Saving money on Groceries

jenn0021 · August 2011

I want to save money on groceries. Not that I spend that much to begin with but I want to work on cutting back a bit. In a lot of areas actually. We are trying to save and I want to see if we can live off of just DH's salary because I don't want to work anymore.

Does anyone have any advice? Any good coupon sites? I'm in Canada so that does make a difference. I just haven't had much luck with looking it up on Google. I would appreciate any input. Thanks!

piedpiper07 · August 2011

https://www.frugalshopper.ca/

I like that website, and freecycle as well. Where in Canada are you? There are a lot more posts for Ontario and that direction but it is pretty useful!

jenn0021 · August 2011

piedpiper07:
https://www.frugalshopper.ca/
I like that website, and freecycle as well. Where in Canada are you? There are a lot more posts for Ontario and that direction but it is pretty useful!

Thanks! I'll check it out. I'm in Ontario so that will be helpful.

Tapatio · August 2011

We've been living off of my DH's salary alone so I've been sticking to a modest budget for a while. I make sure to plan my meals out in advance. I usually meal plan on Tuesdays since that's when all the market circulars arrive in my mailbox (all sales at the stores I shop at run from Wednesday to the following Tuesday). I look at what's on sale and build all of my meals from there. I buy meat on clearance (or in family size) when it's been marked down early in the morning and I freeze it into manageable portions.

I only buy produce that's in season and on sale. I use coupons at Target for pasta, sauces, dressing, etc. If I see a good deal on something I stock up! I found jars of Victoria Salsa on clearance the other day at Target and I had a coupon. I ended up paying about 35 cents per jar!

Sometimes I use Smartsource.com or Redplum.com (not sure if that's available in Canada). I also buy generic when available and have found that to be a huge savings!

ETA: The reason I LOVE Target for some of my grocery items is because they allow you to stack coupons. One manufacturers and one Target coupon per item...yay!

LaraGaudess · August 2011

I have to ask... Why do you not want to work anymore? You are way too young to retire, and (this may be flameful), unless you have a medical condition that prevents you from working, or have children, I think it's pretty selfish to let your DH shoulder the financial responsibilities on his own.

I suppose if you were a lottery winner you'd might consider quitting... But from the title of your post, I'm guessing that's not the case.

LaTi07 · August 2011

LaraGaudess:

I have to ask... Why do you not want to work anymore? You are way too young to retire, and (this may be flameful), unless you have a medical condition that prevents you from working, or have children, I think it's pretty selfish to let your DH shoulder the financial responsibilities on his own.

I suppose if you were a lottery winner you'd might consider quitting... But from the title of your post, I'm guessing that's not the case.

Rude much? What difference does it make to you? If she and her DH want this lifestyle then who the h*ll are you to tell her it's selfish? Maybe they are planning on her eventually being a SAHM, maybe she's going back to school, maybe her job causes so much stress in her life. Either way it's none of your business.

OP, I usually buy generic when possible and bulk as well. We've saved a lot of money on bulk. We also found other areas to cut corners with not eating out, meal planning, etc. Do you have freecycle by you? I've gotten some great coupons on there!

Pachita · August 2011

Check out Sunday's newspapers. Collect coupons and get an organizer to separate them into categories (meat, dairy, produce, snacks, toiletry, etc).

The best way to save is to buy items that are on sale with coupons. Have you seen the show "Extreme Couponing" on TLC? Those ladies seems to never spend a dime on groceries. Granted, you are limited to what you can buy (in my opinion).

LaraGaudess · August 2011

LaTi07:
LaraGaudess:

I have to ask... Why do you not want to work anymore? You are way too young to retire, and (this may be flameful), unless you have a medical condition that prevents you from working, or have children, I think it's pretty selfish to let your DH shoulder the financial responsibilities on his own.

I suppose if you were a lottery winner you'd might consider quitting... But from the title of your post, I'm guessing that's not the case.

Rude much? What difference does it make to you? If she and her DH want this lifestyle then who the h*ll are you to tell her it's selfish? Maybe they are planning on her eventually being a SAHM, maybe she's going back to school, maybe her job causes so much stress in her life. Either way it's none of your business.

