This post is a collaboration and brought to you to help you take control of your budget!
The kitchen is often the hub of the home, and where the family spends most of their time together. It can also be the biggest drain on your finances, from multiple grocery trips a week, to needing the latest gadgets and appliances. The best way to make sustainable changes in your life is by taking small steps, so here are some top tips to do this in your own home!
Meal Plans
The importance of meal plans for a busy family cannot be stressed. They can make your life so much easier and save you tons of money. Plan and write out what meals you are going to have each night of the week and stick to them. This will mean no last minute dashes to the shops and no agonising over what to cook.
Cook in Bulk
If you’re cooking a homemade meal from scratch, cook twice as much and freeze some. It’s handy to have a meal in the freezer to fall back on if you have a busier than normal day, meaning you won’t need to order a takeaway or go hungry.
Make Your Own Soup
Soup is an easy and tasty meal that many people enjoy, but it can be so overpriced in stores for what it is. It’s very easy to make any soup of your fancy at home, all you need are your favourite vegetables and flavourings and water! There are loads of recipes online, and it is easy to store and freeze.
Buy Seasonal Produce
Buying vegetables and food that is in season makes sense. They tend to be cheaper due to their abundance and taste better than ingredients that have been forced or transported long distances. Help your local farmers out by heading down to the local market to get them as fresh as possible.
Write A Shopping List
When you have your weekly meal plan, write a shopping list. Avoid buying random items in the store and wasting money, and only get what you need. Make sure you get everything on the list, so you don’t have to make repeat trips, they will only tempt you to buy more!
Compare Costs
Some expensive and luxury items, such as coconut oil, can be relatively costly in store. Check online as they are often cheaper, especially if you buy in bulk. But only do this if you will definitely use them! Even your everyday items can vary from store to store, so find the closest store with the lowest price or stock-up price and shop accordingly.
Look After Your Appliances
Taking a little bit of care of your kitchen appliances can vastly increase their lifespan. Clean and dry things properly to avoid rusting, and always try to fix things before binning them. Check http://www.knifeista.com/best-knife-sharpener/ for ways to prolong your knives lives before discarding, and store everything carefully.
Buy Quality Kitchen Equipment
When you do buy new appliances, make sure you do your research and invest carefully. Spending a little bit more on a high-quality item will save you lots of money in the long run.