28 Apr
2010

College James Pendergast has been talking to the media lately about his money-saving ways. He has been giving interviews because he spends a paltry $35 a month on food, putting him well ahead of the game when it comes to keeping student loans and debt low. Most of us spend hundreds of dollars. His is not a regime of dumpster diving, coupons, or sales. It is about planning and careful spending. Here’s how he does it:

1) Reduce waste. Pendergast notes that even careful shoppers waste hundreds of dollars on uneaten and spoiled food each year. Eliminating this waste helps you go further on your grocery budget.

2) Find one free meal a day. Pendergast looks at fliers and posted at his college to find free meals or snacks offered by organizations. Many lectures, workshops, and school events include free snacks or food, which takes care of one meal for Pendergast each day.

3) Do it yourself. Pendergast makes his own bread and chili. He does not, obviously, dine out.

4) Reduce meat. Pendergast only eats meat when someone else pays for it (such as at those college events), because meat, pound for pound, is one of the most expensive foods to buy. Eating vegetarian or vegan can save dollars.

5) Keep tabs on your health. Pendergast used to use free online software to make sure that he was getting enough nutrients from his thrifty meals, but he stopped once he saw that he was getting enough of all nutrients.

6) Plan and think ahead. Budget carefully, compare grocery store prices on the items you need, and shop when a store is offering added discounts.