OP, I usually buy generic when possible and bulk as well. We've saved a lot of money on bulk. We also found other areas to cut corners with not eating out, meal planning, etc. Do you have freecycle by you? I've gotten some great coupons on there!

It's not my business and it doesn't affect me at all. However, she did write that she doesn't want to work anymore, thus opening up the floor to questions. I'm certainly not trying to say that she is an inherently selfish woman, but let's face it. This isn't the 1950's. In this economy, it is pretty hard to live on one salary. As harsh as this may sound, I am of the opinion that people who don't want to work 'just because I don't like it' are either lazy or a little bit selfish. If she wants to be a SAHM, fine, but she's not gotten to that point yet (hopefully she will soon though).

jerryliljess · August 2011

Do they have an Aldi's in Canada? Even though you have to buy bags or bring your own bags, I do like at how much you save on groceries (I'm starting to become gluten free and they have a great spaghetti sauce that is lactose and gluten free!).

Also, if you got some veggies that you know you may not use right away, put them in the freezer so they last longer. I like to chop up what I get, label the baggie how many cups it makes, then freeze. I think you can do it with fruits as well but I've seen good with veggies.

Good luck and HTH! Big Smile

Pachita · August 2011

LaraGaudess:

I have to ask... Why do you not want to work anymore? You are way too young to retire, and (this may be flameful), unless you have a medical condition that prevents you from working, or have children, I think it's pretty selfish to let your DH shoulder the financial responsibilities on his own.

I suppose if you were a lottery winner you'd might consider quitting... But from the title of your post, I'm guessing that's not the case.

I feel like if Jen doesn't want to work anymore for whatever reason, that's her prerogative. I wish I didn't have to work and become a SAHM so that I can take care of my future children and spend more time with them when the time comes. If that's what she wants, let her be. I don't think it's selfish at all. Being a SAHM is a big responsibility to itself.

Cristine · August 2011

I use coupons.com the most, but if you google coupons you'll get a bunch of others. I usually buy 2 papers on Sunday and clip coupons from them. If you save up the coupons and match them with in store sales you can do pretty well. I find it entertaining to see how much I can knock off my grocery bill each week. I generally stay around $50-$60. I stock up on things if they're a really good deal.

LaraGaudess · August 2011

Pachita:
LaraGaudess:

I have to ask... Why do you not want to work anymore? You are way too young to retire, and (this may be flameful), unless you have a medical condition that prevents you from working, or have children, I think it's pretty selfish to let your DH shoulder the financial responsibilities on his own.

I suppose if you were a lottery winner you'd might consider quitting... But from the title of your post, I'm guessing that's not the case.

I feel like if Jen doesn't want to work anymore for whatever reason, that's her prerogative. I wish I didn't have to work and become a SAHM so that I can take care of my future children and spend more time with them when the time comes. If that's what she wants, let her be. I don't think it's selfish at all. Being a SAHM is a big responsibility to itself.

Oh, I absolutely agree. My best friend is a SAHM with 3 kids, and works her @ss off. All I was saying is that I find it strange that she doesn't want to work 'just because'. She has no children yet, so I don't see a reason to stop working as of right now. If she hates her job, maybe it's time to look for a new one. One person shouldering the burden of a mortgage and all the bills is a huge strain to say the least. That's all I was saying.

*Shrugs* That's just my $0.02.

FMedeiros05 · August 2011

I'm not 100% certain if you can use these sites in Canada but I use:

Couponsuzy.com (its a bit harder to get the coupons you would like but in the end it helps a bit)
Retailmenot.com
CouponMom.com

I hope those help!!

jsunflower · August 2011

Its a lot harder to save on groceries in Canada than in the States, but it can be done. Do you have Extra Foods in Ontario? They have certain days that you can save a fair amount when you spend a certain amount. Its great if you like to shop for 2 weeks to a month at a time, which is a good idea anyways. And they have the Presidant's Choice brand, that is awesome, and cheaper than name brands. A major saver is to plan your meals around the sales. Plan on hardly buying anything thats not on sale. A lot of grocery stores sell bakery day old bread at 1/2 off, and you can freeze it for later. Also to save money, you really can't be partial to certain brands. Stick with the sales! And of course, plan out a budget, & stick to it! Easier said than done, but its fun to see how much you can save. You can get some coupons sent to your home as well. This site might help:

https://www.mrsjanuary.com/great-stuff-canada/canada-online-coupon-companies-that-will-mail-you-coupons/

I hope this helps some! I know I kind of rambled. Good luck!

jenn0021 · August 2011

LaraGaudess, I think you are a bit rude on how you posted that. Really, it's none of your business and if DH and I decide to go down to one salary, that is our choice. Thanks for stating I'm selfish.

