What a thriller of a day

[calliope2]

Most of it was spent working on the budget with Alan. Since leaving his job in Nashville, we've reduced our income by about 40%, and we're tired of feeling broke all the time. Prescriptions are killing us at about $450 a month (when I can get enough samples of topamax for the girls, otherwise it's more). When it was all said and done, we canceled

Comments

[washte]

The price of shopping has increased tremendously and makes even the basics had to stretch for. Here are a couple sites I use on occasion for good ideas: www.cheapcooking.com and www.frugalfamilykitchen.com. Also, www.wastedfood.com and www.idealbite.com have some interesting articles. Idealbite.com is a green living site with many good ides.

Despite the deep cut in income your budget is still QUITE healthy, though you may think it is a huge cut because what you have been living on. It's all relative (the kids and I only have about 1/5 of your weekly budget and often less!).

OH - and just because you didn't spend all of your allowed funds on groceries for the week, try not to think of it as having "extra" money to spend; put it away in savings or a piggy bank. This little "extra" will add up quickly to be put towards emergencies or other needs.

Yay for budgeting and cleaner greener living!!

[calliope2]

Yeah, I will save the extra. I am really interested in how to get by on less money spent for food. Do you mind sharing a typical week's meals with me? If I could reduce our costs by even half, I'd be thrilled! We have absolutely zero dollars budgeted for savings right now.

[washte]

Many folks have advised me to make the kids eat the same thing at each meal but both are completely different at breakfast time. Dinner is the only meal I really try to get them to eat the same as I am pooped after working all day. Their lunch is provided by daycare so I am lucky there. We also receive WIC so get milk, cheese, pb and cereal from them

[calliope2]

I really don't know if we have a seconds store or not. Something to look into! Thanks for sharing your meal planning with me. I am now challenged to find a way to bring the weeks' groceries down to $100 instead of $200. I'll let you know how I do. My girls do eat a bit more than yours, and they have some special dietary needs, but what you've mapped out is certainly doable, save the pineapple, because I am allergic.

Thanks for the tips!

BTW, does this include your cleaning supplies and toiletries? Because I budget those in with food.

[washte]

No - I didn't/don't include those with the food, though normally bought at the same time. I still use pull-ups for Josh at night. 1 pack lasts almost a month. Lady needs are included with diapering/baby items as well.

As I am rooming with someone there are not many cleaning items needed, though I do buy laundry soap & softner. When we are on our own, then it would be wise to include them.

Good point.