How to Live Below Your Means to Achieve Your Financial Goals
The concept of living below your means sounds easy enough. In reality, it can actually be quite difficult! Especially with the rising cost of living.
A quick definition: To live below your means, you must not spend more money than you earn.
But maybe you are struggling to make ends meet.
Never mind saving money each month.
That doesn't stop you from having financial goals though. They're still at the forefront of your mind. You just don't know how to achieve them. That can feel pretty discouraging.
Today, I'm here to add hope to your financial future. Your current situation doesn't have to be your situation forever. Life situations always change!
Before we get started on how you can achieve your financial goals, I've got a couple important things to touch on. It can be beneficial to pin point exactly why you are struggling.
There are various reasons why you may be having troubles living below your means:
You were never taught how to manage money (It's never too late to learn!)
Lifestyle inflation (Your expenses increase along with any increase to your income)
Everyday expenses are rising (inflation)
You want instant gratification (training yourself to have to cash first before a purchase can feel just as satisfying.)
The truth of the matter is, most of us simply don't have enough money to purchase everything we want, as soon as we want it. Self-discipline and planning are key in creating good spending habits.
If you want to achieve your financial goals, living below your means will help you immensely. Here are some strategies to help you achieve success.
1) Set realistic financial goals
When you set realistic and achievable financial goals, you are more likely to stay motivated and self-disciplined. Here are some examples of realistic financial goals you can set:
I will save up $500 in my savings account in the next 12 months.
In the next 12 months, I will pay off $600 in debt.
Inthe next 12 months, I will only spend $400 on clothes and shoes.
The goals in the examples above have a time limit set on them and are specific in nature. The amounts are achievable.
The best thing to do is to focus on only 1 or 2 financial goals at a time to ensure your success.
After you set the goals, set an action plan that specifically says how you are going to accomplish those financial goals. For example, if you focus on the "I will save up $500 in my savings account in the next 12 months" goal, you can set the following specific action plans:
Cancel $10 Disney+ subscription for the next 12 months. (Savings: $120)
I will save $12.50 from each paycheck for the next 12 months. (Savings: $300)
Save $80 on clothing expenses for 1 year by buying items second hand. (Savings: $80) Total Savings: $500
Once you've set your action plan, review your goals and action plans often enough to make sure you are staying on track. Once you see the progress you are making, you may find yourself extra encouraged to keep going!
2) Create a budget.
Living below your means requires you to build self-discipline with spending. To be disciplined with money, you must be organized with your earnings and spending.
A budget is the way to track how much money is coming in and how much money is going out each week, biweekly, or monthly.
You don't need anything fancy to get started with a budget. I have a free monthly budget form you can get that will be a helpful starting point.
Or if you want to go all in with creating a budget, my $9 Budget Planner is a great, easy way to track all aspects of your finances.
A budget is not a set and forget thing though. Be diligent about checking in with your budget at least once a week to make sure you are on track with your spending.
Side note: A budget often takes away the feeling of guilt when you spend money on a wanted item because you know it can fit within the budget.
3) Practice delayed gratification.
Currently, I'm saving up for a Fitbit. Not because I need one, but because I want one. I have been selling some of our unwanted items and saving some cash I earn from Simply Frugal.
This is where self-discipline comes in handy again in regards to your spending habits. Save cash for the unnecessary, but enjoyable things you want to get.
Let's say you want to get:
A new smart watch
A new tennis racket
A new kitchen faucet
New furniture for the living room
These are not essentials, but things you want to have to make life a little better! If you are on a tight budget, it's important that you save before you buy. Don't make that purchase until you have enough saved to make the purchase. Delayed gratification can feel amazing, especially since you don't have to worry about paying off the item(s) you purchased!
These purchases can also become one of your financial goals. So set the goal with a time frame and create the action plan on how you are going to achieve your goal like I outlined in strategy number one above.
4) Put money aside for emergencies.
Without having money put aside for emergencies, and replenishing it after use, you are risking the chance of racking up some debt. In other words, you may have to borrow money in order to be able to afford the unexpected expense.
Have money put aside for emergencies by saving enough to cover things like:
Repairs on a often used appliance
Replacement of a hot water tank
Replacement of a computer
You can decide how much is right to have set aside. I suggest at least $500, but $1000 or $2000 are even better. Once you set an amount, you can start the saving process by setting your goal and action plan.
