With today's economy, eating on a budget is the latest trend. Dining in is the new dining out, and a late-night snack has turned into eating munchies from the pantry rather than buying a comforting $3 slice of Ian's pizza.
Although many people have already stopped shopping for clothes, the rising cost of food is definitely forcing students to become smarter grocery shoppers. Restaurants, including the favorites, are now out of the question. But be realistic, this isn't the end of the world.
One Nova Lox and Red Onion bagel at Einstein's costs $4.79. Get the better deal and buy half a dozen bagels there for $4.39 and use a toaster and cream cheese at home. That's enough bagels for the whole week.
On the bright side, a tough economy might have
the potential to make people more aware of their spending. '
UW-Madison consumer science professor J. Michael Collins says people are using more cash and less credit these days, and people tend to overall spend less using this method.
The Truth
Food shoppers are certainly bringing more food home instead of dining out at restaurants and trying to use more cash than credit in grocery stores.'""Although some may try to avoid dining out, the reality is that some people are restaurant-lovers, and others are simply clueless in the kitchen. This doesn't necessarily mean that the economy will eat them up. Go ahead and dine out, but these few extra tips may be helpful.
Tip #1: Happy Hours
Keep track of happy hours. This has the potential to cut the price of a sushi meal in half just by going out to eat an hour earlier. Although dinner may be an ideal couple's date, try going out to breakfast or lunch. Dinner is usually the most expensive meal when dining out, and restaurants sometimes offer the same meal for much less when ordering it for lunch.
Tip #2: Family Style Meals
Chinese anyone? Family style dinners usually give more food for less. Get a couple of entrees and appetizers for the whole table rather than an entrée and appetizer per person. Then, split the bill. Always pack up leftovers for a great way to get two meals for the price of one.
Tip #3: Bake, Enjoy and Save
Have dessert at home. Bake a $3 box of a dozen chocolate chip cookies for everyone rather than having two overpriced bites of cheesecake in a restaurant.
Tip #4: Cut The Drinks
Order water instead of soda. Restaurants make tons of money on overpricing soda and lemonade. Don't be tempted by the waiter who asks if you'd like to order a drink.
Tip #5: Make Lists
Many would agree that their eyes are bigger than their mouths. So, stop shopping for what looks good, and start buying what's needed. Make a list before going to the market, and you wont regret the junk you brought home, or the excess food you'll end up throwing out because the expiration date beat your craving.
According to CNN.com, studies have shown that for each additional minute spent in the grocery store past 30 minutes, a shopper will likely spend an additional 50 cents to a dollar. Your list will ensure you won't.
Lastly, don't fret. There is some hope for the future. The Wisconsin State Journal revealed that continued high energy prices are having the most drastic effect on food prices and increasing the cost of everything from food processing to food packaging and transportation, though we have seen some energy prices go down.
According to Collins, cheaper oil prices should also decrease the energy costs associated with food. Many are hopeful that gas-price declines will lead the way to cheaper food prices and we will soon be able to afford dining out once again.
