A well stocked pantry means easy access to quick and healthy meals on busy days, no need to panic when friends or family drop by at the last minute and even sustenance in case of a power outage during a storm or other emergency event. Keeping the basics on hand can even help you save on your grocery bill too, something that is often at the top of the priority list for many families when it comes to the household budget.

So how can your pantry help you spend less?

Stock Up When Items Are On Sale

Keep track of the non-perishable items your family enjoys and tends to eat regularly. This could be a list in your purse, on your phone or just a “mental note.” When you find a great deal on one of these (say when there’s a killer sale or you have a high value coupon), jump on it and grab a few. Whether it’s dry pasta, canned tuna, dried or canned beans, cereal, baking mixes or jars of salsa and sauces…just a few of these items and you’ve got the start of a great meal. [Read more…]