Are These Foods Worth the Cost of Convenience? Pre-Formed Hamburger Patties = NO At my local grocery store they often have pre-formed patties that cost 8 for $7. The patties usually weigh in at ¼ pound, making them cost $3.50 per pound. I often purchase my ground beef when it is on sale for $1.99 per pound, making it a whole $1.51 less expensive per pound if I take the extra 5 minutes to form my own patties. In other words it cost me $4 to purchase the same amount of meat as the pre-formed patties which cost $7, $3 savings! Pre-made salad mix = YES My local grocery store sells pre-made romaine salad mix for $3.74 If I were to chop up the veggies myself for this salad mix I would have to buy: Romaine lettuce $1.48, carrots $.82 and red cabbage $2.18 = $4.48. When all is said and done I do believe if I buy the individual vegetables it would cost less per ounce, but that would be more salad than I would need because it goes bad faster than I c
Not only does meal planning save me money, but it also saves my sanity. It nice to know ahead of time whats for dinner, that way I don't have to rack my brain after a busy day or make an unexpected trip to the grocery store. But how does meal planning save me money??? Easy, when I have a plan I buy only what I need and not what I think I need but really don't. Here are some tips I've learned that help me put together a good plan. 1. Get out your Calendar I have spent a lot of money in the past on food that went bad before I got a chance to use it. Often times I would think of a delicious meal but then realized I have to go to a school play, soccer practice or something else. Instead of making said delicious meal I whip up something easy while my other ingredients start to expire. Now while I write out my meal plan I have my calendar right beside me. 2. Be Realistic This tip goes right along with using your calendar. I think the key to having a great meal plan