12 tricks to save money on groceries, from a woman who wiped out almost $24,000 in debt

Anna Newell Jones

In 2009, Anna Newell Jones of And Then We Saved was over $23,000 in debt. 

Instead of just cutting back her spending, she decided to stop spending as much as possible on things she didn't truly need, a pattern that she turned into her trademarked Spending Fast. 

The trickiest areas to cut back, she found, tended to be groceries and clothing.

"Realizing that groceries were one of the few precious Needs-Only items I allowed myself to spend money on, I wanted to stretch every penny and shop as smartly as possible," writes Newell Jones in her upcoming book, "The Spender's Guide to Debt-Free Living."

Below, find 12 tricks Newell Jones shares in her book to save money on groceries:

freezelight/Flickr (CC)

Pick food that is nonperishable or freezes well to avoid 'empty pantry syndrome'

"Empty pantry syndrome" occurs when you have no staples at hand, so you resort to calling your local takeout joint, writes Newell Jones.

To avoid "empty pantry syndrome," stock up on canned goods, nuts, rice, flour, peanut butter, oats, beans, noodles, and the like. These foods last, and you'll be able to make a number of dishes with them. 

Via Flickr

Perfect a few go-to recipes 

Keep them simple and delicious, and make a lot of them. Freeze or package leftovers in single-serve containers for the next day's lunch so you don't come across "empty pantry syndrome" or Newell Jones' other ailment: "I was running late so I couldn't pack my lunch disease." 

If you're looking for affordable, delicious recipes, try Leanne Brown's free book, "Good and Cheap: Eat Well on $4 a Day."

Flickr/ Sam Horwitz

Do the 'fake out'

Buy your name-brand coffee, cereal, or whatever the first time — but follow up with the generic version on your next trip. You probably won't be able to tell the difference, writes Newell Jones. 

 

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