Tips for Saving Money
Eat out less often. Buying a coffee and muffin for breakfast (~$3) and a $5-$6 lunch just 3x/week adds up to over $100/month.
How much do you spend on pop, candy, snacks, coffee, etc.? Can you buy fewer clothes or DVDs to buy more nutritious food than Wonder bread?
Plan ahead. What food do you have on hand? What food do you need to make a few simple meals? See what’s on sale, make a list, eat and shop.
Buy your own food. Find a way to get to the store.
Take the Mall-Market shuttle service
Try the North Campus Farmers Market, every Wednesday, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Check unit prices, look for sales and use couponsonly for products you ordinarily buy
On campus: 1 banana is .80
Supermarket: 1 banana is .25
Save money by getting unprocessed foods:
Lipton rice & sauce $1.49 /pkt makes 12 cups
Tops white rice $1.19 /lb. makes ~ 20 cups
Grated cheese $2.89 / 8 oz.
Solid cheese $1.64 / 8 oz.
Oats, instant packets $3.48 /lb.
Oats, bulk .69/ lb.
Batch cook. Make more than one meal, then save some for the week.
Get a cookbook! Buy some saver dishes, rent a refrigerator
Learn one dish from a parent, friend, roommate
Use fast-cooking foods and methods (steaming, microwaving and stir-frying)
Eat simply. You don't have to prepare elaborate lunches to bring food with you. Simple, fresh foods are o.k. Bring fruit and vegetable sides and snacks even if you still want a sandwich on campus.
Modify convenience foods. Use less margarine and seasoning, add vegetables for extra fiber, nutrients.
Take advantage of freebies, potluck suppers, workshops with food