LaTi, thanks for defending me. Smile I really appreciate it.

To everyone else, thanks for the suggestions. I'm really trying to cut corners and see where we can save. I feel like ever since we got our house we are just on a spending blitz. Hopefully these ideas will help and we can get our budget under control.

Pachita · August 2011

LaraGaudess:
Pachita:
LaraGaudess:

I have to ask... Why do you not want to work anymore? You are way too young to retire, and (this may be flameful), unless you have a medical condition that prevents you from working, or have children, I think it's pretty selfish to let your DH shoulder the financial responsibilities on his own.

I suppose if you were a lottery winner you'd might consider quitting... But from the title of your post, I'm guessing that's not the case.

I feel like if Jen doesn't want to work anymore for whatever reason, that's her prerogative. I wish I didn't have to work and become a SAHM so that I can take care of my future children and spend more time with them when the time comes. If that's what she wants, let her be. I don't think it's selfish at all. Being a SAHM is a big responsibility to itself.

Oh, I absolutely agree. My best friend is a SAHM with 3 kids, and works her @ss off. All I was saying is that I find it strange that she doesn't want to work 'just because'. She has no children yet, so I don't see a reason to stop working as of right now. If she hates her job, maybe it's time to look for a new one. One person shouldering the burden of a mortgage and all the bills is a huge strain to say the least. That's all I was saying.

*Shrugs* That's just my $0.02.

I understand where you're coming from. I have a SIL who was a SAHM for 4 years until she got a part time job. However, her DH is always struggling financially to make ends meet. (They also always spend out of their means, therefore burdening the family with requests for financial assistance every so often).

We want her to get a full time job and while there are struggles to find jobs, she wants to stay at home to homeschool her little girl. I think that's irresponsible. To know that you financially cannot afford all the things that they do and still do it anyways, especially at the expense of their parents, who end up paying for so many bills they should be paying for. But enough about them. I guess what I'm trying to say is that as long as Jen and her DH can financially do it, more power to them. Ultimately, it's their decision to make.

liesam · August 2011

I'm also in Canada, and I agree with the other ladies that saving money on groceries here is definitely more difficult than in the US. That being said, DH & I swear by WalMart. Say what you will about the company, but we've easily saved 20-50% on some of the items and it has definitely made living off 1 income much easier. GL!

LaraGaudess · August 2011

jenn0021:
LaraGaudess, I think you are a bit rude on how you posted that. Really, it's none of your business and if DH and I decide to go down to one salary, that is our choice. Thanks for stating I'm selfish.
LaTi, thanks for defending me. I really appreciate it.
To everyone else, thanks for the suggestions. I'm really trying to cut corners and see where we can save. I feel like ever since we got our house we are just on a spending blitz. Hopefully these ideas will help and we can get our budget under control.

This is the beauty of the internet. You posted some information, I asked a question, you get mad. Just from reading your blog, I would be a little worried about financial stability, that's all. Didn't you DH JUST get a job? How do you know it's secure?

Like I said before, I don't think that you are inherently selfish, but to not work 'just because', is, in my opinion, a little selfish. You are too young to not work. Period. No 22 year old should be a housewife.

ETA: Unless you are a SAHM, or have some medical condition that prevents you from working. Of which, I gather, you are neither.

jenn0021 · August 2011

LaraGaudess:
jenn0021:
LaraGaudess, I think you are a bit rude on how you posted that. Really, it's none of your business and if DH and I decide to go down to one salary, that is our choice. Thanks for stating I'm selfish.
LaTi, thanks for defending me. I really appreciate it.
To everyone else, thanks for the suggestions. I'm really trying to cut corners and see where we can save. I feel like ever since we got our house we are just on a spending blitz. Hopefully these ideas will help and we can get our budget under control.
This is the beauty of the internet. You posted some information, I asked a question, you get mad. Just from reading your blog, I would be a little worried about financial stability, that's all. Didn't you DH JUST get a job? How do you know it's secure?
Like I said before, I don't think that you are inherently selfish, but to not work 'just because', is, in my opinion, a little selfish. You are too young to not work. Period. No 22 year old should be a housewife.
ETA: Unless you are a SAHM, or have some medical condition that prevents you from working. Of which, I gather, you are neither.