Having an emergency fund in place will help you to live within your means because you will not spend unbudgeted money when an unexpected need arises.
In conclusion, it takes consistency, self-discipline and organization to achieve your financial goals. The more you practice, the easier it will be to developstrong spending and saving habits. Living within your means will help you:
Save more
Ride the waves of inflation better
Feel less stress
Have more financial security
Be financially content
And more
The strategies in this article will help you to live within your means and achieve your financial goals.
It can be difficult keeping kids busy while you shop the aisles of the grocery store. After all, there is so much to look at and both you and your child can become easily overwhelmed.
Luckily, there are ways to keep kids occupied while you shop. A grocery store scavenger hunt is a great way to keep kids busy while you check off your own shopping list.
Now, let’s look at 40 items your kids can keep an eye out for at your local grocery store. How many of these items do you think they can spot and check off?
You can print off this list for easy reference and checking. Or, print the items off, cut them into strips, and let the kids pull a strip out of an envelope as you shop. They can then look for each item as they pull it. There's no need to look for all 40 items each time you shop.
Grocery Store Scavenger Hunt
1. A shopping basket 2. A bunch of bananas 3. Produce bags and ties 4. A produce scale 5. Fresh herbs 6. Roses in a color other than red 7. Jelly in a flavor other than strawberry or grape 8. Sprinkle donuts 9. Someone shopping with a list 10. A squeaky shopping cart 11. A delivery man 12. Strawberry milk 13. Cereal with a cartoon character on the box 14. Potato chips in a red bag 15. A box of jello with fruit on it 16. A meat butcher 17. A bakery employee 18. Paper coupons 19. Cheese that isn’t orange 20. A bottle of root beer 21. A patron shopping with a baby 22. Baby diapers with a baby on the package 23. Sale signs 24. Produce sprinklers 25. Price tags 26. Clearance stickers 27. Rentable Rug cleaners 28. Bulk candy bins 29. Dog treats with a dog on the package 30. Fresh fish 31. Balloons 32. Nail polish 33. A fruit that is green. 34. A vegetable that is red. 35. Any kind of pie 36. Magazines 37. A receipt 38. Shopping bags 39. Cashiers 40. Baggers
Are you ready to get hunting? Print off the Grocery store scavenger hunt printable and start searching for these 40 items in your grocery store. See how much fun the kids can have hunting these items down!
Have you ever wondered if you can freeze particular foods? Like, can you freeze cheese? Can you freeze milk? What about spinach? If you've ever asked yourself or googled these questions, this post is for you! It's a huge list of all the foods you can freeze.
With the cost of groceries these days, it is so important to use everything you bought. Being wasteful and throwing out food that has gone bad, is not ideal, obviously.
That's why I love my freezer! I use my freezer often to freeze items that are about to go bad. Or to stock up when my store has a crazy good deal on something that my family loves.
How to use your freezer to save money:
Buy in bulk: As I mentioned above, I like to stock up on good deals. I buy as much as my budget will allow. But sometimes, I know I won't be able to use all of it before it goes bad. So into the freezer it goes for another day!
Use it for freezer meals: This is also a time saver! I like to double recipes so I can freeze the second meal. I often do this with pasta sauce, pulled pork/chicken and taco meat as well.
Store convenience meals: Not the most healthful option, but I like to always have frozen pizzas, chicken nuggets, frozen appetizers and premade meals in the freezer. This has saved us so many times from getting expensive take out!
As you can see, there are many benefits to owning a freezer.
But let's get on with the good part. Which foods can you freeze that will still taste great once they thaw? Let's take a look!
Can You Freeze Dairy?
You sure can! Dairy products are some of the foods you can freeze! But one thing to remember, is that the texture is most likely to change after being frozen. So frozen dairy products are best to be used by cooking or mixing into something else.
Cheese - Shredded or sliced cheese are best for meal prep. You can freeze a whole block of cheese, but it's hard to use once it thaws because it just crumbles. (so shredding or slicing before freezing is a smart idea!)
Butter - Butter is something that I always stock up on when it's on sale. It freezes great and ensures I always have some on hand for baking or cooking!
Yogurt - Yogurt tubes freeze well and are a different alternative to popsicles! I have found yogurt from containers work well in smoothies, not as a stand alone snack.
Cream cheese - The consistency might change on this one. Thaw it slow in the fridge or use it in casseroles that you will be putting in the freezer. I like to use it in my freezer mashed potatoes.
