If you’re anything like most people, your reaction COVID19 restrictions lifting is going to be split. On the one hand, you’re probably going to want to get out and about and enjoy life again. On the other hand, you’re probably going to want to get your finances looking a bit better. The solution is to be thrifty where you can so you can spend where it matters. Here are some tips to help.

 

Organise your food prep

 

This may sound really boring but it can save you a lot of money. Clear out your kitchen storage and inventory your food stocks properly. This includes keeping track of expiry dates. Always try to use up what you have before you buy anything new.

 

Make sure that you store your food appropriately so it doesn’t spoil before it should. This may mean transferring it to another container.

 

Fix your own coffee

 

This one is probably the biggest no-brainer there is. If you’re on a budget, get your own coffee beans and make your favorite java at home as much as you can. Keep trips to the coffee shop for occasional treats. That way you can offer them some support without blowing your budget.

 

Invest in a collapsible/foldable water bottle

 

Everybody knows that if you keep a water bottle on you at all times then you can always fill it up from a fountain or faucet instead of having to buy bottled water. That’s good for your budget and the environment.  

 

Everybody also knows that keeping a regular water bottle on you at all times can be a real pain. The solution is to invest in a collapsible/foldable water bottle. When empty, these can slip easily into a pocket or purse so you can always hydrate affordably.

 

Be strategic about meat

 

If you still eat meat, then be strategic about it. Firstly, try to reduce the number of times a week you eat it. Try to make it a treat-food, say for Fridays and weekends rather than something you eat every day. Even on Fridays and weekends, try to swap out red meat for white meat, poultry, and fish. These are all high in nourishment and much more affordable.

 

When you do eat meat, try to eat affordable cuts as much as you can. The trick is to give them low, slow cooking. This tenderizes them and brings out all the flavor. Keep the expensive cuts (like steak) for really special occasions.

 

Learn how to make sauces

 

The less convenience food you eat, the more you can save. That’s great in theory. In practice, sometimes it really is worth paying a little extra for the convenience of having someone take care of the hard work for you. Sometimes, however, convenience food simply costs a lot more for very little benefit. Sauces are probably the major example of this.

 

Most of the jars and cans of sauces you see in stores are actually very easy and quick to make at home. In fact, a lot of them can be made in advance and stored, so you just need to heat them up when you want to use them.