Really? No 22 year old should be a housewife? That's a little opinionated. And thanks for the reminder that I'm not a SAHM. It's always nice to know when people notice. And I didn't say I was going to go out and quit my job tomorrow. I wanted to start budgeting better and trying to save money now so that we are better prepared for when I do quit. I do not plan on working forever and DH knows that. It is our decision. Yes it is the internet and you have your right to ask but I don't like how you did it. It was rude. That's it. Maybe if you had asked nicely I would have answered nicely. Sorry.

LaraGaudess · August 2011

jenn0021:
LaraGaudess:
jenn0021:
LaraGaudess, I think you are a bit rude on how you posted that. Really, it's none of your business and if DH and I decide to go down to one salary, that is our choice. Thanks for stating I'm selfish.
LaTi, thanks for defending me. I really appreciate it.
To everyone else, thanks for the suggestions. I'm really trying to cut corners and see where we can save. I feel like ever since we got our house we are just on a spending blitz. Hopefully these ideas will help and we can get our budget under control.
This is the beauty of the internet. You posted some information, I asked a question, you get mad. Just from reading your blog, I would be a little worried about financial stability, that's all. Didn't you DH JUST get a job? How do you know it's secure?
Like I said before, I don't think that you are inherently selfish, but to not work 'just because', is, in my opinion, a little selfish. You are too young to not work. Period. No 22 year old should be a housewife.
ETA: Unless you are a SAHM, or have some medical condition that prevents you from working. Of which, I gather, you are neither.
Really? No 22 year old should be a housewife? That's a little opinionated. And thanks for the reminder that I'm not a SAHM. It's always nice to know when people notice. And I didn't say I was going to go out and quit my job tomorrow. I wanted to start budgeting better and trying to save money now so that we are better prepared for when I do quit. I do not plan on working forever and DH knows that. It is our decision. Yes it is the internet and you have your right to ask but I don't like how you did it. It was rude. That's it. Maybe if you had asked nicely I would have answered nicely. Sorry.

Yes, I believe no 22 year old should be a house wife. That is far too young to be tied down in that way. I'm also willing to bet that I'm not the only one on the bump or the nest who thinks the same was as I do in that regard.

As for the 'reminder' you mentioned, get out your BGP. We're all in the same (or similar) position here, so I'm not entirely sympathetic to your little hissy fit. Guess what? I don't have a baby either!

If you would be so kind as to re read my posts, I also said that I hope you get your baby soon. Until then, there is no need to rush into being a SAHM without the baby.

Don't be sorry. You have opinions as I do. We don't have to agree on everything or anything. That's life, dude.

jkfranklin · August 2011

LaraGaudess:
jenn0021:

LaraGaudess, I think you are a bit rude on how you posted that. Really, it's none of your business and if DH and I decide to go down to one salary, that is our choice. Thanks for stating I'm selfish.

LaTi, thanks for defending me. I really appreciate it.

To everyone else, thanks for the suggestions. I'm really trying to cut corners and see where we can save. I feel like ever since we got our house we are just on a spending blitz. Hopefully these ideas will help and we can get our budget under control.

This is the beauty of the internet. You posted some information, I asked a question, you get mad. Just from reading your blog, I would be a little worried about financial stability, that's all. Didn't you DH JUST get a job? How do you know it's secure?

Like I said before, I don't think that you are inherently selfish, but to not work 'just because', is, in my opinion, a little selfish. You are too young to not work. Period. No 22 year old should be a housewife.

ETA: Unless you are a SAHM, or have some medical condition that prevents you from working. Of which, I gather, you are neither.

Well Jenn, it looks like LaraGaudess doesn't approve of your plan to see if you can swing it financially on one income so you had better give up your plan and have steak every night for supper just so you have a reason to keep working.

