January Week 1: Popcorn

This week, we are going to stockpile some popcorn! You can choose whole kernel popcorn, microwave popcorn, or both. As a family, we chose whole kernel popcorn because it stores better, lasts longer, good price to quantity, and it can be used in an air popper, stove top, or campfire if needed. Microwave popcorn has to be used by the expiration date to avoid the oils in the bag going rancid.

Purchasing:
Set asides a specific dollar amount, and purchase that much popcorn. We bought the great big bag of popcorn at Sam's club last year and haven't hardly made a dent in it. It fits in a 5 gallon bucket, and then some!

Storage:
At Wal-Mart, you can purchase the big 5 gal. buckets for about $6. Regular sealing lids are abut $2. These are good if you are going to just fill up a bucket and leave it for a while. You will need to purchase the little green lid lifter, it's about $2. There is another lid that I like MUCH better. It seals on the bucket, and then a 2nd part in the lid can be unscrewed for easier access to your storage. The lid is about $6 also. So, for a 5 gal. bucket of popcorn, you'd spend about $12 to store it.

If you just want to purchase individual bags, keep them on a shelf where they won't get wet, or in a plastic storage tote.

So far, I have not seen any coupons or sale ads for whole kernel popcorn. Keep collecting your coupons, because next week we are on to cleaning supplies!

CHALLENGE: Get a $5 bill and stash it somewhere. Make sure you remember where you put it! This is the start of your emergency cash stash.