This year is all about saving money every day while trying to increase your income potential. If you did one thing each day that could save as little as $5 over the course of a year, you could have an extra $1800 in your pocket at the end of the year. Not all of these tips may apply to you, so to keep it fair, not all of them will apply to me.

Today is one of those days that I’m so exhausted I can’t think past my nose. The last thing I want to do is cook dinner. Luckily, I don’t have to. When certain frozen or microwaveable meals are on sale, I stock up, with a night like this in mind. If I didn’t have these in our freezer, we’d be forced to go out to eat. The Red Baron French Bread Pizzas that I got for 4 for $10 will be substantially cheaper than the minimum $20 we spend at a restaurant, and is still better than a fast food run. Think how much you can save if your freezer keeps you out of a restaurant four times a year!

It can be even cheaper. When I make crockpot meals, I vacuum seal and freeze the leftovers. A quick defrost and we have a healthy homemade meal, courtesy of last month’s budget.

Items I recommend stocking (and sale prices I pay) are:

  • Pot Pies (Marie Callendar’s, Large, Target: $2.64)
  • Frozen Pizzas (Red Baron French Bread, Package of 2, Target: $2.5-3; Market Pantry Medium Pepperoni, Target: $2.99)
  • Pot Stickers (Panda Brand at Costco: $11.99 for Bulk Bag)
  • Eating Right Fajitas (Safeway: $5.99)
  • Bertolli Dinners For Two (Target: $5.99)
  • Green Giant Frozen Vegetables (Albertson’s or Target: $1-1.15)

Between sales and coupons, one could potentially live off of these frozen meals, but I wouldn’t recommend it. Eating fresher is always healthier.

After you stock the freezer, the inclination may still be to go out because “it takes time to cook.” Don’t make me smack you. It takes time to drive somewhere and have them cook it, too. Eat from what you have.

Now I’m off to defrost the Red Baron and some potato leek soup. I know it’s an odd combination, but I’m too tired to care. Thank goodness my husband is gracious!

365 Days of Saving Money: $555 Annually (Running Total)

Andi B.

Andi B.