Sour cream - Again, the consistency would change, but it's great in casseroles like freezer mashed potatoes!
Milk - You sure can freeze milk! Freeze it right in the jug, or put it into ice cube trays or measure it into increments for your most used recipes. If you freeze it in the jug, unthaw it in the fridge and shake often.
Cream - You can freeze and unthaw cream the same way you would with milk.
Can you freeze produce?
This might be an obvious one, but there are some produce items that aren't so obvious!
Berries - Raspberries, strawberries, blueberries, blackberries and cranberries all freeze well for smoothies or for sauces.
Bananas - No matter how you freeze bananas, they are so good for smoothies and banana bread or banana muffins!
Fruit - Cherries, sliced peaches, watermelon, cantaloupe, grapes, and even sliced lemons and limes freeze well. Make sure to freeze them on a baking sheet in a single layer and then add them to a freezer bag so they don't all freeze together in a big clump!
Avocados - You can freeze ripe avocados! Freeze them whole, halved, diced, sliced and even mashed (guacamole). This is amazing because they can be so expensive!
Vegetables - Peas, onions, peppers, shredded zucchini, squash and mashed pumpkin all freeze well in freezer bags. Vegetables like asparagus, green/yellow beans, broccoli, cauliflower, brussels sprouts, corn and carrots freeze well after a little blanching.
Spinach - Since spinach can get slimy fast, it's great to know you can put some in a bag and freeze it! Now, it won't be good to use in a fresh salad, but in a smoothie, lasagna, or casserole...yum!
Can you freeze meats and poultry?
Of course, after you find a good deal in the meat department, you probably go home and freeze most of what you stocked up on, right? This is another no brainer, but with some sneaky protein sources thrown in.
Beef - I like to freeze uncooked steaks, roasts and ground beef in freezer bags. A vacuum sealer would be ideal if it's in the budget! Sometimes, I'll make up a batch up meatballs and cook them part way, then throw them in the freezer.
Chicken - Freeze chicken uncooked or cooked. Pre-cooked rotisserie chicken is also excellent for freezing after you debone and shred it up.
Pork - I usually buy pork in a club size pack so by freezing it into smaller portions, I can get a few meals out of one pack.
Lunch Meat - I'm not sure how the deli meat from the deli counter would freeze, but I know that the lunch meat that you purchase in the packages freeze well. Pull them out a day or two before you need them so they can thaw in the fridge.
Hot dogs/smokies/sausage - I almost always throw these in the freezer right away because they aren't eaten on a regular basis here. I take them out on an as needed basis.
Eggs - Yes! You can freeze eggs! I have frozen scrambled eggs in breakfast sandwiches, breakfast burritos and egg muffins with success.
Fish/seafood - This is another thing that a vacuum sealer would be great for!
Cooked beans/lentils - If you make a big batch, freezing extras can be such a time saver for another day!
Be sure to always freeze in meal-sized portions so you don't thaw too much and have to worry about using it up before it goes bad!
Can you freeze baked goods?
I'm a huge fan of freezing baked goods! Nothing like pulling out some cookies to serve impromptu guests!
Cookies - After baking, allow them to cool completely, then place them in a freezer bag to pull out as needed!
Muffins/cupcakes - Again, once cooled, I like to wrap these individually in plastic wrap, them add them to a freezer bag.
Granola bars - This reminded me that I used to make these delicious homemade granola bars that I would take to work! I would cut them up, then wrap them individually in plastic wrap, put them in a freezer bag and pull one out every day.
Bread - Either store bought or homemade, throw them in the freezer. For homemade bread, I would wrap really well in tin foil then place in a freezer bag.
Tortillas - I buy mini tortillas from Superstore and they go straight into the freezer for taco night. You could also prep from burritos or quesadillas for lunches.
Bagels - Because we like bagels but don't eat them often, I keep a bag in the freezer so we can pull one out to toast.
Pancakes/waffles/French toast - I always make these from scratch and the leftovers always go in a freezer bag so I can pull them out and heat them up in the toaster for easy breakfasts.
Other things you can freeze
Flours - I often freeze flours especially when I buy a big bag on sale. When we were exploring food sensitivities with one of my daughters, I always put the specialty flours in the freezer because they can be expensive and I didn't want them to spoil!
Nuts - whole or chopped, nuts freeze well.
