My Best Money Saving Tip: Know Thy Expiration Date

This past week, I decided it was time to clean up and organize the pantry, freezer and refrigerator.   My pantry was a mess with the kids getting in and out of it and the fridge had something spilled in the bottom.   Not only that, I was afraid that we had some food which may no longer be any good.  Sadly – I was correct.

I did what a lot of people have done.  I found a really good deal on something and thought I’d grab a few extras to use later on.  At the time, I thought that I was being so smart and savvy by getting in on these great deals.  I knew that they were items we would use — eventually.  Therein lies the problem.  I wasn’t sure when we would use it.  As a result, I didn’t watch the expiration date(s).

Had I been more diligent in my shopping and paid closer attention to those dates, I could have:  1) purchased fewer items which I could have consumed by those dates to ensure quality, freshness and safety for my family or 2) purchased the same number and donated some of the items to my local food pantry to help a family in need.  Now that my pantry,

If you have any sort of a stockpile, make sure that you know the dates of your products and check them every month or so.   Check for dents, leaks or tears in your packaging as that might mean that it is no longer safe for consumption.  Most importantly, watch the dates of the items when shopping so you can ensure you can eat them before those Best By or Use By Dates in order to ensure quality and nutritional values are not compromised.  When you throw away food which has expired, it is just like throwing money into the trash can.  Don’t do what I did.  I am kicking myself over this mistake.