November 16, 2025

Greetings!

If you have ever wondered where your money keeps disappearing to, chances are the answer is sitting right in your kitchen. Most people think they waste money on things like lotto tickets or clothing splurges, but the truth is more surprising. For many families, the biggest money pit is food. Not just eating out, but all the delivery orders, quick convenience meals, and groceries that quietly spoil in the back of the fridge.

Food spending is sneaky because it feels necessary. Yet small habits can turn into huge monthly bills, and wasted groceries are like throwing cash straight into the trash. Today’s edition is all about shining a light on the tiny decisions that add up and showing you how to keep more of your money where it belongs.

Be Well,
Anisa

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Cut Your Food Waste and Watch the Savings Add Up

A recent survey found that Americans lose more money to food habits than almost anything else. We do not always see it happening. One dinner out. One delivery order. A grocery run where we buy more than we can eat. A few leftovers that get tossed. It adds up fast.

The study found that one fewer restaurant meal per week can save more than six hundred dollars a year. And that is just from adjusting one habit.

Watch Your Restaurant and Delivery Spending

Takeout is convenient, but it comes with a price. Delivery fees, tips, and upcharges add a big chunk to the bill. Try replacing one restaurant meal or one delivery order each week with a simple meal at home. Think sandwiches, pasta, breakfast for dinner, or a quick sheet pan meal. Small swaps create steady savings.

Stop Letting Groceries Expire

Most households throw away far more food than they realize. A good strategy is to have an Eat First shelf in your fridge. Put anything that is close to expiring right in front so it gets used before anything else. Planning two or three flexible meals a week also helps reduce panic shopping.

Beware Of Convenience Packaging

Precut fruit, single serve snacks, and ready meals are helpful, but the markup is huge. When possible, buy ingredients in bulk sizes, wash and chop foods yourself, and pack your own snacks for work or school. A few minutes of prep can save significant money over time.

Cook Simple Meals That Stretch

Chili, soups, stir fries, roasted veggies, and casseroles are great for using up what you have. They help clean out the fridge and save you from buying extra ingredients.

Did You Know

The average American household throws away more than fifteen hundred dollars worth of food every year. Even small changes can dramatically shrink that number.

You Said It, We Saved It

From the 11/6 edition:
"I started using cash only and was shocked how fast I stopped impulse buying. Swiping a card just doesn’t hurt the same way!" – Brenda P.

"My shopping buddy has saved me hundreds. We call ourselves the 'No Squad.'" – Mark R.