I personally think it's a great idea to try to save money and work out finances before there is a take home baby. Daycare is very expensive and sometimes it's more economical to live off one income and stay home with your baby. Plus, to me, if it is even close, I would rather stay home with my kids than put them in daycare so that I only see them for 4 hours a day during the week.

Now, on to my advice. Do you have a warehouse store in your area? I always buy bulk meat at Sam's Club and freeze it. 1lb portions of hamburger. Individual chicken breasts. I also have started buying store brand rather than name brand as much as possible (that doesn't jeopordize quality). Good luck and keep us updated on what you find.

jenn0021 · August 2011

jkfranklin:
LaraGaudess:
jenn0021:

LaraGaudess, I think you are a bit rude on how you posted that. Really, it's none of your business and if DH and I decide to go down to one salary, that is our choice. Thanks for stating I'm selfish.

LaTi, thanks for defending me. I really appreciate it.

To everyone else, thanks for the suggestions. I'm really trying to cut corners and see where we can save. I feel like ever since we got our house we are just on a spending blitz. Hopefully these ideas will help and we can get our budget under control.

This is the beauty of the internet. You posted some information, I asked a question, you get mad. Just from reading your blog, I would be a little worried about financial stability, that's all. Didn't you DH JUST get a job? How do you know it's secure?

Like I said before, I don't think that you are inherently selfish, but to not work 'just because', is, in my opinion, a little selfish. You are too young to not work. Period. No 22 year old should be a housewife.

ETA: Unless you are a SAHM, or have some medical condition that prevents you from working. Of which, I gather, you are neither.

Well Jenn, it looks like LaraGaudess doesn't approve of your plan to see if you can swing it financially on one income so you had better give up your plan and have steak every night for supper just so you have a reason to keep working.

I personally think it's a great idea to try to save money and work out finances before there is a take home baby. Daycare is very expensive and sometimes it's more economical to live off one income and stay home with your baby. Plus, to me, if it is even close, I would rather stay home with my kids than put them in daycare so that I only see them for 4 hours a day during the week.

Now, on to my advice. Do you have a warehouse store in your area? I always buy bulk meat at Sam's Club and freeze it. 1lb portions of hamburger. Individual chicken breasts. I also have started buying store brand rather than name brand as much as possible (that doesn't jeopordize quality). Good luck and keep us updated on what you find.

Thanks buddy. Yes, I think we may add more steak to our diet. Good plan. Stick out tongue And since I'm MUCH too young to be a SAHW, I better keep spending my money happily since I will be working until I retire.

We have Costco but I haven't really shopped there much. I feel overwhelmed when I go in there. I too have tried to stop buying brand name things (unless necessary of course) and I like to freeze a bunch of meat when it's on sale. I guess I was just wondering what else other people do. I will definitely keep you updated on how it goes and how much I spend next time. I really do need to work on not impulse buying, I've been bad with that lately.

LaraGaudess · August 2011

jkfranklin:
LaraGaudess:
jenn0021:

LaraGaudess, I think you are a bit rude on how you posted that. Really, it's none of your business and if DH and I decide to go down to one salary, that is our choice. Thanks for stating I'm selfish.

LaTi, thanks for defending me. I really appreciate it.

To everyone else, thanks for the suggestions. I'm really trying to cut corners and see where we can save. I feel like ever since we got our house we are just on a spending blitz. Hopefully these ideas will help and we can get our budget under control.

This is the beauty of the internet. You posted some information, I asked a question, you get mad. Just from reading your blog, I would be a little worried about financial stability, that's all. Didn't you DH JUST get a job? How do you know it's secure?

Like I said before, I don't think that you are inherently selfish, but to not work 'just because', is, in my opinion, a little selfish. You are too young to not work. Period. No 22 year old should be a housewife.

ETA: Unless you are a SAHM, or have some medical condition that prevents you from working. Of which, I gather, you are neither.

Well Jenn, it looks like LaraGaudess doesn't approve of your plan to see if you can swing it financially on one income so you had better give up your plan and have steak every night for supper just so you have a reason to keep working.

I personally think it's a great idea to try to save money and work out finances before there is a take home baby. Daycare is very expensive and sometimes it's more economical to live off one income and stay home with your baby. Plus, to me, if it is even close, I would rather stay home with my kids than put them in daycare so that I only see them for 4 hours a day during the week.

