Plan your meals

Planning ahead is important if you want to save money at the grocery shop. Choose a day each week and schedule your food preparation for the next week on that day.

Make a grocery list of all the things you'll need to prepare those meals after that. Be sure to check your cupboards and refrigerator as well to see what you already have. Only plan for things that you are certain you will make. By doing this, you'll avoid having to toss away a lot of the things you buy but don't use. Make a list of the ingredients you'll need from the grocery store and decide which recipes you'll prepare for lunch and dinner. You'll be less likely to spend money on fast food or convenience foods if you have a plan.