Comments on: The Frugal, But Healthy, Food Budget

By: Kathleen

Kathleen — Fri, 06 Nov 2009 04:19:22 +0000

I have such a hard time with this. We live so far from town, not to mention that I really hate going to the market, that I try to keep shopping trips to a minimum. But that means I usually end up buying produce too far in advance, and then I have spoilage and waste.

By: Teresa

Teresa — Wed, 04 Nov 2009 11:19:53 +0000

It’s admirable how much effort you put into this. I always have a list when I go shopping but I’ve managed to cut my costs by about 25% over the last few months by being more ‘aware’ when I’m shopping. I try to cook from scratch as much as possible and do baking when time permits but menu planning seems quite daunting and restricting. I may try it sometime though as I can’t knock it until I’ve tried.
Teresa´s last blog ..How Can Two Days be So Different

By: Money Funk

Money Funk — Tue, 03 Nov 2009 21:09:21 +0000

RML – I’d be afraid to shop on a cash basis. I can see it… up at the register, watching the total, anxiety is building, “total is $148.59″ the clerk says. You pull out your bill fold and hand over th $150 in your wallet. *woosh* close call. LOL. but you can’t overspend that way!

Laura, I want to know how the cooking from scratch is going? If you like healthy, try 101 cookbooks. Heidi’s stuff is to yummy!

As for the budget, we limit our Costco trips to 1x every 5wks. Our average for that store stays the same as we always pick up the same stuff. The average stays the same for the grocery store, too. I think its just due to buying the same thing. I know not very creative. But it works for keepin the budget down.
Money Funk´s last blog ..Homemade Cleaning Recipes

By: Netanya

Netanya — Tue, 03 Nov 2009 20:09:13 +0000

In order to stay on my food budget, I allow myself to spend only a certain amount per week on groceries. I also have a meal menu and of course, I search for as many coupons as I can find. This has definitely helped me stay on a budget. I loved hearing your ideas as well. Thanks!

Netanya
Money Hackers Blog Ambassador

By: Shoestring

Shoestring — Mon, 02 Nov 2009 18:37:17 +0000

Sounds like a good plan! Loved your Christmas post too. On the food front, I’ve actually started a Shoestring Food page on my blog. If you feel like adding anything to it let me know!
Shoestring´s last blog ..Getting organised (again)

By: Tony

Tony — Mon, 02 Nov 2009 17:26:01 +0000

Sounds like you have a good handle on things. Like you, I have made significant savings (from £400 to £200 per month) but feel I could do better.

One thing I’m going to investigate is online shopping. You pay for delivery, but I’m wondering if it will help manage the whole process better and prevent waste? Anyone have any insights on this?

By: RML - Being More Through Having Less

RML - Being More Through Having Less — Mon, 02 Nov 2009 16:37:47 +0000

I operate on a “cash basis” for groceries- that is about the best tip I have and I often have no spending days where it´s a combination of being too lazy to go to the shops and also trying to see if I can make a meal for the family with what I have around. Money staying in purse is very satisfying!
RML – Being More Through Having Less´s last blog ..Who is this girl?

By: Betsy Talbot

Betsy Talbot — Mon, 02 Nov 2009 15:54:35 +0000

Love the picture – just makes you want to eat healthy, doesn’t it?

One thing I do is check in every week with my food budget instead of every month. It is really easy to go over on grocery spending, especially if you entertain a few times or cook a special meal. We may have a pretty fabulous week followed by a soup/stew week to make up the difference, but it all events out at the end of the month.

I don’t know if you have grocery delivery available where you are, but that is also a huge timesaver and money saver. No last-minute purchases that are not on the list if you are ordering by computer! We use Amazon Fresh.

You can do this. It took me some time to adjust to a grocery budget when we stopped eating out so much, but eventually I got the hang of it. Good luck!
Betsy Talbot´s last blog ..Making money off your junk