Budget Tip - Free Food

So again, this blog is all about how to make a weeks worth of yummy food on only a budget of 20-25$. Some weeks you can even make your budget last longer than that. Yesterday when I was getting my taxes done, I realized the tax preparer was the mother of an old acquaintance of mine. Because of this she gave me a coupon for 2 free tacos. As I drove away I immediately, by habit, put the coupon in the side pocket of my car. Then I realized -- I have a free coupon for tacos! For some reason I have a really bad habit of accepting gift cards, coupons, and food items and then NEVER using them! When I cleared out my cupboards this weekend, I found a blueberry scone mix, 2-alarm chili mix, and a pumpkin pie filling. All items I received free as gifts. Not too mention tons of chocolate and other miscellaneous food items. On Sunday, I was picking up my bedroom when I found a coupon for a free In-N-Out burger! I love In-N-Out! The only problem was... a lot of the stuff was expired. Even the In-N-Out certificate! So as I am working on this blog, I make a new vow. All gift/food items/gift certificates I receive must be used in one week. There is no reason to have to throw away what would be perfectly good food! I think I am like a lot of people though who are too lazy too to use gift certificates or, more often than not, I just forget I have them. So this year, its all about the free food! So even if it is not a perfect opportunity to use a dinner gift certificate, I will make it the perfect time! This free me up to use my food ingredients for an even longer time, which is a very budget conscious thing to do! Man, now I really want an In-N-Out burger.