Tips on enjoying Holiday feast while saving a few bucks

By KENDALL KING on December 23, 2022.

Since the beginning of 2022, national rates of inflation have risen to numbers not seen in decades. And while rising rates effect all aspects of life, the cost of food is one of the most effected, experiencing a 10.3 per cent jump in price from last November.

With food a central part of the Holidays, the News is sharing tips on how to save money when preparing for a festive feast.

Plan Prior to Purchasing

One of the best methods to avoid paying too much at the grocery is to have a solid plan in place prior to shopping.

Before heading to the store, take time to decide the dishes you plan on making and write down what foods you will need to make each dish – including quantities. Then, compile that information in a shopping list. (For extra efficiency, group together foods in the same retail department, so to avoid aimless wandering at the store).

Then, take inventory of food items already in your possession by checking the fridge, freezer and pantry, and cross any foods you have enough of off the list.

While taking inventory, also consider ways in which you could use foods or leftovers you already have in your dishes, in an effort to reduce the number of items needed to purchase, as well as reduce food waste. (For instance, near-to-date bread could be used to make homemade stuffing or croutons, or old apples could be used to make an apple crisp.) And make amendments to the shopping list, as needed.

Once the list is finalized, check local grocery store flyers for sales and to compare prices. (A great way to simplify this process is to use Flipp, a digital retail flyer and price comparison tool, available to download on iPhone and Android, or online at flipp.com.)

If intending to visit multiple stores, make note next to each item on the shopping list of which store it can be purchased at for the lowest price. Or alternatively, save flyers advertising the lowest price and visit a store which offers price comparison, such as Save on Foods or Superstore.

Save While Shopping

Make sure to stick to the list while shopping, crossing off each item as it is placed in the cart. This will help reduce the risk of forgetting something or making impulse purchases – though remain open swapping out brand-name items for no-name, if a better deal.

Keep an eye out for coupons hanging in aisles. And, if able, use any coupons already in your possession when cashing out.

At the till, maximize savings by collecting or redeeming loyalty reward points, if offered by the store and if a rewards program member. And if not a member, consider signing up for future savings.

Also consider methods of payment which offer additional money-saving or point-collection benefits, such as credit cards or affiliated gift cards offering cashback or loyalty rewards.

Stretch Your Savings

Stretch the value of your festive and frugal feast by saving leftovers – no matter the quantity – and using them to make or enhance meals the days following. (For instance, combine leftover turkey, gravy and vegetables to create a turkey stew or turkey pot pie.)

Or freeze leftovers for use in future meals.

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