My Shopping Trip 7/20/08 $44.00

The first thing I do, before I ever step foot in the grocery store, is decide my menu for the week. It's surprisingly simple, and easier (for me) then running in the store and saying, hmm, that looks good.. maybe I'll do that. The reason that isn't as effective is because you'll inevitably end up returning to the grocery store several times a week because you need to get another item, or you haven't thought far enough ahead. A lot of people don't like to be drawn into a corner, so to speak, but I like the organization, and if I don't like what I have scheduled for that day, I'll just swap it with a meal originally planned for a different day.

So, without further ado, my dinner menu for the week of 7/20/08 was:

Whole Chicken | Mashed Potatoes
Chili Dog Casserole | Broccoli
Six Can Chicken Tortilla Soup | Grilled Cheese Sandwiches
Bean Quesadillas | Rice
Shepherd's Pie | Salad
Cornbread Sausage Casserole | Broccoli
Spaghetti | Green Beans

I write out my menu, and then I jot down the ingredients that I need. I always shop my pantry first, before going to the store.

Also, my $50 for family of 4 assumes that you have certain items on hand. These are ingredients that should last a month or so. Things like flour, eggs, milk (milk doesn't last a month! I know that, but I'm slightly lactose-intolerant, so I buy this only sparingly, and if called for in a recipe), spices, and garlic aren't normally included in my list, unless I've run out.

So my grocery list goes as follows (also, I pencil in who much I will pay for the item, and force myself to not go over it):

(2) 15 oz Chili with Beans 2.00
Beef Hotdogs 1.50
Tortillas 2.00
(2) Cheddar Cheese 4.00
2 lbs Beef 4.00
Green Bell Pepper 1.00
Pasta Sauce 2.50
(3) 15 oz Cans of Corn 1.75
(2) 15 oz Chicken Broth 1.50
(1) 10 oz Chicken Chucks 2.25
(3) 15 oz Black Beans 2.50
(2) Rotel 2.00
(2) 15 oz Cream of Chicken
Refried Beans 1.00
(2) Loaves of Bread 4.00
(2) Cans of Carrots 1.50
Brown Gravy Mix 1.00
Broccoli Cuts 1.50
Pork Breakfast Sausage 2.50
Romaine Lettuce 1.50
Tomatoes 1.50
Cucumbers 1.00
Oatmeal 3.00
Bananas 2.00

Approximated Total : 50.00
Actual Out of Pocket Total : 43.12

Now, I know some of you may be wondering, what about Breakfast & Lunch? I personally don't like breakfast, but since becoming a mom, I've eaten a bowl of oatmeal every day. And, even though I usually buy store brands (because it's rarely a difference in quality), I must buy Quaker Oats, because the store brand doesn't taste right. I occasionally eat toast, also.

For lunch, I do leftovers from the night before. Or I eat toast. :) I'm really horrible about eating lunch, because before I know it, it's dinner time, and I haven't eaten yet. But I look forward to dinner, and I don't really skim on my meals.. and I most always have enough left over for lunch the next day.

Updates on the way

I'm planning on updating with my photo of last week's grocery coup of $50 for a family of four... but I just had an attack of the wisdom tooth which has put me temporarily out of commission. Will be back soon!!!

How To Feed A Family of 4 on $50/Week

As a stay at home mom, I’m constantly searching for new ways to maximize my savings. I think the most challenging part of my budget is food, because it’s a necessity, and it should be enjoyable. I want to make sure my family has access to healthy and delicious meals, with variety, without sacrificing money or meat. However, at the request of my husband, I do prepare one vegetarian meal a week. Surprisingly, I find it easier (and cheaper) to cook meat-based entrees instead of vegetarian ones. I don’t know why.

Let’s get started.

The first thing that’s crucial to feeding 4 ppl on $50/Week is planning. I cannot stress it enough. It’s impossible to go to the store without a plan in your mind and expect to 1) only shop once a week and; 2) be on the best budget for your family.

In order to plan, set aside an hour and decide in detail all the meals you’d like for the coming week. I usually do this after looking through the Sunday circulars, in case there’s a great deal at a grocery store that I can’t pass up. This is a great site to go to if you don’t normally receive the Sunday paper. Take account of all the deals and come up with meal ideas that incorporate items that are on sale.

If you need recipe suggestions, my all time favorite website is AllRecipes.com which also provides great feedback from a huge community of reviewers.

One of my best tips is to pick meals that share the same ingredients. If you buy a bag of frozen broccoli, split it into two or more meals. I don’t like buying more than enough. It’s not cost-effective when trying to feed 4 on $50/week.

The next thing is to write a grocery list of all the ingredients you need. Shop your pantry also. I usually have on hand basics that I don’t account for in my $50 allotment. Basics include salt, pepper, sugar, various other spices, flour. These are items that you’d keep in the pantry and that will last for at least a month or two without having to re-buy. If you have these items in your pantry, you can cross it off your grocery list.

Stay tuned for items I consider to be pantry basics.

The next step will take some trial and error, and a few trips to the grocers before you’ve gotten the hang of it, especially if you’re new to budget shopping. Before going to the store, I write a maximum price of how much I will spend for each item, until my list totals $50. It’s great if the list is under $50, but it will never go over $50. If it does go over $50, I re-evaluate my weekly menu, and see what I can eliminate and substitute. This part is tricky. You must have a good knowledge of the cost of items. For example, how much does a package of Frozen Chicken Breasts cost at your local grocers? For me, it’s $7. If my grocery list calls for a package of Frozen Chicken Breasts, I put $7.50 (.50 is my wiggle room) beside it as a clue to me when I’m shopping that I need to look at the price and make sure that the item fits into the budget. If it doesn’t fit in my budget, say it’s $7.75 (and I am that anal about it), then I’m not buying it. It’s as simple as that.

I highly recommend only bringing with you the budgeted cash to buy your groceries, and nothing more. I usually take $50, and get to the register hoping upon hope that I calculated right. It does give me extra incentive to check the prices when I’m putting the food in my cart. I also watch the register like a hawk, to make sure the correct price is ringing up. I know this seems very extreme, but if you enjoy a challenge like I do, then you’ll find it exhilarating!

Next, I’ll share with you my weekly menu, receipt and photo of my purchases for this week.

“Just smile and insult them in Klingon, and know that when you go home to your DVDs and model ships and weaponry, you are the better person. Always.” (from Be A Trekkie)

Classic. If I had a dollar for every time I did that.

Just wanted to share. I told you I was a trekkie.

(Re) Introduction

Hello, my name is Kyo and I’m a 20-something housewife and mommie. I love Chinese food, going to the beach, watching television, especially Star Trek, and finding ways to make extra money. I’m a the queen of frugality, I bet you don’t know anyone more frugal than me (and if you do, give me their link, ’cause I love improving on my methods).

I started this blog as an social experiment in finding all the ways I can to make a dollar out of my own sense. I’m including my budgeting tips on how I feed a family of four on $50/week. I’m also going to review all the various ways to make money over the internet without having a webcam, if you know what I mean.

But, because this blog is all about my life as a housewife, I’m also planning on including my daily & weekly schedules, and makeup & hair advice, and childrearing sympathies.

By far, I don’t know all the answers, but I want to start an honest dialogue with you about being the best housewife possible. Feel free to share your ideas and critiques. I’m happy to know you.