Lutheran Social Services of South Dakota

Make a list and stick to it.
Keep a price book to write down the prices of items you like to buy. That way, you know a “bargain” is really a bargain.
Do not go to the store when you are hungry.
Look around. Stores put the most expensive items at eye-level. By looking around, you can find better priced items. Avoid aisles not on your list.
Don’t buy non-food items at the grocery store. Although convenient, these items are generally cheaper elsewhere.
Start buying your food in bulk. When you see a really good sale price on an item, purchase more.
Buy meat on sale in “family packs” and divide and wrap it yourself. Make sure you compare the per pound price.
Don’t buy convenience foods. They are over packaged and generally over priced.
Use leftovers. You could even make double batches of food to keep in the freezer.
Don’t buy non-nutritious foods. Try to get the best food value for your money. You will eat better and your budget will benefit.
Pick less expensive foods. Choose the cheaper tuna, powdered milk, vegetables and fruits.
Buy store or generic brands. Supermarket chains have made a huge effort in recent years to improve the quality of their house label foods. If you tried them a few years ago, try them again. You might be surprised.
Cook from scratch. Try cookies, cakes and pies. They are cheaper homemade than store-bought.
Don’t waste food and learn to use leftovers. Leftover meats and vegetables can be used in casseroles and soups. Check out your public library for cookbooks that feature ways to use leftovers.
Eat fewer meat and potato meals. Soups, stews and casseroles are cheaper. Buy a slow-cooker. Prepare your meal in the morning and it will be ready at night.
Make one or two days a week meatless. Substitute dried beans and whole grains, which are excellent sources of iron and folic acid.
Cook in season. If you learn to use the fruit and vegetables that are in season, you will save money.
Start a garden.

Consumer Credit Counseling Service
Tracy Gran, Director
705 East 41st Street, Suite 100
Sioux Falls, SD 57105
1-605-330-2700
1-888-258-2227
Fax: 1-605-357-0150
Email: Consumer Credit Counseling Service

Accredited by the Council on Accreditation for Children and Family Services.
A member of National Foundation for Credit Counseling (NFCC).
A HUD approved Housing Counseling Agency.