Moving out right after graduation and juggling DoorDash gigs means every dollar counts. Sticking to a $40 weekly grocery budget is super tight, but it’s doable with a bit of planning. Shopping at discount stores like Aldi or Walmart helps, and I always check the weekly flyers for deals before heading out. Bulk buys like rice, pasta, and oats stretch a long way. Eggs are super versatile and cheap, and canned beans or lentils are lifesavers for protein. Frozen veggies are way more affordable than fresh and last longer, so there’s less waste. I skip pre-packaged snacks and grab bananas, apples, or carrots for quick bites. Rotisserie chicken can be split up for multiple meals—sandwiches, salads, or wraps. The trick is making a list and sticking to it. I’ve noticed that prepping a big batch of chili or stir-fry at the start of the week means I’m less tempted to buy extra stuff midweek. It’s not fancy, but it gets the job done and keeps me from running out of food before payday. #Meal preparation #Budget eating #Meal deal #Food