It doesn't pay to throwaway...

I know that I preach the value of stockpiling and buying copious quantities of things when they come on sale... but it pays to remember - you won't eat what's expired and if you throw it away, you throw away your money too!

I was inspired to write this reminder today by a blog post I found on my Sunday bloggy travels.. You know it's bad when the velveeta's expired from the blog The Bormann Twins which I found through The SITSGirls...

It brings up three important points to remember in our couponning frenzy -

1. Buy what you know you will use in a given period of time ... if you know that your cereal is on a 3 month sale rotation, only buy what you will use in those 3 months give or take... (This is where your price book/grocery records can come in handy... one of my friends T also marks each box of cereal with the date she bought it and then the date she opens it, so she can track her usage!)

2. Even if you have a coupon, if you don't have a need- don't buy it...  the only exception to this rule are freebies and money makers - and those you should donate right away if you are not going to use them!

3. Keep your pantry/fridge organized and do a monthly inventory... check all the expiry dates on everything - including the velveeta, condiments and even the pantry items - especially things like pancake mix and cake mixes etc... if the expiry date is within a month or two, use it up - or donate it!

That's this week's challenge to everyone - take a peek in your pantry, cupboards and fridge and find the stuff that is already staledated or going out... and do something about it!  I'll have a check in on Sunday next week to see what everyone has unearthed...

***I also want to stress the health and safety of keeping your items fresh - here is a link to some excellent advice on food and expiry dates

**** and don't forget to stop by Acting Balanced today for a yummy recipe - it's MMMmonday!

Check out my guest post!

I'm the guest blogger at The Busy Woman's Guide to Surviving Motherhood - check out my post here