Poppy seeds - I use poppy seeds for one recipe, Raspberry Poppyseed Dressing, so when I buy a bag, it goes into the freezer.
Flax/chia seeds - Freeze these right in their bag. Once opened, add the original bag to a freezer bag for added protection.
Herbs - If you have a garden, then I'm sure you have an abundance of herbs. Freezing them can be a great way to preserve them.
Soups - Freeze soups in mason jars or freezer bags. Soups with potatoes will most likely change consistency. (the potatoes get grainy.)
Sauces - Like soups, freeze sauces in mason jars or freezer bags.
Eating healthy is already a difficult challenge for most people, but to do so while prices are constantly on the rise, can seem completely impossible.
Fortunately, that isn’t the case.
Today, I've got several simple tips that can help your family eat better and save money at the same time. Check out these tips on eating healthy on a budget:
Plan Out Your Meals
Planning out your meals for the week is an excellent way to save your family money. It’s also a great way to limit the amount you get take out.
Before you plan your meals, take a quick scan of your pantry/fridge/freezer to see if there are any meals you know you can make with what you already have.
To fill in any gaps take a look in the grocery store flyers to see what is on sale. Choose some meals using sale ingredients.
Planning meals this way will save you big bucks and you'll be eating healthy on a budget in no time.
If you’re wanting to get the most groceries for your dollar, try out the 14-day free trial of $5 Meal Plan! If you decide to continue after your trial period, for just $5 a month, they will send you a delicious meal plan where every meal will cost about $2 per person, and in most cases less.
Stick to Your Grocery List
After you’ve planned out your meals and made a list of everything that you need, it’s time to go shopping.
But don’t stray from the list!
Impulse buys are the number one reason why my grocery bill is often higher than I expect.
Be encouraged to download a shopping app or list app to your phone so you can write your shopping list there. I like the Flipp app for this. Since you most likely have your phone with you at all times, you'll have your grocery list at all times too!
I have also found great success in eliminating impulse buys, by using the grocery pickup services offered by most grocery stores these days!
Avoid Shopping While Hungry
Have you ever made the mistake of taking a trip to the grocery store on an empty stomach?
If you have, you may have noticed that you not only spent a lot more money than usual, but that you also purchased more processed foods that were of very little nutritional value.
So if you’re trying to eat healthy on a budget, don’t make the mistake of shopping while you're hungry.
Stock Up on Sale Items
As I mentioned earlier, one of the best things that you can do for your budget is to shop sale items. If you have a little bit of wriggle room in your budget stock up on as many as you can if you know your family will eat it in a timely fashion.
While you’ll be spending more upfront, this keeps you from paying full price on these items later on when you need them.
Shop More for Whole Foods
The perimeter of any grocery store is where you will find the majority of whole foods. Which is what you need to be eating more of when you’re trying to eat healthy.
But I’m not going to lie to you.
These food items are typically more expensive than what you will find in the center aisles.
However, if you make a habit of filling up your grocery cart with more whole foods, you'll discover that there's less need for the more processed, more expensive ingredients of the center aisles.
Skip Out on Processed Foods
When you’re eating healthy on a budget, your grocery store’s center aisles are where you need to be extra cautious.
Why? Because that’s where all your favorite snacks and processed foods are!
Not only do these food items contain hardly any nutritional value, they aren't very filling. You'll find yourself eating more than you should and spending more money than if you made it from scratch.
The less money you spend on these items, the more you can put towards healthier foods that also may not be very cheap.
But if you have to buy certain processed foods (Off the top of my head: pasta sauce, crackers, canned vegetables), try to purchase what's on sale.
Buy in Bulk
Shopping for certain items in bulk can save your family a huge chunk of money. This includes staple foods like rice, beans, oats, and pasta, all of which can be used to make a nutritious meal for your family.
Dried fruits and nuts are great snack items that can also be purchased in bulk. These keep well in the freezer if you won't get through them before they go off.
Buy Generic
When you’re on a tight budget, buying generic brand foods can be a smart way to shop. Most grocery stores sell them alongside the national leading brands. But what may be surprising to you is that many of them are of the same quality as your favorite brands, only cheaper!
Just remember to pay attention to the ingredient list and compare it to the leading brands so that you don’t settle for less quality or get something that has unexpected ingredients in it.
Buy Frozen Fruits and Veggies
Do you find that particular fruits and vegetables always seem to go bad before you can eat them? Throwing out rotten produce is no different than throwing your hard-earned money into the trash.
