The trick seems to be to buy the cheapest you can find, using whatever means you have to make it cheaper, stocking up and stretching it to fill more meals. Then only cooking what you need and saving any leftovers. The women who follow this grocery mentality are, in some cases, feeding families for $30 a week, which I find astonishing. I know I can do it for a week, but to do it week after week, for years on end, with teenage children and school lunches to account for? I'm not sure I have that kind of fortitude, frankly. But I love a challenge.
The Battle Plan
This is one week I have no intention of going into unprepared. Hence, the battle plan.
- I will be purchasing main ingredients only. No condiments, seasonings or extraneous dry goods will be counted in the grand total.
- I will go to the store with exactly $25.00 and only $25.00, in cash.
- All money saving techniques that I can think of will be allowed. This includes coupons, shopping around, bringing my own bags, rain checks, cost splitting of bulk items with a neighbour, and whatever else comes to mind.
There seems to be some debate in the online world about whether it is better to buy what is on sale and when you get home make it into meals, or to shop with a menu. I tend towards a middle-ground approach. I will plan a menu but make the recipes flexible in terms of ingredients. Here are the recipes I'm considering, but please feel free to add your suggestions!
Chili
Tuna Casserole
Burritos
Spaghetti With Tomato Sauce
Pancakes and Eggs
Italian Sausage Stew
Stuffed Pasta Shells
The women who make this kind of budgeting work are a sturdy sort, I tell you. One woman on http://www.thesimplemom.wordpress.com/ wrote about using coupons "At the beginning it took me 4-6 hours to cut and prep. Now, it takes me 1-2 hours while watching TV". I have to admit that my heart stopped for a moment at reading that someone spent six HOURS in preparation for grocery shopping. Other 'superwomen' who I will never reach are those who have 'price books' to keep track of the cheapest they have ever purchased something and give them a base point. Some make their own dish soap, laundry soap and baby wipes and household cleaners. There was discussion on cloth diapering, cloth rags and cloth feminine hygeine products. Someone mentioned reusing water for your plants and there was even discussion regarding raising your own meat and vegetables. It is truly a whole lifestyle and I wonder if I should expand my week to including other tips to save money?
I want your suggestions, what should I try? Don't pull the punches, I want a real challenge.
1 comment:
Sounds interesting. I'm pretty settled in my shopping routine, and have decided what is worth spending a little more on and what isn't - for me. But I'm along for the ride here with you and will be watching for good ideas. I may be old(realtively speaking), but I hope I'm not too old to learn new tricks!
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