1. Meal Planning Is Your First Move
A solid meal plan keeps you on target and prevents unnecessary surprises.
- Plan for the week: Write down meals and snacks for the week, keeping variety in mind.
- Use what you have: Check your fridge, freezer, and pantry first to avoid buying duplicates.
- Batch cook: Prepare larger meals (think stews, chili, or pasta) and freeze portions for quick, affordable meals.
Pro tip: Double recipes on nights when you have time, and you’ll always have leftovers ready.
2. Make a Grocery List and Stick to It
Impulse buys are the enemy of a budget-friendly grocery run.
- Create a budget: Set your budget before you go to the grocery store.
- Go in with a list: If it’s not on the list, it doesn’t go in the cart.
- Eat before you shop: Shopping hungry is a rookie mistake that leads to buying extra snacks you don’t need.
- Check flyers and apps: Sign up for store flyers and try apps like Flipp to help you compare local deals and build a list of sales items.
Bring a calculator (or use your phone) to track spending as you go.
3. Know Your Discounts and Take Advantage of CFOne
Did you know your CFOne card can help you access a variety of savings tailored to CAF members?
- Explore CFOne discounts: Visit the CFOne website to discover offers on dining, retail, and services that can help you stretch your budget.
- Loyalty programs: Sign up for store-specific loyalty cards to earn rewards, points, and personalized discounts at grocery stores.
- Credit card points: Consider credit cards that offer cashback or even points that can be directly redeemed for groceries (but make sure you’ve budgeted to pay off the balance immediately).
Savings you didn’t know you had? Yes, please!
4. Buy in Bulk When It Makes Sense
Meat, grains, and pantry staples are great items to buy in bulk if you have the storage space.
- Stock up on protein: Chicken breasts, lean ground beef, and fish often come cheaper in larger quantities. Freeze portions in meal-sized servings.
- Non-perishables: Rice, pasta, canned beans, and oats are budget-friendly and versatile.
- Bulk stores: Visit warehouse stores or consider splitting bulk purchases with a friend to save even more.
But don’t bulk-buy perishable items unless you have a plan to cook and freeze them.
5. Embrace “Meatless Monday” (but Keep Protein in the Mix)
Meat can be expensive, but there are plenty of budget-friendly protein alternatives that can help stretch your grocery dollars.
- Legumes: Lentils, chickpeas, and black beans are inexpensive and protein-rich.
- Eggs: A budget-friendly protein that works for breakfast, lunch, or dinner.
- Canned fish: Tuna and sardines offer protein on the cheap and are perfect for quick meals.
No worries, carnivores—this isn’t about eliminating meat but about being strategic. Keep lean cuts of meat, poultry, or fish in your diet and balance it with plant-based options.
6. Be Smart About Store Brands
Brand loyalty is overrated when you’re looking to save.
- Compare prices: Generic or store brands are often just as good as name brands but at a fraction of the cost.
- Check labels: In many cases, store brands have identical ingredients to name brands.
- Be flexible: Shop at multiple stores if it helps you find the best deals and maximize your loyalty points. Don’t be afraid to go where the savings are.
Try switching to generic for items like pasta, canned goods, and spices—your wallet will thank you.
7. Reduce Food Waste
The more food you use, the less you have to replace.
- Eat those leftovers: Make it a habit to turn yesterday’s dinner into today’s lunch.
- Freeze extras: Got veggies about to spoil? Freeze them for future stews or stir-fries.
- Keep an eye on expiry dates: Store perishable foods properly to extend their shelf life.
Wasting food is like throwing money away—keep it fresh, and you’ll stretch every dollar.
8. Cook at Home as Much as Possible
A one-night splurge at a restaurant can sometimes eat up your entire weekly food budget! Take-out meals can add up fast, too.
- Menu plan: Having recipes and ingredients ready to go makes it easier to cook on busy nights.
- Make meal prep part of your routine: Dedicate a few hours to cook meals for the week.
- Repurpose ingredients: Use roasted chicken for dinner one night, then shred the leftovers for wraps or salads.
- Try new recipes: Cooking at home doesn’t have to be boring—explore new dishes that fit your budget.
Small Changes, Big Savings
Stretching your grocery budget doesn’t mean sacrificing taste or nutrition. With smart planning, buying strategically, and taking advantage of resources like CF One, you can save money while staying healthy and mission-ready. Remember, your local SISIP advisor is here to help with budgeting advice tailored to your CAF lifestyle. Book a meeting today and take control of your finances—one meal at a time.
