Looking for tips for summer cookingon a budget?
Weve got some good news for summertime home chefs everywhere.
Last year, a group of 10 could expect to pay $67.73 for a summer cookout.
With this years projected increase, that cost could be around $70.
Can You Survive 10 Days of Budgeting?
If you oughta wrangle your budget, it may be time to consider a savings challenge.
You might even save some time and skip some stress too.
You just drop in your food, adjust your time and temperature and be on your way.
Theres very little clean-up.
Go All in on Freezer Meals
Want a juicy summer cooking on a budget tip?
Only use food that youve stored in the freezer.
Thats an incredibly easy way to prepare meals.
Make it a fun summer evening dinner and get the kids involved, too.
On the flip side, stock yourfreezer with mealsfor those long summer days when youd rather not cook.
Assign your friends the sides, desserts and drinks.
This will take the pressure off you and your budget to provide and pay for everything.
Youll likely be less stressed and better able to enjoy a beautiful summer evening with your friends.
Need a Hand With Bills?
Listen, we know its tough out there.
But theres no shame in asking for help.
These companiesmake it easy to help yourself and your bank account.
For grilling, thesemarinade recipesfrom The Pioneer Woman rely on cheap pantry staples.
Plus, time is money and youll save on that, too.
You may need to download the stores app to schedule the pickup.
Join Your Stores Loyalty Program
Its not 1988 anymore.
You dont have to load up a 5-pound album full of coupons to save money on groceries.
Almost every major store has some throw in of loyalty program you might access on its app.
Save money and a tree while youre at it!
Go Vegetarian (for One Night a Week)
Being an omnivore is expensive.
Those proteins arent cheap.
Know Your Dates
Not the dry fruit.
Were saying thatbest by or sell by datemight not mean what you think it means.
According to the USDA, best if used by dates indicate when the product is at peak quality.
Excluding baby formula, they are not an indication of safety.
If everything checks out, you might just save a buck.
Is Your Paycheck Not Going As Far As It Used To?
We get it.Everythingis more expensive than it used to be, but your paycheck hasnt kept up.
When money is tight,these resourceswill help nearly everyone.
Robert Bruce is a senior staff writer at The Penny Hoarder covering earning, saving and managing money.
He has written about personal finance for more than a decade.