Have you ever been out of work for a week, a month, even longer? Do you wish you could buy foods ONLY when they are on sale and with coupons? Do you wish you had a stockpile of grains now that the prices are getting so high?
I have the answer for you and it is called food storage! Food storage to me is similar to an emergency fund and can be split into two components as well, short term food storage and long term food storage. There are financial benefits to both types of food storage.
Short Term Food Storage
Your short term food storage consists of getting a 3 month stockpile of foods that you eat on a day to day basis. Once you have this in place you can start to grocery shop from your food storage and only replenish those items when they go on sale and/or you have coupons. This will actually reduce your grocery budget as you will only buy things that are deeply discounted. But those few dollars a month will not mean as much to you as the food will if you have a short term emergency. For example, my husband took a pay cut for several months and we were able to spend less than HALF of our usual grocery budget for those months because we had stockpiled so much of our every day foods.
Long Term Food Storage
Your long term food storage consists of getting a year’s supply worth of life-sustaining foods that have a long shelf-life. You probably won’t be rotating through this food as much since it will be items such as wheat, white rice, dried beans, powdered milk, etc. But since the shelf life is so long you can gradually purchase the items when they are on sale and work up to a year’s supply. If you only have to replace some things after 10, 15, 20 years it will not be a huge damper on your monthly budget. If you get brave enough to start using your long term food storage items you can save some money in the short term.
Homemade bread is significantly cheaper than store-bought, especially if you grind your own wheat. Making other items from scratch such as muffins, pancakes, etc. can also save you money over buying packaged items. In times of economic trouble you can rely on your food storage for long periods of time while other people are begrudging the high prices of rice and wheat. Prices will most likely come down before you deplete your stores. And finally if a major disaster, economic melt-down, or other long-term emergency were to occur, you can feel confident that your family will be able to survive with basic food and water for quite some time.
By: Jodi Moore
Posts Tagged ‘Coupons’
Why Food Storage Should Be Part of Your Financial Plan
February 2nd, 2010Financial Planning – 5 Ways Of Not Overspending When On Vacation
December 30th, 2009
Most people look forward to vacations the entire year. It is a time of relaxation and of family bonding. Some families meet new places, some go to the same location every year, and some just stay home and rest. It does not really matter where the holiday takes place, but how much you spend on them. Following you will find some tips on how to enjoy your free time without spending more than you need to.
Savings: Key To An Unforgettable Trip
If you still have a good four or five months before departing, then this recommendation will fit you like a glove. If each month you put aside 10%-15% of your income and destine it solely to a vacation fund, then when the time to pay for that trip comes, you will have saved enough for the expenditure not to hit your finances so hard. Setting aside such a low monthly percentage will help you to save without you even noticing it. And what is more, you can apply this technique not only to trips, but to anything else you might want or need.
Coupons And Promotions: Your Best Friends
It will be a good idea for you to surf the web in search of any promotion that might help you to save a few bucks in your trip. If you usually travel by plane for business or something of the sort, you might have many frequent flier miles, which will be great if you are flying to your special destination. Otherwise, you will be able to contact tourist information and they will let you know if they offer any promotions on accommodation or transportation.
Budget: Keep Focused On It
Nowadays, many households make financial plans before leaving for holidays. They include the cost of the essentials, such as food, accommodation, transportation, etc, and try to make out how much money they will spend without going overboard. Now you and your family have your brand new budget and you are about to leave for your very much expected holidays, everything is perfect. Once you get to your destination, you have to stay focused on that little piece of paper on your pocket or daily planner. Most people tend to forget they ever made a budget and start spending like crazy, do not let this be your case. Concentration and motivation are essential.
Credit Cards And You: Learn To Go Separate Ways
Evidently, bringing your credit cards with you on your trip is a very accurate decision. In case of an emergency, credit cards can really come in handy. But it is advisable not to carry them around with you. If you leave the hotel, leave them there. Keep them somewhere safe, but not with you. Why, you might be wondering. To resist temptation. If you only have cash with you, the necessary amount for you and your family to dine out, or to go to that excursion you had in mind, you will not be able to spend it on unnecessary things. Otherwise, it will be very easy for you to get carried away and to pay everything with your plastic card.
Now you are ready to leave town and head toward your relaxation period. I hope you enjoy!
By: Hilary Bowman