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

[macaholic]

Sounds like you did well. Wish you luck. And, if you or Alan like mystery books and thrillers (authors such as Patterson, Ludlum, Kellerman, Child, Baldacci) I have an huge library and would not mind loaning them to you... just be warned, I do extract a pound of flesh for each one that is late coming back... lol

[calliope2]

I love those authors! My mom gave me a huge bag of mysteries just last weekend. I probably won't have much time for reading once the semester starts. But should I get bored and need to read, I will certainly ask you.

[macaholic]

Deal. Also have others, and a lot of other types... just ask. If I have it, you are welcome to borrow.

I have some from both Kellermans. Do you read them both? I am really liking the series on the Jewish detective. He seems so real.

[calliope2]

I read him, not so much into her. I read one of her books and it left me feeling angry, but I suppose I could give her another try.

[sistercoyote]

Does WinCo exist out in your neck of the words - it's a sort of co-op in that the employees own a piece of the company. Their prices on basics are usually pretty good, at least if out here is any example.

*Note: Posting on Ambien. Coherence may be lacking.

[calliope2]

No WinCO, no Costco, nothing like that.

You're quite coherent for ambien. :)

[karlgrenze]

Check if your school gives you free preventive drugs for your pets. And in case they need shots, see if they give discounts to students. Not much per year (except the preventives), but worth a look.

[calliope2]

Oh, I get my flea and HW meds, and all scrips really, at a deep discount, plus I don't pay for exams. Procedures are 20% off, so that's nice.

Of course, the price I pay is the time I must invest every time I take them to the Vet school, because nothing happens quickly in the clinic. :)

[karlgrenze]

You can at least day board them and ask them to call you when they are done. :)

No, nothing happens quickly... are you ready for your second year?

[calliope2]

Yes and no. I am bored and ready to start back, but I am a bit nervous, because everyone I talk to in 3rd and 4th year tells me that 2nd year is the hardest--at least in terms of being grueling, with an average of 2 exams per week.

[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.

I have a couple crock pot recepies

[jezebelleinhell]

that are rather cheap and still yummy I can share with you when I get home.

Re: I have a couple crock pot recepies

[calliope2]

That would be great. I love crock pot cooking! I will look forward to the recipes.

Re: I have a couple crock pot recepies

[washte]

I love to make chicken or beef fajita base in the crockpot. Let it simmer all day and it just melts when it's time to make them for dinner.

Or chicken in mushroom soup then throw in a couple handfuls of rice about 45 minutes before eating.

YUM!