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It seems that everyone, or at least many of us, are looking for ways to cut back on spending, while still trying to be able to enjoy life just as much. No one wants to feel like they are sacrificing. It can seem quite difficult, and perhaps even overwhelming, just to start. There is however, one thing in life that I truly believe beyond most other things:
To dream big, you have to start small.
Even financially. So why not start with the very next meal? Or the next coffee break?
I have been fortunate in that I never became accustomed to eating out on a regular basis, mostly because I didn't grow up that way. A typical meal might be pork tenderloin (it was on sale!) with a side of barley, and some broccoli. Breakfast was a hot 7-grain cereal (before it was popular, it was inexpensive); cold cereal was reserved for the weekend or a special treat. Mom sometimes used a can of soup, but it was stretched to flavour a casserole of leftovers. Nothing fancy, and definitely on the healthier side. Eating out was very rare, and nearly always with a half-off coupon.
When I moved away for post-secondary schooling, I started to eat out more often, even quite a bit, as living off of a rice-corn-milk diet was beginning to take it's toll on my taste buds, never mind my brain function! I also discovered brand-name coffee shops. They were so new, and so shiny, and heck, I even found that I liked coffee. Who knew? It was a once a week treat with a group of friends to celebrate the end of the school week, but I knew I still only had $100 a month to spend. I didn't have a credit card yet, and the hours of my classes didn't allow for part-time work. So I would just have to make it work, even when everyone around me wanted to go "clubbing", to the movies, go for lunch, go for ice cream, go shoe shopping, and on and on. I made it work. I learned there was nothing more that I actually needed.
Soon, I was living in an apartment instead of the dorm, and while I had a greater amount of money to spend each month, since it would have to cover food as well, it certainly didn't seem like there was any more money. I still ate potatoes and rice. But sometimes, I could buy some protein, lots of vegetables, and even some butter. Sometimes, I totally splurged and made cookies. From scratch though, because the next time I would make them, the cost per cookie would be less. I learned that I wasn't going to be able to support my weekly coffee habit, or growing ice cream habit quite as often as I would like. I did get a couple part-time jobs so I could do some traveling, and take more music lessons. But it was fine. I was busy studying and working anyways.
The thing is, that while I have graduated from more than nine years of post-secondary education (yes, nine years...), I have still learned that I have to live on what I've got, and no more. I can either spend less, like when I dropped my coffee and ice cream habits, or make more money for the things that I want. At the end of the day though, you realize that no matter how much more money you have, you just want bigger and seemingly better things to spend it on. New clothes, a car, a house, and on and on. So you never really actually have any more than before. Unless, you really take the time to think about where it all goes.
Sure, I've eaten in "fancy" restaurants. Yes, I've had my share of "designer" coffees. I've blown a couple hundred bucks in a wine store. I even own some fancy clothes.
But, the reality is, that I've saved for these things, and cut back on others.
Perhaps some of it is a mindset. Sometimes, I even look at the things I don't do, so that I CAN do the things I really want to do, like maybe splurge on a meal at a restaurant that I really enjoy. It makes for a special occasion, versus just eating mindlessly.
Here's a few tidbits of my philosophy on cooking and eating at home, most of the time:
-I don't eat fast-food. Not because I don't like it (although, I don't), but because it is actually quite expensive. If I really need to eat while I'm out, I'd rather get a glass of water and a sandwich or a pastry at a cafe, but mostly, because it tastes better and the price is often... LESS than many fast food joints (most people don't JUST get the $1.49 hamburger and nothing else... but tend to purchase multiple items).
-I tend to consume alcohol at home. No tips, no cover charges. Bonus - no cab fare, and no designated driver.
-I don't eat a lot of meat. To the point where, people even ask if I'm a vegetarian! No, but have you ever added up the portion of a grocery bill that is meat, dairy, sugar, and fat? Those are the most expensive items.
-I eat less expensive cuts of meat. They have fat (which is a good thing!), which equals a tonne of flavour. Even a little bit of really good bacon can also go a long way. I have to be more creative in the kitchen, and sometimes more patient, but it's worth it for the palate, and easier on the wallet too.
-I cook from scratch, versus buying prepared, or even semi-prepared food. Just the other night, my husband thought he'd surprise me with a container of some pretty expensive ice cream. Unfortunately, it was freezer burnt, and had a chalky texture. I guess that's why it was on sale... No more "bought" ice cream for us. Same thing with cakes, cookies, crackers, granola, granola bars, breads, and pizza. Besides, these things aren't necessities. They are treats.
-I don't get coffee in to-go cups. At least, certainly not daily, hardly weekly, but perhaps monthly. Not because of the environmental implications of the cup per se, but because a coffee out of the house is a treat. It isn't a necessity. I do enjoy coffee at home occasionally (I prefer tea), but when I do go out for a "high-end" coffee, it's usually because I plan to enjoy the social interaction with a friend I'm meeting. Enjoying a treat like an expensive coffee, is just a bonus. I save on the fuel, waiting at the drive-thru, and on the inevitable up-sizing over time, and being tempted to add dessert.
