It doesn't take a math wizard to know single-serve packages are pricey. But heeding the ins and outs of bulk buying is important if you want to net the most savings.Big warehouse clubs, food co-ops, natural food stores, and even regular supermarkets sell bulk quantities of food. The key to figuring out whether or not the savings is significant depends on several factors. Here are four things to keep in mind:
1. Frequency of use It's no big deal to buy paper towels, paper plates, or toilet paper in bulk since these items last forever and will eventually be used. 2. Cost per ounce Sometimes shelf tags underneath a food item break down the cost per ounce for different-sized packages of an item so it's easy to compare cost. 3. The "sale" factor Supermarkets and discount merchants run weekly specials on fruit, meat, or even laundry detergent. 4. Membership dues Most warehouse clubs charge $40-$50 annual membership fees, so the savings disappear if you shop there infrequently.
More tips for the bulk-minded:It doesn't take a math wizard to know single-serve packages are pricey. But heeding the ins and outs of bulk buying is important if you want to net the most savings.
Start your own bulk co-op with friends, family, or church groups. Buy 50 pound bags or rice, beans, flour, and oats and divvy them up between the group.
Steer clear of single serve packages since price tags can be double or triple the usual cost. Instead, buy yogurt, pudding or chips in bulk and repackage them yourself.
Buy steaks, hamburger, chicken, and pork chops in bulk packages and rewrap and freeze for future use.
Purchase large blocks of cheese and grate yourself with a food processor. Repackage inusable quantities and freeze.
Consider cooking in bulk; this way you can freeze leftovers for future meals. For example, if a big package of hamburger is on sale, cook triple the usual chili recipe and divide leftovers and freeze. See our Freezing Foods article for more ideas.
I am glad that we are doing this thing at church where we can save money by buying in bulk. Also it helps prepare for a disaster or emergency. If you are like me who buys in bulk, better try the ideas here I have found at AllRecipes.com. You can also find more money saving tips in their website.
While my son and I were putting his puzzle together, some of the pieces fell down on the floor. I asked him to pick them up for me so we can continue putting the pieces into places. And so he did do what I told him; it was funny becuase he said "yes your majesty". I did't know where he learned that, but it's kind of cute hearig it from a four year old boy, not to mention from my own son. I always like it when I hear a child calls they parents "father and mother" instead of Mommy and Daddy. I like it. I just wished I started telling my son to call me that way when he was still young; I mean when he was still learning to talk. Now if I ask him now to call us father and mother it will confuse him because he is already used on calling us Mommy and Daddy.
