had my first paid catering gig. I spent weeks getting ready and even did two full days of prep leading up to it. It was so much fun and I learned so much from the experience.

We had about 20% more people show up than expected and that made keeping the plates full a bit tricky, especially with the variety we offered.

We served 12 savory hors d’Oeuvres and 3 desserts. It was all sized to be single bites so no utensils were needed. Hors d’Oeuvres parties are my favorite kind of parties to cook for.

I had a friend join me as my assistant for the event and she turned out to be indispensable. She was more of a partner than an assistant, really. She ran the front of house (replenishing the dishes and drinks, final garnishes and serving) while I ran the back of house (cooking and preparing the food). With her catering management experience and my cooking ability we made a fantastic team.

During the party we got several requests for our business cards and were offered 3 more possible gigs. People kept telling us we should go into business together. It was exciting to have such a wonderful response and to see all of our little bites being gobbled up by the guests so quickly. I love seeing people hover around the buffet – it’s a sign the food is a hit.

To my surprise, the next morning I woke up feeling depressed. The party was over and I no longer had an event to organize. I expected to feel relieved afterwards, not sad.

Antipasto Skewers Eric thinks that I should consider turning this hobby into a small business. After all, nothing gets me more excited than cooking and I already have some word of mouth advertising going on. The alternative income would be nice, too.

After a strong dose of encouragement from family and friends, I’ve decided to do some research into home-grown catering to see if it’s a possibility for me. I love the idea of it, but I also don’t want to potentially ruin my love affair with cooking. Sometimes hobbies are best left at that.

Unfortunately, my friend wouldn’t want to be a partner in a possible endeavor. She agreed to help with this past event mainly as favor. She will still help me out sometimes but she doesn’t want to find herself working another “job”. I completely understand where she is coming from and although I’m bummed because we worked so well together, it’s okay.

Earlier this week the client called to express her gratitude and surprise over the final bill. I decided to charge just a small fee for our labor on top of the reimbursement for costs. It was an incredible bargain for her; the service we provided was easily triple what she paid for it. The best part was that she recognized it and said she would have had no problem paying “thousands” for it.

I know I could have charged a lot more but I’m honored that she took a risk on a newcomer. While I’m learning it’s not so much about the money as it is for the experience. She shouldn’t pay “pro” prices for someone who doesn’t even know if she has what it takes to be a “pro” yet.

Have you turned a hobby you love into a business? Did it end up being your dream job or a nightmare?

I’m Enfranchised!

C’mon now! Yesterday I cast my vote for the very first time. It was a good feeling wearing that little sticker all day.

I’ve never voted before, mostly due to feeling like it really didn’t matter. Eric was surprised that I hadn’t voted before and insisted that the next election I would be at the polls. It is important to him and I’m glad he encouraged me to drop my apathetic attitude about it.

Apparently I’m not the only one getting revved up this year. Reports say that record numbers of first-time voters are heading to the polls. It’s awesome that people are wanting to get involved.

I now see the value in voting, even if you live in a state that seems permanently aligned to the right or left. Voting allows you to make your voice heard on issues that directly impact your pocketbook. These political leaders will influence policy regarding our major financial concerns; like the economy, health care, and taxes.

Voting for the candidate that you like (or dislike least) is part of being proactive with your finances.

I still have some doubts that my one little vote will change the world, but the simple act of declaring my choice makes me feel more in control of my financial future. Even if the candidate I prefer doesn’t win, voting sure beats doing nothing and allowing everyone else to decide for me.

On a side note - it was really interesting to watch the political ads. It’s the first time I’ve really seen them. Usually the candidates have been decided before the primaries make it to Texas. I had the radio on most of the day yesterday and I think I heard a Clinton or Obama ad every commercial break. They really stepped it up around here.

Did you vote in this year’s primaries? Do you feel voting affects your financial future or do you feel it is a waste of time?

Image Source: Daquella manera

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