Crystal mentioned getting ready to increase their grocery budget from 35.00 to 40.00 per week. The news is full of stories that can make one a little uneasy about the future of our finances and budgets. Every time you turn on the television or pick up a newspaper you can read stories of recession, gas prices, grocery prices, and on and on.
Today, on Super Saving Saturday, I wanted to share a few ways we are trying to be proactive and find ways to lower our food budget. I have mentioned before with four teenagers, three of whom are boys, we cannot feed our family on 35.00 a week or even 60.00 a week. I wished that we could. However, we have been trying to find ways to cut back on our grocery bill. One thing I will not resort to however, is buying convenience foods, even if I can get them free or nearly free. We also are not going to go back to buying regular pasta instead of whole grain. The health benefits far outweigh the cost associated with these items.
One thing that we are doing this spring that I am so excited about is planting a garden! I have always wanted a garden. We hope to have tomatoes, peppers, zucchini, yellow squash, cabbage, carrots, and I am not sure what else. If ya'll have any ideas, please let me know! My goal is to have plenty of fresh produce throughout the summer and to flash freeze some of the peppers, onions, squash for use in the fall and winter.
I have printed off the plans from Martha Stewart for a cold frame planter so that we can grow some items during the fall and winter such as spinach. We buy at least two bags of spinach and salad greens a month from Sam's. I have already noticed the prices have gone up to the tune of over 1.50 just on the bagged spinach alone.
I posted yesterday about what we have done to save money on snack items for our children.
Saving money for me has become like a game. It is a thrill, however, I have had to pull back and reevaluate to make sure that I am only purchasing things that we really need. It is easy to jump on the savings bandwagon and begin to buy items that perhaps you have never used before or would never consider using in the past. The thrill of getting something for free or nearly free is a rush. I have noticed that there are never many coupons available for organic or health foods which is what we tend to eat the most in our household.
My Super Saving Saturday this week is much like that last few....I have saved more money out of the store than in it. Today I am going to try and make our own protein bars. I can't wait to see how they turn out. I am hopeful that they will be more economical than the purchased ones we buy each week. I am also making homemade granola.
For more Super Saving Saturday ideas go to Money Saving Mom.
4 comments:
I came over from Crystal's blog and i have to say that i do agree with you about not buying things that arent good for you even if i do get them for free or close to it. I used to do that but then we would be eating a bunch of junk food or lots of prepackaged stuff which in the long run isnt good for your body.
I planted a garden a few years back, but DID NOT have my mothers green thumb. We're going to try it again this year in small doses. Tomatoes, herbs and a few other things. Let me know how your goes!
I had to laugh when your post today said saving money was like a game to you. My mom and I are both addicted to getting good deals and are always comparing who gets the better deals! Who knew saving money could be such a competitive game? LOL
I planted a garden a few years ago and it was heaven going outside to pick lettuce for the salad or tomatoes for sauce when they were completely fresh!
The only problem was that we started going camping for two weeks at a time and when we came back the weeds had taken over!
So all I can say is mulch, mulch, mulch! It's the only way to stay on top of it!
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