Now, on to my advice. Do you have a warehouse store in your area? I always buy bulk meat at Sam's Club and freeze it. 1lb portions of hamburger. Individual chicken breasts. I also have started buying store brand rather than name brand as much as possible (that doesn't jeopordize quality). Good luck and keep us updated on what you find.

That's not the problem at all. Saving money is great, I'm a saver myself. Not working just because you don't want to is what I'm having an issue with. Please don't read so selectively.

jkfranklin · August 2011

LaraGaudess:
jkfranklin:
LaraGaudess:
jenn0021:

LaraGaudess, I think you are a bit rude on how you posted that. Really, it's none of your business and if DH and I decide to go down to one salary, that is our choice. Thanks for stating I'm selfish.

LaTi, thanks for defending me. I really appreciate it.

To everyone else, thanks for the suggestions. I'm really trying to cut corners and see where we can save. I feel like ever since we got our house we are just on a spending blitz. Hopefully these ideas will help and we can get our budget under control.

This is the beauty of the internet. You posted some information, I asked a question, you get mad. Just from reading your blog, I would be a little worried about financial stability, that's all. Didn't you DH JUST get a job? How do you know it's secure?

Like I said before, I don't think that you are inherently selfish, but to not work 'just because', is, in my opinion, a little selfish. You are too young to not work. Period. No 22 year old should be a housewife.

ETA: Unless you are a SAHM, or have some medical condition that prevents you from working. Of which, I gather, you are neither.

Well Jenn, it looks like LaraGaudess doesn't approve of your plan to see if you can swing it financially on one income so you had better give up your plan and have steak every night for supper just so you have a reason to keep working.

I personally think it's a great idea to try to save money and work out finances before there is a take home baby. Daycare is very expensive and sometimes it's more economical to live off one income and stay home with your baby. Plus, to me, if it is even close, I would rather stay home with my kids than put them in daycare so that I only see them for 4 hours a day during the week.

Now, on to my advice. Do you have a warehouse store in your area? I always buy bulk meat at Sam's Club and freeze it. 1lb portions of hamburger. Individual chicken breasts. I also have started buying store brand rather than name brand as much as possible (that doesn't jeopordize quality). Good luck and keep us updated on what you find.

That's not the problem at all. Saving money is great, I'm a saver myself. Not working just because you don't want to is what I'm having an issue with. Please don't read so selectively.

You should take your own advice. All she said in her OP is that she wanted to start saving money and see if they could live off just one income. All you have been talking about is her being a SAHW. She hasn't quit her job, she just wants to see what is possible for the future.

Also, I think you are really shallow minded thinking that she is not wanting to work because she is lazy. There are many things a person can do while not working. I doubt she is going to turn into Peg Bundy.

ktsnshn · August 2011

Jenn, I admire your desire to start saving. My DH and I started living on just his income and used mine to pay off our cars and set some money aside for savings before I had DS. This way we knew we could afford to live on one income and had some emergency money on the side. I started saving by planning meals ahead and trying to buy things on sale. I always buy meat on sale and then plan dinners around what I buy. I use coupons whenever I can and when nonperishable items that we use are on sale I stock up. Good luck with your efforts to save and reaching your goal of being a SAHW or, hopefully a SAHM!

linz85 · August 2011

LaTi07:
LaraGaudess:

I have to ask... Why do you not want to work anymore? You are way too young to retire, and (this may be flameful), unless you have a medical condition that prevents you from working, or have children, I think it's pretty selfish to let your DH shoulder the financial responsibilities on his own.

I suppose if you were a lottery winner you'd might consider quitting... But from the title of your post, I'm guessing that's not the case.

Rude much? What difference does it make to you? If she and her DH want this lifestyle then who the h*ll are you to tell her it's selfish? Maybe they are planning on her eventually being a SAHM, maybe she's going back to school, maybe her job causes so much stress in her life. Either way it's none of your business.

OP, I usually buy generic when possible and bulk as well. We've saved a lot of money on bulk. We also found other areas to cut corners with not eating out, meal planning, etc. Do you have freecycle by you? I've gotten some great coupons on there!

Laura, I'm not sure who the H3LL you think you are. She said she wanted to save to see what she could do for the future. You show up whenever you feel like it and say some really rude things and I don't really think its cool. Stop being so judgemental and take a step back and think about how you'd feel if someone said these things to you!

