I buy most of my food on sale. In fact, I will not buy meats, cheeses, breads, lunchmeats, spices or any frozen foods unless they are on sale. Yet at home I always have a full selection of all of those things to choose from. What makes that possible is that I have a freezer. Here is how that works for me.
My "frugality without sacrifice"* approach to food selection involves 2 steps. The first is to buy when meats, etc are on sale and to buy more than I need. If chicken thighs are 99 cents a pound, I will buy 5 or 6 pounds. If chuck steak is $2.50 a pound, I will buy 5 or 6 pounds. If name brand 100% whole wheat bread is $1.25 a loaf, I will buy 3 or 4. Whether I already have some in stock or not.
The second step is to be able to store what I do not need until I do need it. And that is where the freezer comes in. I have found that a properly double-bagged cut of meat can be kept frozen for a year or more without freezer burn and without affecting its taste. The same holds for all the other food items I store frozen. And that means that I can eat anything I want any time I want** without ever having to pay regular prices (except for fresh fruits and vegetables).
But there just is not enough space in my refrigerator's freezer compartment to do this. I need a separate freezer. And, believe me, the investment is worth it. For about $200, upright or locker-style freezers can be had at places like Lowes and Costco. Upright ones allow better access to and organization of the contents. Locker-style ones maximize how much can be stored in the space. Either way, a freezer is my key to eating as well as I want while still saving a ton of money on what I eat.
*My Financial Independence Key:
http://retired-to-win.savingadvice.com/2013/12/17/my-financi...
**My $50-a-Week Food Expense:
http://retired-to-win.savingadvice.com/2014/03/23/my-50-a-we...
April 7th, 2014 at 12:51 pm 1396875078
I suppose the one extra step I would like to take which until my divorce, did all the time is shink wrapping. The device with startup supplies is about $120.00 (for a nice unit), however, when used properly, does a great job on food and other valuable items as well (we shrink wrapped the girls' baptism dresses, keepsakes and other items for the safe, etc.
Buy in bulk, preserve and store with great care and you will save in the long run...Jamie
April 7th, 2014 at 08:36 pm 1396902995
That idea about shrinkwrapping is a great addition to my original post.
Thanks!