Food is a basic necessity for survival but, dang, is it expensive. When you think about growing up and leaving home to do bigger and better things, you don't take into consideration that you now have to buy your own groceries. Sure, on occasion you can go shopping at the Store of Mom and Dad (Costco-bulk supply of course), but if done too often, they may decide to change the locks (not that I am speaking from experience or anything.

I haven't even mentioned that with this new responsibility of actually buying your own groceries -- you are now required to actually make something with them (lest they all go bad and then you have just thrown away a bunch of money). I know there are people out there who enjoy making dinner every night, but I am not one of them. I am a grilled cheese. If i can microwave it -- I buy it. Most likely cereal for dinner, type of gal and I am proud of that.

I don't know about you, but being away from college has made me appreciate my punches and dining dollars SO MUCH MORE. The idea of going into Market One and getting a pasta bowl makes me happy but, alas, if I want a salad now I either have to buy the ingredients or pay an arm and a leg to get that Chop't salad. To be honest, I will always just buy the Chop't salad (laziness and convenience).

I am not sure who I need to email, call, or harass for an adult meal plan to be put into place. I mean, the government is willing to throw money at anything, so why not enact an adult meal plan? This, most likely, will never happen, so I have written down some tips for those lost grocery store souls, like myself, on how to save money and still actually eat food that is not just oatmeal or ramen without having the glorious meal plan. I have also included a tip on how to survive without a meal plan and still have fun (a.k.a. how to drink on a budget).

(Yep, that is Nicholas Cage -- you're welcome).

1. Make a grocery list.

Boy, what an intriguing thought -- make a grocery list of things you need for the grocery store. Yes, sarcasm is one of my most endearing characteristics, but it is true -- if you have a list, you are less likely to return home from the store and ask yourself why did you buy that cat food, when you do not even have a cat?

2. Know the good sales.

Sales aren't just great at your favorite clothing stores (I'm talking to you, Nordstrom's), but are money-saving fabulousness at the supermarket. Grocery stores have sale items all the time on almost everything (it's okay to get the generic brand of Lucky Charms, it won't ruin your soul too much), but you do have to have a store VIP card in order to get the money off. The great news the cards are all free (God only knows how much we love that word). Some stores even have gas points awarded to you depending on how much you spend at the store -- mo' money in yo' pocket.

3. Get food that can make great leftovers.

I know, I know, I just expressed my love for all things frozen meals for one, but unfortunately most of the frozen meals for one are just that, for one time only. This will lead you to buying them more frequently and spending more money. It is actually more fiscally sound to make a big pot of pasta and save those leftovers for lunch or dinner the next day. Plus, pasta is a cheap, but delicious food source.

4. But don't forget to embrace the happiest of hours.

Yes, in college it is most fun to go out on a Thursday, Friday, or Saturday night (maybe even all three) but as an adult, a Friday night is when you will pay the most. With Uber most likely surging and drinks at full price, it is not financially responsible to go out on a Friday. However, that does not mean you will forever be a grandma and jealous of those young folks partying and making bad choices, because guess what -- there is happy hour. I recommend that you do your research and find a place where the rail drinks are cheap, the food is cheaper, and the fun is priceless.

Now, these are only a few tips I have discovered in order to prevent me from breaking down and giving the dreaded call to the parents saying "help me, I'm poor." However, there are so many other things you can do to save money and frankly I would love to hear them.

To all the college students out there, don't waste those precious punches, dining dollars, or flex dollars because soon you'll have to use real money. To all my fellow "adults," godspeed and see you at the checkout line.

XOXO,

Girl who wants to be back in the Burg for E-Hall brunch.