LaraGaudess · August 2011

linz85:
LaTi07:
LaraGaudess:

I have to ask... Why do you not want to work anymore? You are way too young to retire, and (this may be flameful), unless you have a medical condition that prevents you from working, or have children, I think it's pretty selfish to let your DH shoulder the financial responsibilities on his own.

I suppose if you were a lottery winner you'd might consider quitting... But from the title of your post, I'm guessing that's not the case.

Rude much? What difference does it make to you? If she and her DH want this lifestyle then who the h*ll are you to tell her it's selfish? Maybe they are planning on her eventually being a SAHM, maybe she's going back to school, maybe her job causes so much stress in her life. Either way it's none of your business.

OP, I usually buy generic when possible and bulk as well. We've saved a lot of money on bulk. We also found other areas to cut corners with not eating out, meal planning, etc. Do you have freecycle by you? I've gotten some great coupons on there!

Laura, I'm not sure who the H3LL you think you are. She said she wanted to save to see what she could do for the future. You show up whenever you feel like it and say some really rude things and I don't really think its cool. Stop being so judgemental and take a step back and think about how you'd feel if someone said these things to you!

Who's Laura?

linz85 · August 2011

sorry, meant to spell Lara, but regardless the message is the same.

mbpandjf · August 2011

https://hip2save.com/

I've used this website on and off for awhile. Some things are local, some are not, but it's probably worth checking out. It also has an index page of all the coupons/ savings listed which is nice.

And, well, it has to be said... my husband and I are big Dave Ramsey followers. I don't know your financial status, but following his plan got us on track financially. IF you're interested, check out DaveRamsey.com. There are books, a class, budgeting forms, etc.

I've never messaged anyone on here before, but I assume that it can be done. I'd be happy to send you our spreadsheets to get you started as well.

Good luck!

UpstateMagnolia · August 2011

***Ignoring Lara and all that craziness***

Hi Jenn! I started cutting back on our grocery spending too. The grocery store is my mall...I love cooking! My freezer has become my best friend. I save veggie scraps in a bag in the freezer (onion/carrot tops or peelings, the insides of bell peppers, leftover herbs, etc.) and make vegetable broth out of it. Saute the veggies together with some dried herbs, pour water over and simmer until you have a nice slightly concentrated broth.

I stretch meat by using one chicken breast to make tacos for DH and I. I don't typically do meals where we each get a full chicken breast and side dishes. I have also been able to stretch meat in other casseroles like enchiladas, etc. I'm finding we're bulking up our meals with vegetables so it's way healthier.

I also love to make beans (see Pioneer Woman's recipe for Spicy Beans - that's essentially the recipe I've used for a while) from scratch and they are SO CHEAP and SO GOOD.

Meat is expensive and cutting down on how much I buy has been so great. DH is a huge meat eater and hasn't even noticed. I buy organic meat based on what I believe is good for us so the price is even higher - all the more incentive to cut it down!

I agree with PP about couponing - I use coupons mostly for paper goods, etc. and try to not buy as much processed food. DH has lost so much weight this way - just by eating fresh, unadulterated food. So I just try to be smart with how I cook and try to save money in other areas since they typically don't have coupons for meat/veg. I have also started making bread - it's a lot of fun and not near as hard as it seems. Big Smile

PS I'm with you - I would quit my job in a heartbeat if DH would let me. Someday I hope to be a SAHM at least!

jenn0021 · August 2011

mbpandjf:

https://hip2save.com/

I've used this website on and off for awhile. Some things are local, some are not, but it's probably worth checking out. It also has an index page of all the coupons/ savings listed which is nice.

And, well, it has to be said... my husband and I are big Dave Ramsey followers. I don't know your financial status, but following his plan got us on track financially. IF you're interested, check out DaveRamsey.com. There are books, a class, budgeting forms, etc.

I've never messaged anyone on here before, but I assume that it can be done. I'd be happy to send you our spreadsheets to get you started as well.

Good luck!

