Your Mom’s Grocery Bill Can Stay Low Without Sacrificing Nutrition
In 2019, the average Social Security benefit is $1,461 for a retiree or $2,448 for a retired couple.
If your mom or dad has paid off the mortgage, it helps, but that’s not always the case. Many retired men and women must balance rent or mortgage, groceries, utilities (heat, AC, electricity, water, phone, etc.), car expenses, and health insurance costs.
When your mom’s retirement pay is minimal, she may be concerned about living on a fixed income. One thing can’t get pushed aside. You can’t let your mom make unhealthy choices while trying to live on her retirement income. An unhealthy diet increases the risk of diabetes, high blood pressure, and obesity. Poor dietary habits can also impact anxiety and depression.
There are ways to help your mom get groceries on a budget without sacrificing nutrition. Here are some of the things you can do.
Check Clearance Bins
When items are not selling well or are getting close to their sell by date, you’ll often find them on clearance. Some of the best items to look for are beauty products that you know you will get used. Whole grains are also common.
Shop Sales
When there are sales on chicken breast and specific vegetables, stock up. You can separate chicken breasts into single portions and store in the freezer. Vegetables can be blanched and frozen for later use.
You can often shop these sales by season. Around St. Patrick’s Day, heads of cabbage, carrots, potatoes, rutabaga, and onions are substantially lower than any other time of year. For Thanksgiving, winter squashes, whole turkeys, and fresh cranberries are cheap.
Start Gardening
One of the best reasons to start a garden is because you gain fresh produce for little money. You’ll pay for the seeds, but if you pay $1 for a pack of seeds at a dollar store, you could get dozens of squashes, tomatoes, peppers, etc. from those plants. Extra crops can be blanched and frozen to last the winter.
Use Coupons
While coupons tend to be more readily available for processed foods, there are coupons for things like toothpaste, shampoo, and whole grains that can help cut costs. If possible, pair the coupons with sales to get the lowest price possible. If your store has a clearance bin, it’s usually possible to pair the clearance price with a coupon.
Write a List
Shop with a list. If your mom can’t shop by herself, elder care aides can help her create a list and shop for the best deals. Call an elder care agency to learn about rates and services.
If you or an aging loved-one are considering hiring Homecare in Chadds Ford, PA, please contact the friendly staff at Suma Home Care.
Call today: (484) 206-4544
Sources:
- Elder Care Strategies for Assisting Seniors in Shingles Recovery - December 29, 2023
- Physical Therapy at Home: How Seniors Can Maximize Benefits - December 19, 2023
- Personal Care at Home: A Guide to Senior Skin Care - December 13, 2023