Living (Almost) Large on $1,500 a Month: Part 2 in a 3-part series
by Kraig Bohot
Pinching way too many pennies? This second in a series looking at ways to stretch a $1500 monthly budget focuses on shopping, cooking, and food resources. Previously we looked at how to Bend the Budget and Search for Shelter.
Save on Shopping
Let’s face it, particularly with what seems like ever-increasing inflation, grocery shopping can be challenging if not downright annoying. But if you can master digital coupon clipping, you’re getting a head start on the game.
The rule I follow almost to a T is to buy everything on sale. The best way to do that is to get the app for the store where you shop and clip digital coupons — just like clipping paper coupons except you’re using your phone. Where I shop they can sometimes result in substantial savings but they do entail using technology.
When I first started using digital coupons, I couldn’t figure out why I wasn’t receiving credit for the coupons I was clipping. Then I realized I was using my old phone number associated with my online account with that store. Sometimes it’s that simple.
For extra credit (and to catch any cashier or online system errors) check the paper receipt to confirm all of your digital coupons have been credited.
Count on Cooking
Preparing your own food is almost always cheaper than prepared meals or going out. And often it can be quite fulfilling. It also helps you with meal planning, which is a good thing to do when you’re trying to watch your spending. Meal planning helps you see what you have on hand and what you’ll need to buy at the store, making your grocery shopping more efficient.
My big tip for making cooking more efficient is to buy a food processor. I picked up a decent mid-range model for about $50 at a big box retailer. I’ve made hummus, black bean soup, chili, Eggs Benedict with the processor’s blender, cake icing and dough, among other culinary treats, with my handy food processor. Not having one would be like losing one of my arms. Okay, maybe not that bad.
Speaking of black bean soup, beans in general are a good source of protein and almost are always cheaper to prepare. I love lentils, pinto, kidney and more. The bible on cooking beans is Jane Brody’s The Good Food Book. Published in the 1980s, it’s still worth dusting off to maximize your bean enjoyment and cooking performance in general.
Don’t Be Insecure
As supplemental sources of food, food stamps, and food pantries are great for those times when you’re running low on food and cash. No one should go hungry or be food insecure, like I’ve been a few times in my life. It’s not a pleasant feeling, and food stamps and food pantries can help.
These tips and others in the series should help you make the most out of your budget and hopefully make living more enjoyable if not (almost) large on only $1500 a month.
Part 3 next issue: Rev Up Recycling, Give of Yourself, Check It Out, Get a Gig, and Brew the Budget.
Kraig Allen Bohot is a freelance writer born in Salem and will no doubt live out his retirement years there.