-I drink tap water. I've never liked sodas, even as a kid.
-I bring my own lunch. Although, I'm on currently on maternity leave, and as a teacher, there is no time to leave for lunch, so the option isn't even there. But, I can often eat lunch for less than $2.00 a lunch, including fruits and vegetables. And I'm stuffed.
-I try not to waste. I save scraps of this and that, and stash it in the freezer if I don't really need it yet. If I bought too much spinach to use before I can eat it all, then I turn it into pesto and freeze it. Alternatively, I lightly steam it, puree it, and add it to chocolate cake.
-I often entertain at home. For the $30-plus dollars that brunch, or at least $50-plus for dinner at a restaurant, we can have friends over, and eat exceptionally well. Instead of a glass of wine, we can enjoy a bottle, and perhaps have leftover food, or at least ingredients, for another meal as well.
-I keep the freezer stocked with ready-made meals. Sometimes I make meals in gigantic batches. You'd find some chili, soups (usually with beans), sweet-potato shepherd's pie, and other ingredients that can make a quick meal, like some chopped bacon or leftover chopped onions, or potatoes. Eggs, even the most expensive eggs, are still a good budget meal that takes just a smidgen of time to prepare.
-I borrow cookbooks from the library. Cookbooks are a great investment, but expensive nonetheless. I use the public library religiously; we're talking twenty-five to fifty items at time.... I can even get dvd's of some of my favourite cooking shows.
I'll admit that I'm not perfect. I do buy some expensive ingredients occasionally. Mostly, to keep me inspired, and perhaps in place of a meal out of the house. Certainly more expensive than beans and rice, but even $50 (a lot of money!), can help to make many delicious meals at home. Alternatively, this could be one meal out, that I have now saved to cook many restaurant-quality meals at home. Depends on your point of view. And again, this is a splurge, but a calculated one that works out to be a good value for me.
Ultimately, cooking and eating at home, is not just about being budget conscious. It's healthful and nourishing, but absolutely one of the best ways for family and friends to come together and connect, and that, is priceless.
Do you cook at home? Do you have great memories of fabulous, but budget-friendly meals? Let me know!
The Pink Peppercorn is a photo-heavy food blog, along with recipes and reviews. Of course, there is always a heavy dose of everything chocolate related, just for good measure. Please join in the fun on Twitter!
This is a wonderful, insightful and well written post. This writer should have a TV show right between “Till debt do us part” and “The naked Chef” …for starters I will definitely be reevaluating the amount that I spend on designer java! THANKS
Thanks Heidi, but I don’t plan on being naked anytime soon…haha. In all honesty though, Jamie Oliver has got it nailed, cooking food at home, even with the most expensive ingredients is nearly infinitely less than eating out with the same ingredients. Don’t forget there’s leftovers, and leftover ingredients too!
The Pink Peppercorn blog is a treat to read! There are candid comments and wonderful ideas for improving your own meals and the pictures are fabulous! Love it !!
So glad you enjoy the photos, I am always trying to make simple food look as inspiring as I can. I truly believe that everyone can eat well, and doesn’t need to spend a lot either.
This is a great post! I’ve had the pleasure of dining Chez The Pink Peppercorn and I can tell you first hand that her food is amazing! What’s even more fantastic is that she eats so well, but is able to do it on a budget. These are all great tips that I will start using myself, thanks TPP!
Wow, thanks Eve! Do let me know which tips you like the best, and are able to use. I’d love to hear other tips that you have as well! There are so many ways to keep our finances in check, but I don’t think we should feel we are being completely deprived either. It’s definitely a balancing act.
Great article. You really inspire me to make room in my freezer and start cooking ahead and bagging food and putting them in the freezer. Really enjoy your blog and love your ideas!
Hi Laara! Making food in large batches and freezing some really helps me out for when I’m feeling extra lazy. It saves me a lot of time too! It would also be great to hear about the foods you find freeze well for you, I’m always looking for new ideas too.
This is great! Do you have a TV show yet? You should.
Well gee Bob, I’m blushing! So glad you enjoyed the article, and thank you for the comment.
Excellent article! Everyone should read this!
Glad you think so Dave; I hope you can find some tips you can use yourself!
Great article as we have come to expect from this blogger. Life is full of decisions,
choosing between what we need to survive and the things that we want or make us feel good. I agree with the point being made that smart decisions on the must to have can allow us to enjoy some of the finer things. A definite a balancing act. Lot’s of people can learn a lot from this post.
Bob, yes, there are always decisions to be made. Some of these decisions are financially big ones (purchasing a home, or a car), and some of these decisions seem small by comparison (just buying a bag of cookies). But the small decisions can really add up just as much.
Great article! You should have a podcast so I could take you with me in my car everywhere I go…hmmm…that sounds strange…you should have an iPad and Android app – Cookin’ and Savin’ with Gail! Sign me up for that one!
