It is a known fact that the snack size packs are more expensive per ounce than the larger packs, but what about butter? I needed butter and the price of a solid pound of butter rather than a pound in quarters was 50¢ cheaper than the quarters. I bought the pound and cut it into quarters at home, and put plastic wrap between the quarters.

The 50¢ that I saved was worth it to cut the butter at home. Sometimes the additional work that is involved in repackaging isn’t worth it. Buying in bulk when you will use an item, or even making your own user friendly packs can help you save big. Buying ground sirloin or other meat in packages of 5 pounds or more may allow you to get a much better price. If you aren’t using the meat all at one time, then put the meat into packages that you will use instead of going to buy meat each time you need it. Buying larger quantities of meat will allow you to save money.

Cookies, crackers and chips. Who doesn’t want a little treat occasionally? If you bought a small package on a road trip that’s one thing but if you buy the same snack every day, even a candy bar, buying your treat at the grocery store or warehouse club would save you more money. Snack size plastic bags or small containers can be reused and then you won’t be tempted to eat the entire bag if you just left it in your drawer at work.

Go to the pop machine at work a couple of times a day or week? Buy a 12-pack when it’s on sale and you’ll save at least half of what you spend in the vending machine. If you are really inclined, you could buy a 2-liter bottle and pour some into a resuable bottle which would be another cost saving measure as well.