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TRENDING BASIC MONEY MANAGEMENT TIPS
08.25.2021 / Budgeting « Back to all articles
Save Money on Your Produce Bill
The healthiest items for sale at the grocery are located around the store's perimeter. This is the location of the meat, dairy, fruits, and vegetables, but studies indicate that most people spend 80% of their shopping on the inner aisles, and the biggest reason is the cost. All those vegetables and delicious fruits come with a hefty price tag. Fortunately, there are a number of tried-and-true ways to save money on your produce bill. Here are some things to try.
Shop With a Plan
Create a list and stick to it. Although it's fun to browse, buying all the things that catch your eye will result in overspending and food waste. Search for coupons, watch sales circulars, and don't be afraid to make multiple stops at various locations during your shopping run to get the best deals.
Purchase Whole
Even though that bowl of chopped fruit looks scrumptious, you're paying a premium for someone to cut it for you. Instead of buying chunked watermelon or pineapple, buy it whole and cut it up yourself. The same goes for bagged salad and carrot sticks.
Buy Seasonal
The easiest way to save money on produce is to buy what's in season. When the fruits or vegetables are readily available according to their natural growing cycle, the prices will be lower. Otherwise, they have to be shipped from distant locations with favorable growing conditions, driving up the price tag.
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Produce that is in season year-round include apples, bananas, carrots, celery, lemons, and limes.
-
Winter seasonal items include avocados, beets, brussels sprouts, grapefruit, leeks, oranges, parsnips, pears, potatoes, pumpkin, rutabagas, sweet potatoes, winter squash, and yams.
-
Spring produce includes collard greens, kale, kiwi, lettuce, mushrooms, onions, peas, pineapples, radishes, rhubarb, spinach, Swiss chard, and turnips.
-
Produce from the summer season includes traditional warm-weather favorites like colorful berries, watermelon, and the following: beets, bell peppers, blackberries, blueberries, cantaloupe, cherries, corn, cucumbers, eggplant, green beans, honeydew melon, lima beans, mangos, okra, peaches, plums, raspberries, squash, tomatillos, tomatoes, and zucchini.
-
Fall produce includes root vegetables and gourds, plus the following: bell peppers, broccoli, cabbage, cranberries, garlic, ginger, grapes, and rutabagas.
Some fruits and vegetables are harvested in overlapping seasons as well, so be mindful of prices and look for seasonal trends.
Buy Local
Farmer's markets are extremely popular and can be found in most towns, featuring some great deals on the freshest produce around. If you shop just before closing time, the vendors will usually be willing to bargain to unload their remaining items. A word of caution: just because it says "farmer's market" doesn't mean it's less expensive. Beware of "trendy" markets that cater to organic and upscale clientele, where the prices may be higher than those in grocery stores.
Don't give up on healthy eating because of the daunting price tags. With a plan and some diligence, you can feed your family fresh fruits and vegetables without breaking the bank.
Credit Talk
08.25.2021 / Budgeting « Back to all articles
Save Money on Your Produce Bill
The healthiest items for sale at the grocery are located around the store's perimeter. This is the location of the meat, dairy, fruits, and vegetables, but studies indicate that most people spend 80% of their shopping on the inner aisles, and the biggest reason is the cost. All those vegetables and delicious fruits come with a hefty price tag. Fortunately, there are a number of tried-and-true ways to save money on your produce bill. Here are some things to try.
Shop With a Plan
Create a list and stick to it. Although it's fun to browse, buying all the things that catch your eye will result in overspending and food waste. Search for coupons, watch sales circulars, and don't be afraid to make multiple stops at various locations during your shopping run to get the best deals.
Purchase Whole
Even though that bowl of chopped fruit looks scrumptious, you're paying a premium for someone to cut it for you. Instead of buying chunked watermelon or pineapple, buy it whole and cut it up yourself. The same goes for bagged salad and carrot sticks.
Buy Seasonal
The easiest way to save money on produce is to buy what's in season. When the fruits or vegetables are readily available according to their natural growing cycle, the prices will be lower. Otherwise, they have to be shipped from distant locations with favorable growing conditions, driving up the price tag.
-
Produce that is in season year-round include apples, bananas, carrots, celery, lemons, and limes.
-
Winter seasonal items include avocados, beets, brussels sprouts, grapefruit, leeks, oranges, parsnips, pears, potatoes, pumpkin, rutabagas, sweet potatoes, winter squash, and yams.
-
Spring produce includes collard greens, kale, kiwi, lettuce, mushrooms, onions, peas, pineapples, radishes, rhubarb, spinach, Swiss chard, and turnips.
-
Produce from the summer season includes traditional warm-weather favorites like colorful berries, watermelon, and the following: beets, bell peppers, blackberries, blueberries, cantaloupe, cherries, corn, cucumbers, eggplant, green beans, honeydew melon, lima beans, mangos, okra, peaches, plums, raspberries, squash, tomatillos, tomatoes, and zucchini.
-
Fall produce includes root vegetables and gourds, plus the following: bell peppers, broccoli, cabbage, cranberries, garlic, ginger, grapes, and rutabagas.
Some fruits and vegetables are harvested in overlapping seasons as well, so be mindful of prices and look for seasonal trends.
Buy Local
Farmer's markets are extremely popular and can be found in most towns, featuring some great deals on the freshest produce around. If you shop just before closing time, the vendors will usually be willing to bargain to unload their remaining items. A word of caution: just because it says "farmer's market" doesn't mean it's less expensive. Beware of "trendy" markets that cater to organic and upscale clientele, where the prices may be higher than those in grocery stores.
Don't give up on healthy eating because of the daunting price tags. With a plan and some diligence, you can feed your family fresh fruits and vegetables without breaking the bank.
