As the seasons change, it’s a good idea to revisit your routine and see where it’s possible to make improvements. One practice is to revise your budget periodically to make sure you’re on track towards meeting your financial goals.

Fall is the time of year when students return to class, and school-related expenses are likely top of mind. The busy winter holiday season is just around the corner, too. As a result, your budget may be feeling the squeeze.

If you’re looking for additional ways to save money, why not revisit one of the most regular expenses on your budget? We’re talking about food and groceries.

Minor changes to your habits can make a significant difference over time. Shaking up your grocery and meal prep habits could be a great way to save for what’s ahead.

Here are some quick tips to take your grocery and meal prep game to the next level.

Embrace Batch Cooking

One of the more cost-effective ways to keep your food costs in check is to practice “batch cooking.” It’s the practice of preparing your meals in advance and freezing them, making them ready to use over a period of time.

There are many key advantages to batch cooking, including saving time and energy. It makes sense to try it, whether you’re a busy professional or parent.

If you buy frozen meals at the grocery store, you’re already familiar with batch cooking. Typically, a TV dinner is a pre-cooked meal that you microwave. When you get down to it, buying prepared meals in your grocer’s freezer comes at a premium. So, doing the preparations yourself could save you a significant amount of money.

Here’s how to get started with batch cooking:

• Buy meal components that can be bought in bulk, like beans, lentils, rice or pasta, and ground meat.
• Cook and prepare the components in “batches” and portion them out.
• Place your portioned meals into freezer-safe containers and stow them in the freezer.
  

On the day you want to use one of your batch meals, transfer it to the refrigerator in the morning so it’s ready to heat up later in the day.

One of the most significant advantages of batch cooking is that it can save money in other aspects of your life, too. Ideally, you’d only need to prepare meals one day out of the week. This means you won’t be firing up your stovetop or oven nearly as often, which can help reduce energy costs.

Avoid the After-Work Grocery Run by Having a Plan

We’ve all been there: you’re on your way back from a long day at work. Then it hits you: nothing is waiting for you to eat in the fridge!

Getting hit with the dreaded after-work food run, whether it’s to the grocery store or your local takeout joint, always hits your wallet the worst. Not only do you have to pick up the tab for an unexpected expense, but it also makes you waste precious gas.

You can reduce the chances of getting blindsided by these sneaky expenses with a bit of planning. Here’s what you can do to make the most of your grocery day, so you won’t have to revisit it throughout the week.

Have a flexible shopping list. Focus on items that are quick to prepare, but aren’t necessarily frozen dinners. Remember that prepared meals cost extra because you’re paying for convenience.

Dried goods like rice and pasta can keep in the fridge for a few days after they’re cooked. A few cans of vegetables and a box of broth make for a hearty soup in a pinch.

Plan around weekly flyers from grocers. Be on the lookout for your local grocer’s flyer for weekly deals. Often, sale items will allow you to get multiples of an item at a reduced rate, making them a great candidate for long-term storage.

Bargain items you’ll want to look out for are canned goods and dry items, since they can be kept for longer periods. Fresh fruit and vegetables can be a great find if you can freeze them, as they’re great in smoothies.

Buy with your cooking skills in mind. In an age of algorithm-served content, it’s easy to get ambitious ideas from cooking influencers and enthusiasts. These types of videos can be great fun, but emulating the featured cooking styles can be an entirely different story. Remember: you’re seeing something tailor-made for cameras first.

When shopping for groceries, keep your skill set in mind. It’s OK to keep things simple, so long as you’re getting the nutrition you need. Not everything you prepare has to be social media-worthy. After all, if cooking feels more like a chore, you’re less likely to do it and reach for the takeout menu instead.

Remix the Pantry Challenge and Tap Into Your Storm Season Stockpile

Stocking up your pantry with bulk items does take up space. Eventually, you’ll need to clear out your food stockpile over time. Why not tap into your reserves before getting a new batch of groceries? The pantry challenge empowers you to use what you have before taking a trip to the supermarket.

Take a peek inside your pantry, fridge, and freezer for any items that could make a quick meal. These “inventory checks” are similar to revisiting your budget. Items that are still good to eat can save you a few bucks, too.

You can also reinforce the savings by cooking a meal with spare items and freezing it for later.

Technically, the Atlantic Hurricane Season lasts through November. Consider tapping into your storm season reserves later in the fall to prevent them from going to waste. Popular items to save for emergencies include canned goods, which can be repurposed for a casserole or soup to fuel your work week easily.

Keeping an eye on your grocery expenses can save you a bit of money along the way. By making simple changes to your routine, you can keep grocery costs manageable.

First Florida is committed to helping you on your budgeting journey. Visit our Featured Articles section for more money-saving hacks you can use throughout the year.