Utilizing Your Freezer to Save $ on Groceries

In the ongoing challenge of trying to save money on their families’ grocery bills, many people overlook a huge asset they already have-their freezer. Whether you simply have a freezer that is connected to your fridge or a stand-alone freezer, you can use this valuable tool to help you save significant money on your grocery bill. A freezer can allow you to take advantage of the seasons and most importantly the deals you can find in your local grocery store and even farmer’s market. Just remember to attach an inventory to the front of your freezer and rotate your items. Here is what you need to know about utilizing your freezer to save money on groceries-

· A freezer allows you to buy items in bulk when they are on sale. Every grocery store has a rotation of items especially in the meat and frozen food departments. Learn when the rotation happens at your grocery store and you can score big bargains on frozen items. If you use a certain kind of frozen vegetable or your family loves a frozen entrée simply watch for the sale and buy big when it happens. In addition many meat counters rotate the sale prices on meat and seafood items. Best of all if you buy at the meat counter most stores will freezer wrap your meat or seafood for free. Knowing that you can simply go home and pack the item in your freezer can give your wallet big satisfaction.

· Do not overlook the fresh produce. If you live someplace that gives you access to seasonal produce you can use your freezer to enjoy some items and save money all year long. The big benefit to your wallet is this-seasonal produce is usually cheaper and better-tasting. Whether you are buying strawberries in spring from your local grocery store or corn in August from a local farm stand you can use your freezer to score big and save you money. Most produce requires little processing before simply being put in freezer bags or containers and frozen. A quick search online can give you the specifics for whatever produce you are wanting to freeze. And best of all just think about how happy your family will be to have strawberry shortcake or corn on the cob in the middle of winter when these items sell at a premium in the grocery store.

· Specialty items can be bought off-season and frozen. When the holidays approach many shoppers are worried about the extra strain on their wallet yet premium specialty items like: turkeys, gourmet bread, pre-made canapés etc. can be bought slightly off-season for a bargain. Once you have the items you can simply place them in your freezer and have them ready for the next upcoming holiday. Many of these items begin showing up in stores right before Thanksgiving and will go on sale right after. Savvy shoppers will stock up on these specialty goods that freeze well and be extra prepared for the upcoming holiday season all the while saving money on their grocery bill.

· Do not overlook the dairy department. Many families feel a huge strain on their grocery bill through the milk and cheese their families consume. The good news is that these items can be frozen. Home economics experts recommend pouring out 1 cup of milk from a gallon jug, replacing the cap tightly and simply placing the milk in the freezer. This allows the milk to freeze without worry that it will expand. You can simply pull the milk out and place in your refrigerator when you are ready to drink it. Cheese should be grated and placed in freezer bags or containers before being frozen. Being able to buy these items in bulk when they are on sale and freeze them can save your grocery bill significantly.