Don’t hesitate to shop for fruits and vegetables in the frozen aisle. You’ll still be getting all of the nutrients as you would with fresh produce.
Buying frozen is cheaper too, especially when these items are no longer in season.
Eat Less Meat But Still Get Your Protein
Meat prices have surely gone up this year.
Instead of eating meat as often, how about seeking out other food sources to get your protein? Some examples include legumes, eggs, hemp seeds, canned fish, and other canned meats.
Not only do most of these items have a long shelf life, but they’re also much cheaper to buy than meat.
Cook Enough to Have Leftovers
As long as your family doesn’t mind eating leftovers, cooking larger portions is a great way to save you both time and money.
Leftovers can be used to create a completely different meal, or used as lucnh the next day.
Whatever you don’t plan on eating right away, you can place in the freezer for later. I like to do this with our extra spaghetti sauce and taco meat. This is also a great way to keep you from thinking that you have no choice but to eat out when you’re not feeling in the mood to cook a meal from scratch. 🙂
Eating healthy on a budget is possible! You can still find foods that are full of nutrients that won’t break the bank while walking past the ones that aren't the best choice.
It really just comes down to making smarter decisions while you’re shopping at the grocery store. Can you think of any other ways to be eating healthy on a budget?
As I've previously mentioned, I'm not a huge coupon user for various reasons. (Mainly time. I don't make enough time to use them.) But one thing that I can really get on board with is all these cash-back apps that are available!
Here is how I make these cash back apps work for our lifestyle:
I don't make a shopping list based on the rebates they have available
After I'm finished shopping I peruse the list of rebates and if there are items I have purchased on the lists, I go ahead with filing my receipt.
This way, I'm not buying (or getting really cheap) stuff that we won't use or eat. Every nickel adds up when I'm buying things that will just get wasted in the end!
What I especially love is the rebates for fresh produce! It's not often you see a coupon for that! I've also taken advantage of the rebates for wine in the past, which we've bought for gifts.
For this this post, I wanted to create an Ultimate Guide to the Cash Back Apps we have available to us in Canada. Sound good? Lets get started!
Honey
In a nutshell:
Honey is here to help. We give everyone the tools it takes to find the best savings, perks, and all around value. And we make them free and easy-to-use. So you can always spend with confidence.
How Honey works:
Honey is a browser extension that automatically finds and applies coupon codes at checkout with a single click.
Join Honey for Free: It only takes two clicks to add Honey to Chrome, Safari, Firefox, or Opera.
Find Savings in Seconds: While you shop, Honey will find working promo codes on the internet
Save Instantly: With one click, Honey will apply some of the best deals to your cart. It's that easy!
Checkout 51
In a nutshell:
Every Thursday morning, Checkout 51 updates with a new list of offers. All you have to do is pick the ones you like, purchase them at any store, and upload a photo of your receipt through our mobile app or website. When your account reaches $20, we send you a check.
How Checkout 51 works
Browse your offers and buy products at any store in Canada. (excluding Quebec)
Upload your receipt using Checkout 51. Photos must be clear and readable. You must send a photo of the entire receipt. If you have a long receipt, you can add “sections”.
They'll confirm your purchase and credit your account.
When your account balance reaches $20, you can choose to cash out and they'll mail you a check.
Other Key Guidelines
Anyone can use Checkout 51. They have an app for smartphones and you can even use it on your computer.
Offers go live on Thursdays at 12:00 AM in each time zone. They expire the following Wednesday at 11:59 PM in each time zone. You must upload your receipts while the offers are live.
Offers are available in limited quantities. Be sure to check your offer list before you go shopping to ensure that the offer is still available. Make sure to upload your receipt immediately after purchase to avoid disappointment!
A quantity of one of each rebate offer is eligible for Cash Back per member.
Each receipt can only be used once.
You can only earn Cash Back for the exact product listed, so please read carefully.
Products must be purchased in your country of registration. We currently support the United States (the 50 states of the United States, the District of Columbia, and Overseas US Military Bases) and Canada (excluding Quebec).
Receipts uploaded must be in English.
Items purchased from online retailers are eligible for Cash Back. Itemized packing slips are accepted as proof of purchase. Online purchases are subject to the same upload timelines as receipts.
Can I use a Coupon with my Rebate offer?
