Tip #4: Dried and Canned Beans

Animal protein prices fluctuate wildly, and fixed incomes simply cannot absorb sudden spikes in the cost of beef, pork, or poultry. The most effective strategy to shield yourself from meat inflation is substituting plant-based proteins into your weekly diet. Beans are nutritional powerhouses for seniors; they are packed with dietary fiber, which aids digestion, and complex carbohydrates that keep blood sugar levels stable. Best of all, they are incredibly cheap.

As summer fades, transition your pantry from barbecue staples to chili ingredients. Stock up on Great Value black beans, kidney beans, pinto beans, and chickpeas. Canned beans offer unparalleled convenience for quick meals. A can of beans, rinsed thoroughly to remove excess sodium, can be heated with some crushed tomatoes and spices for an instant, hearty meal that costs less than two dollars total.

For even steeper grocery savings, buy bags of dried beans. While they require more preparation—such as overnight soaking and longer simmering times—the financial payoff is massive. A single one-pound bag of dried beans yields the equivalent of three to four cans once cooked. Spend a Sunday afternoon cooking a large batch of dried beans, portion them out, and freeze them in smaller containers. This simple hack fills your freezer with ready-to-eat, affordable groceries that will drastically lower your winter grocery bills.