LEARNING to penny-pinch is a skill that many will need to acquire in light of projections for harsher economic times.

Curbing household expenditure is one way to begin experts say.

Costs such as groceries, school fees and utility bills can put a strain on already tight budgets and typically represent a sizable portion of a family’s expenditure.

“One may think that penny-pinching may cause you to lose face with the neighbours, but the key is to watch your income and not your neighbours,” said Gaunette Sinclair-Maragh.

The senior lecturer within the School of Hospitality and Tourism at the University of Technology (UTech) advised that spending can be curtailed in many aspects of household expenditure.

Meal planning is one such area. She reckons that individuals should consider planning a weekly menu using what is available then purchase whatever else is needed.

“This minimises what has to be thrown out if too much is prepared, as well as cuts the amount which has to be spent to make purchases,” she said.

For *Beverly whose household consists of herself and her husband, this has led to much savings in her food bill.

“We have stopped shopping for groceries in bulk and simply buy exactly what we need on a weekly basis,” she said.

Additionally, Sinclair-Maragh suggested that individuals assess the pros and cons of bulk cooking.

She noted that this should be done bearing in mind the available funds, family size and storage facility.

“Though it may reduce the effort and time needed, it may not equate to savings,” the lecturer pointed out, as food should not be kept in the refrigerator for more than two days before being eaten.

Making use of fruits or produce that are in abundance to minimise the need to make expensive purchases when they are not, is another way to economise Sinclair-Maragh added.

“Consider dicing and freezing fruits for use in drinks and puddings,” she said adding that the purchase of processed foods could also be eliminated with this practice.

Parents should also consider ensuring that children have a “hearty meal” before leaving home to reduce the need to purchase snacks while away from home, she suggested.

As the nation continues to grapple with rising energy costs, a few practical laundry tips could also mean lower electricity bills.

Simply hanging clothes that require ironing on racks immediately after taking them off the line reduces the amount of ironing they will require, as will ironing one day of the week instead of in smaller more frequent batches, the lecturer said.

Washing small loads by hand may also reduce the amount electricity used by Sinclair-Maragh’s reckoning.

“Use your washer to the greatest capacity instead of several small loads,” she further outlined adding that pre-soaking remains a tried and proven means of cutting wash time and enery consumption.

What’s more, as the speculation on rising food prices and food security continue, it may “spell more sense to simply start growing some of what you eat in your own backyard,” Marketing Manager of Edge Chem, Paul Alexander, suggested.

“This is something that Jamaicans would do well to do more of,” Alexander admonished.

He suggested that where there is a space constraint, empty paint tins be used to grow herb or vegetable gardens.

“This is something I personally do,” Alexander said beaming about his potted tomato, sweet and hot pepper patches.

“You can ask someone who painted for the paint tins,” he said adding that the quart-sized plastic containers make good pots for orchids.

He further suggested that children could be taught a valuable lessons in economising when they are taught to reuse items around the house.

The added environmental benefits also make a good lesson, he chided. “Instead of discarding organic kitchen scraps for the garbage collection, compost it for use as fertilisers for the garden.”

*Name changed upon request.