January 25, 2026

Greetings!

Saving money in the kitchen can be easier than you think. Planning meals ahead, using items you already have like rice, pasta and beans can stretch meat by mixing it with veggies or beans.

Below are some simple tricks you can implement into your weekly routine. Let me know if they help, or if you have tricks you do yourself that you'd like to share with us all.

Kris

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Plan Your Meals To Save BIG

Take 15 minutes each week to plan breakfast, lunch, and dinner for the coming week. This simple habit can make a difference in your budget. Knowing exactly what you need will reduce impulse buys at the store, no more grabbing items on a whim that just end up in the trash.

Meal planning helps use up leftovers and ingredients you already have on hand. Plan your meals around items that are already on sale or seasonal products. Over time, this small change in your habit can save you hundreds of dollars a year.

Try Meatless Meals to Cut Costs

Beans, lentils, and eggs are all protein packed, versatile, and cheaper than meat, making them perfect for budget-friendly meals.

Try starting with a 'Meatless Monday' and try new recipes like bean chili, lentil soups, or even veggie stir-fries.

Another smart way to save is to stretch your meat by combining it with beans, lentils, or legumes. Example, instead of using a full pound of beef for chili or tacos, use half meat and half beans. You'll still get plenty of protein and flavor, but you will still have meat for another meal.

Start Buying in Bulk

Staples like rice, pasta, beans, oats, and frozen veggies are cheaper when purchased in larger quantities. Not only does this save money on the per-unit cost, but it reduces the number of trips to the store, which helps saves time and avoids impulse purchases.

Once you buy your item in bulk, portion them out into smaller containers, bags, or jars for easy access and meal prep. This keeps ingredients fresh, makes cooking convenient, and you will always have the basics on hand for meals.



Got a tip of your own, Handy or Thrifty? Reply back to me, I love reading your tips and ideas!