Dave, that is quite funny, it would be weird to go with you everywhere you go! But hopefully some of the ideas in the article can stick with you. Keep us posted!
A penny saved is a penny earned — Benjamin Franklin
Who says that being frugal has to mean you live a poor lifestyle?
I love the sound philosophy. We can all live pretty nice lifestyles, eat healthy, and be frugal at the same time.
Now if I could just hire you as my personal chef … I never have time to cook!
Anthony, that is indeed a great quote. Sums it up right there! It is also about prioritizing what is truly important and making sure we stick with our goals, whatever they may be.
Great tips from the Pink Peppercorn. Great coffee can be made at home for 1/10 of the cost of grabbing coffee at a specialty coffee shop…I prefer my own coffee anyhow. A good friend of mine once commented how amazing it was that North Americans will spend so much money on our homes but then spend so little time actually living in them, preferring to work obsessively, and to eat out. Too true.
Kirst, that is interesting that your friend made the same comment, I couldn’t agree more! Home is where the heart is!
Gail, you win for promoting cheap cuts of meat. Let’s get a’braising people!
I love to braise! There’s just so much more flavour, and an extra fantastic way to incorporate budget-friendly root vegetables too.
Really smart Gail, I’m right with you! I cook almost everything from scratch at home too…but I’m struggling with this issue. My challenge is taking food with me to work, which is tough because what I take to work I have to carry with me on foot, and on the subway (NY living…) It’s difficult to find a) time to prepare lunch AND dinner ahead of time with a toddler, and b) space to put the two meals, plus a snack – because I almost ALWAYS need one between – in my bag! I’m inspired to try harder to pack ahead – I bet in this city if I’m diligent about this I’ll save enough to buy a new car in a couple of years, lol!
Keep writing – you’re really good!
xo Sarah.
Sarah, it sounds like you’ve got a great start just by thinking about it how to get everything organized, AND have it survive the trip. It would take up a little more room of your valuable space, but perhaps a slow-cooker could help on occasion. Not all the recipes turn out the greatest the first time, but if you keep trying, I’m sure you can find at least a couple that your family will like. It just might give you a bit of a break when you need it most!
Gail. This article rocks. You have hit so many important points right on the nose. I truly hope that it changes peoples views on spending/saving money and food.
Cynthia, I would be thrilled if even just one person thought of one way they could eat perhaps a little healthier and keep a little extra change for something they have been postponing – whether that is saving for retirement, or trying to pay down debt. We all have to start somewhere right?
My son’s favorite meal is when I make seared Salmon on a bed of lentils. He thinks it’s the best ever. We got to talking about how much the meal would cost in a restaurant vs. cooking at home – he was surprised to hear that it would cost about three times as much in a restaurant, and that’s on top of the fact that the lentils, celery and carrots were organic. Now when we go out he says, “How much could we save making it at home.”
Salmon with lentils is one of my all-time favourite meals! It definitely is also interesting that many of the healthiest foods seem to be the least expensive ones to prepare at home too. What a great lesson for your son to understand!
Gail, keep up the wonderful work. I’ve always loved your blog. You remind me very much of myself, when I was your age.
I cook everything from scratch, as I have in my younger years. It just tastes better and I know what I put in my food.
I make my own coffee at home..delicous. I have two cups in the morning and that’s it for the day. Coffee tastes awful in restaurants. I’m not one to walk around with plastic cup of coffee in my hand. It just looks silly!
All the best to you!
If only I could be so lucky as to keep the same positive outlook you have Ingeborg!
Awesome post! I know we eat better and save money when we cook at home too. And I love that you focus on the way it brings people together.
Thanks Kathryn, I figure that we all have to eat anyways, so we may as well enjoy it, and why not show our loved ones a little bit of love every time they need to eat too?
Great ideas Gail! Perhaps you can help us out (in your free time) teaching customers ‘how’ to make a sauce from scratch rather than seeking out that perfect pasta sauce…in a jar.
I hear you. Sometimes it is nice to try something different, just to keep from complete monotony, and it is possible to stretch out a really good jar of sauce with understandable ingredients (READ – easily pronounceable ingredients with no sugar!), but it can be as easy as extra virgin olive oil, garlic/onion, and some sort of tomato ingredient (plum, crushed, chunks, fresh tomatoes, anything!). Maybe add a dash of something else a spice, or a handful of beans or herbs. Or some bacon, or ground meat is nice too. But it doesn’t have to always happen.
Sometimes it is a real luxury to make a sauce that needs to cook for 4-6 or 12 hours, but it’s not always as possible as we’d all like. Keeping it simple with just 3-4 ingredients might not be the best sauce ever, but at least it gets food on the table. It doesn’t cost a lot, and it’s quick. Not the healthiest thing ever, but there’s much, much worse.
Awesome blog Gail, have been a fan for a while, good luck! Nicole