Yes! You can earn Checkout 51 Cash Back in combination with any other coupon or discount unless otherwise stated. This is a great way to get free or nearly free items each week!
When Will I get my Cash Back?
You are able to cash out and receive a cheque once your account reaches $20 or more. Cheques are sent out via snail mail within 7 business days.
Ampli
In a Nutshell:
Link – Shop – Earn – Cash Out
Canada, it’s about time you got paid to shop! Ampli is the newest Canadian cash back app, getting you cash back on your everyday online and in-store purchases!
Securely link your debit and credit cards from over 130 Canadian banks and other financial institutions
Automatically earn cash back every time you shop online or in-store at participating brands
Cash out by sending yourself a free Interac e-Transfer
How do I get paid?
You can cash out your balance by sending yourself a free Interac e-Transfer to any Canadian bank account when you reach a minimum balance of $15.
Save.ca Cash Back
In a Nutshell:
Save.ca is excited to introduce our new Mobile Cash-Back feature! Download the app and start getting cash back by purchasing the brands and products you already love – it’s like you’re getting paid to do your shopping!
How Does it Work?
Browse offers on the list - Our app will be updated regularly with new offers, so check back often!
Buy products at any store - Select the offers you like, and make sure you buy the right item and size in store.
Upload Your Receipt - Take a legible photo of your receipt and submit through the app.
Earn $ and cash out to your PayPal account - When your receipt is processed, your account will be credited within a few days. Once you have $5, you can instantly cash out to your PayPal account.
I don’t have a PayPal account, can I still get cash back?
Save.ca has the only cash-back app that uses PayPal to get you money back. It’s the easiest, quickest and most reliable method to get you spending less and saving more!
How do I connect my PayPal account to the Save app?
Connect your PayPal account by selecting the burger menu on the top left corner of the app and choosing ‘My Account’. From here, go to ‘Profile’ and then ‘View PayPal’ where you can connect the app to your PayPal account.
When will I get reimbursed?
Once your total savings equal $5, you can opt to cash out and the funds will be deposited to your PayPal account will within minutes. Don’t want to cash out right away? No problem. Keep saving and cash out whenever you would like!
How do I cash out?
Once you’ve reached $5 in savings, you can cash out in the ‘My Account’ section of the app under the ‘Balance’ tab. Simply select ‘Cash Out’ located at the bottom of this screen and verify your PayPal email address before confirming your submission.
How will I be notified that my purchase(s) was validated?
You will be notified via email.
How long do I have to submit a receipt?
You can submit a receipt for as long as the coupon is available on the Save.ca app or until it is sold out. After it is no longer available, you will not be able to submit your purchase so act quick!
How long do I have to wait for my receipt to be validated?
Please allow 3-5 business days for your purchase to be validated.
Caddle
In a Nutshell:
Caddle is a free app that pays users with real cash back for everyday purchases, completing surveys, and engaging with brands and products. Download now from your phones app store!
Download the App on any Apple or Android device or sign up on their website.
Following login, browse our weekly offers. Once you find an offer you like, simply tap the offer, follow the on screen instructions to redeem the offer and get cash.
New Caddle offers launch weekly. Check Caddle every Thursday for more ways to make money. You can earn from watching ads, answering surveys and engaging with brands.
Once you reach $20 or more in your Caddle account, you can cash out. Simply go to my account, select cash out and we will mail you a cheque. It's that easy. Start earning today!
Do you use any of these Cash Back apps to save? Which one is your favourite? What type of offers are your favourite?
Having a well-stocked pantry can save you from unnecessary trips to the grocery store and eating out too often. Since I'm also cleaning out our kitchen cupboards this week, I thought I'd put together a basic pantry staples list that would be useful to have on hand at all times!
Stocking your kitchen with these basic pantry staples, will ensure you have your family's favorite meal ingredients on hand. It also means you will almost always have something on hand to create a simple meal for busy nights or days when you don't feel like cooking much.
These are basic, but versatile staples that are used often. They are also usually quite inexpensive and have a long shelf life if stored properly in the pantry, refrigerator, or freezer.
Below my list, you'll find a Pantry Inventory printable with blank spaces that you can fill in to suit your own needs. I hope you like it!
Looking for even more kitchen help especially as life gets busy? Check out this gorgeous MEAL PLANNER – with food inventory worksheets,monthly, weekly + daily meal planning worksheets, meal brainstorming worksheets and more!