Thanks for site, I will check it out. We have used Dave Ramsey. Well, not whole-heartedly but I read the book and we use his budgeting spreadsheets. I really need to get back on to it though. I've been slacking these past few months. But I loved him! I would suggest him to others as well. Smile

jenn0021 · August 2011

Thank you to all the ladies for their wonderful suggestions. I'm actually looking forward to this challenge. I was a bit braindead last night and slightly annoyed with how this post was going so I just went to bed. But now that it's a new day I plan on looking through the flyers and making up my meal plan and grocery list. We can do this!

And Upstate, I love your suggestion of freezing vegetable scraps to make broth. Brilliant. I start doing that myself.

BarooGirl · August 2011

jenn0021:
LaraGaudess:
jenn0021:

LaraGaudess, I think you are a bit rude on how you posted that. Really, it's none of your business and if DH and I decide to go down to one salary, that is our choice. Thanks for stating I'm selfish.

LaTi, thanks for defending me. I really appreciate it.

To everyone else, thanks for the suggestions. I'm really trying to cut corners and see where we can save. I feel like ever since we got our house we are just on a spending blitz. Hopefully these ideas will help and we can get our budget under control.

This is the beauty of the internet. You posted some information, I asked a question, you get mad. Just from reading your blog, I would be a little worried about financial stability, that's all. Didn't you DH JUST get a job? How do you know it's secure?

Like I said before, I don't think that you are inherently selfish, but to not work 'just because', is, in my opinion, a little selfish. You are too young to not work. Period. No 22 year old should be a housewife.

ETA: Unless you are a SAHM, or have some medical condition that prevents you from working. Of which, I gather, you are neither.

Really? No 22 year old should be a housewife? That's a little opinionated. And thanks for the reminder that I'm not a SAHM. It's always nice to know when people notice. And I didn't say I was going to go out and quit my job tomorrow. I wanted to start budgeting better and trying to save money now so that we are better prepared for when I do quit. I do not plan on working forever and DH knows that. It is our decision. Yes it is the internet and you have your right to ask but I don't like how you did it. It was rude. That's it. Maybe if you had asked nicely I would have answered nicely. Sorry.

I think what you are doing (trying to budget now) is very responsible. Planning ahead and seeing if it is even feasible is great step.

As long as your DH is on board with being the sole breadwinner, I don?t see anything wrong with this. It's not like you are going to be sitting on your butt shopping waiting for him to come home with the paycheck... Being a SAHM is a job in itself, you will be responsible for running the house. (I am guessing) There is nothing wrong with your family's plan. And awesome that you are trying it out before you implement it.

sabrina69barnes · August 2011

I do our grocery shopping on a pretty small budget. I spend around $400 a month but that is for two adults and anywhere from two to six kidds depending on if we have SKs and how many daycare kids I have that day. That also covers DS's lunches for school and household cleaners, shampoo, toilet paper, etc. I shop at Aldi, Walmart, Dollar Tree, and the local produce stand.

Most of our diet is fresh produce and the produce stand near our house is very cheap. I usually spend around $20 a week on produce and that buys me a cart full. They mark down stuff that is going to go bad soon or imperfect things to almost nothing. Last week I got a few pounds of tomatoes for under $3.

Most of the meals I make have smaller cut up pieces of meat so two chicken breasts can feed our whole family. I use a lot of ground turkey in place of beef. At Aldi it is half of what the same amout of ground beef would cost. Walmart marks down meat when it is older so sometimes I get that depending on how it looks.

I get bleach, toothpaste, handsoap, and stuff like that at the dollar store. I get our paper towels, toilet paper, and disinfecting wipes at Aldi. The rest of the suff I get at Walmart. I don't really buy store bought cleaners. I clean mostly with bleach, dishsoap, and baking soda and I make our laundry detergent.

I try to make as many things from scratch as possible. It takes some time and a lot of dishes especially when I use speciality appliances with lots of parts to clean. I stay at home so I have the time but I try to do most of my cooking and dishes in one or two days a week and I make a lot of freezer meals for later in the week.

MsManners · August 2011

We've started cutting back on groceries lately too. Our big problem was buying food and not using it. Now when we make our shopping list, we'll go through what we have and see what we can make without having to buy too much.

Coupons help too. Most of the time, if a coupon is good for a while, the item will go on sale during that time. Unless it's something we are going to use a lot, we'll wait to use the coupon until the sale. I check the flyers in the paper every week to see which stores have the best sales.

Good luck!

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