Budget BARBECUE ON A
Nothing says summer quite like gathering around the grill for a delicious meal with friends and family. If you’re not careful, though, your summer barbecue can end up putting a big dent in your wallet. You don’t need to break the bank to host an awesome get-together. Here are a few money-saving tips for your next cookout. Make Smart Protein Choices Meat is the most expensive food you’ll purchase. You can save a lot, however, if you make smart choices at the butcher counter. Not only are chicken thighs and legs cheaper than boneless breasts, but they’re also less likely to dry out. Flank and skirt steak are great alternatives to pricier cuts of beef. If you want some seafood on the menu, buy what’s fresh and on sale. Don’t Forget to Grill Some Veggies Your grill isn’t just for searing meat. Vegetables, from corn and asparagus to zucchini, are delicious when cooked over a flame, and they are cheap and readily available during the summer. In addition to filling stomachs Sharon West may not live close enough to commute to our office, but she has no trouble making her presence felt. Sharon joined the Retirement Planning Strategies team in 2011 as a consultant, and her contributions have been invaluable. Sharon spent many years working for the VA, so she brings along expert knowledge of benefits that will improve our clients’ lives. “I actually met Ann at one of her classes, and let her know I would love to lend a hand if she ever needed it,” Sharon says. Ann reached out a few months later, and it’s been a perfect match ever since. “My favorite part of the job is working with Ann,” Sharon notes. “She’s a rare talent and never fails to inspire.” Sharon is the textbook example of a people person, so she excels at communication of all types. Those skills often come in handy, as she does some editing for us in addition to consulting and
freshly ground black pepper, 2 teaspoons ground coriander seed, 1 tablespoon dried oregano, 1 tablespoon garlic powder, and 1 tablespoon onion powder. Sprinkle on meats and vegetables. Really, it’s that easy. Sauce: In a saucepan over medium-low heat, combine 1 cup chicken broth, ½ cup ketchup, ¼ cup dark molasses (plus more to taste), 1 small onion, grated or diced, 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce, 1 tablespoon brown mustard, 2 tablespoons cider vinegar (plus more to taste), 2 teaspoons hot sauce (plus more to taste), and 2 tablespoons spice rub. Simmer and whisk until sauce coats the back of a spoon. You can store cooled sauce in your fridge for months after your party. Follow these tips, and you’ll shrink the cost of your summer cookout. Spending an afternoon by the grill is a summer tradition, but it doesn’t need to end with your money going up in smoke.
for a lot less, you’ll add some options for vegetarians and health-conscious eaters.
Minimize Waste If you’re not careful, a lot of your barbecue budget will end up in the trash — or evaporating into thin air. Ditch the disposable plates and utensils in favor of cheap, reusable options. Another common waste is fuel overuse, whether that’s charcoal or gas. If you have a gas grill, turn off the propane as soon as possible. If you use charcoal, you don’t need to dump a full 10-pound bag into the grill. A few pounds should do the job just fine. DIY Rubs and Sauces Don’t waste money on premade barbecue rubs when you likely have all the ingredients in your spice cabinet. Barbecue sauce is also simple to make — and much healthier when you know what’s in it. Check out these recipes that work wonders on grilled foods. Rub: In a bowl, combine 1/3 cup paprika, 1/3 cup dark brown sugar, ¼ cup kosher salt, 4 teaspoons ground mustard, 2 teaspoons marketing. “I love interacting with other federal agencies,” she says, “and helping clients achieve their retirement goals.” When she’s not working, Sharon has no trouble leading a busy, purposeful life in northern Arkansas. “One of my favorite books is called ‘Outlive Your Life,’” Sharon says, “and that’s what I try to do. For me, life is about purpose and adventure and every day is a blessing.” To that end, Sharon is involved in her community through her church, and makes a positive impact on those around her. You can also find her fishing, hiking, frequenting local flea markets, and gardening. When we spoke to Sharon for this profile, she had just finished up a kayaking trip. “We live right by the Buffalo National River,” she tell us, “and we enjoy exploring the outdoors as often as we can.”
A Consultant With a Purpose
SPOTLIGHTINGONSHARONWEST
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