How To Save Money On Food And Clothing Expenses

By: Dawne Prochilo

Break Studios Contributing Writer

When learning how to save money on food and clothing, you need to remember to start at home.

Make an extra amount from last night's dinner. If the dinner menu is a hamburger and pasta meal, throw in an extra handful or two of pasta. Keep the meat amount the same. The pasta is the filler in any meal and much cheaper than hamburger. Then you'll have at least one, or even two, extra meals for lunch the next day at work. Saving the pocketbook a minimum of four dollars each lunch time you bring from home. This is an easy way to save money on food.
Start a garden. For the cost of under twenty dollars, you can have a well stocked garden offering food year round versus spending twenty dollars per week to stock you refrigerator with fruits and vegetables. An average savings for the entire year is astronomical.
Learn to can what was grown in the garden you started. For the cost of a few dozen canning jars, lids, seals, spices and a beginner's cookbook, you can save yourself approximately $100 per year depending if you make stewed tomatoes, pickles or spaghetti sauce.
Shop at resale, consignment and charity run stores. Most have new and gently used items for a fraction of the cost. Some stores leave the price tags on the brand new clothing items. Buying four pair of denim jeans for a teenager at one of these stores can save you on average of $65. Some consignment stores let you donate clothing and use the money raised towards your own purchases, This is a win-win situation when learning how to save money on clothing.
Trade and exchange you children's, or your own, clothing with others looking to save money. Have a clothing party where all attendees bring newer and gently used clothing to exchange with others. You clean out your closets and in return get new outfits for people in your household.
Take lessons and learn to sew. Contact your local 4-H program, intermediate school district or look at the bulletin boards in local craft and fabric stores. All of these locations can direct you to sewing classes or offer the classes. Sewing your own clothing is an easy way to save money on clothing.