Is it unrealistic....

**Isaiahsmom91302** · 07-25-2008, 01:20 PM

to feed a family of 3 on $200 a month? Our car insurance is going up $200 for the next three months so we have to save money somewhere. We usually spend $300 a month on food $100 on cable and internet. So I had to cancel cable and internet and put the food bill down to $200.......you think we can do it??? If so what are some meals that are frugal? Thank you in advance!

**Melissa**

**Cricketlegs** · 07-25-2008, 01:24 PM

I did it just this month as I had an unexpected car insurance bill(added dds new car and it was prorated so I had a bill of almost $500 when insurance the month before was $180) and the money had to come from somewhere and NOT NOT NOT my EF.

I do usually have to get bread, milk, and eggs but I do pretty good.

I too have 3 in my family during the year but right now one dd is home from college so I am feeding 4 on $200.

My usually budget is $300.

**Cricketlegs** · 07-25-2008, 01:26 PM

Me again--lets talk meal planning--where are you on that?

How are you set for frugal shopping? Do you shop frugal or do you need to learn how?

Any health issues?

Do you have baby, pet expenses?

**Cricketlegs** · 07-25-2008, 01:27 PM

I see you are new to the boards--welcome!

WE CAN HELP YOU!

**Izzy0906** · 07-25-2008, 01:34 PM

I'm a family of 3 (along with 2 cats & a dog) and I feed us all on a budget of $200/month. You really need to meal plan and pick those meals according to what's on sale that week

**Isaiahsmom91302** · 07-25-2008, 01:37 PM

I do make a meal menu, usually 2 weeks worth. I am not so creative though in making the meals out of what I have. I know I need to do that though. I have so much meat in my freezer right now. I just don't know any good recipes for dinner that would work for us for cheap.

I try to use coupons, but there aren't many around here and I am not sure I know everything about it anyway. I pretty much am new to it and need to learn.

No health issues but I am a vegetarian so that makes meal planning kind of hard.

Yes, I do have a new baby. She is 3 months old so we have the extra expenses for that as well.

My budget has always been $300 for food a month and I would usuaully spend close to $100 extra so I am sort of wondering if I can do it.

**Cricketlegs** · 07-25-2008, 01:40 PM

You can do it!

It just means you have to learn how. It won't happen overnight but it will.

**Cricketlegs** · 07-25-2008, 01:41 PM

Questions--do you breastfeed or formula and is that part of your grocery budget and also diapers?

You have meat but are a veg. so I assume your dh eats mean?

**Isaiahsmom91302** · 07-25-2008, 01:43 PM

I am nursing and yes we buy diapers.

Yes, DH and DS eat meat so I do make all the dinners with meat. Just omit the meat in my meal.

**Cricketlegs** · 07-25-2008, 01:45 PM

There is a method to my madness I promise. We need to get a handle on your situation to best find ways to help you with your budget.

If I ask anything to personal just skip it of tell me too personal okay.

Are you a Stay at home Mom or do you work? The reason I ask is because of diapers. Do you sew?

**Isaiahsmom91302** · 07-25-2008, 01:47 PM

I am a stay at home mom, so we are only living on one income. No, I have no idea how to sew....LOL I know sad huh?

**Cricketlegs** · 07-25-2008, 01:49 PM

I can see where meal planning would be a problem--how are dh and ds with one meatless meal a week--for example beans, rice and cornbread--that saves you a meat or you could make up HALF a link sausage for them and save the other half for another meal such as skillet potatoes, sausage for them and another nice vegetable. That would save you $1.00 to $1.50 off each meal.

**staciah** · 07-25-2008, 01:51 PM

Start to do some comparison shopping at several stores. Aldi's is a good store to get things cheaper. I also shop at Dollar Tree. Ours has a freezer section with alot of different foods (South Beach frozen meals for $1) But you have to go quite often.
I also shop at Costco and buy in bulk.
Start to cook more foods from scratch if you have the time. It really is alot cheaper also.There are alot of web site's out there for cooking frugal from scratch.
Start using coupons and shop sales. Make a list and don't shop spontaneously.
When you buy your meat buy in bulk( like a full chicken and learn how to cut it up) You really can save alot.
Consider using powdered milk.
Well there is alot more tips on this site so look around and enjoy learning how to be more frugal.

**Cricketlegs** · 07-25-2008, 01:55 PM

Originally Posted by Isaiahsmom91302

I am a stay at home mom, so we are only living on one income. No, I have no idea how to sew....LOL I know sad huh?

No lol not sad at all!

I too am a SAHM but my dds are older 20, step is 18 and almost 13. Been a while since I had a baby in the house. I did nurse both mine 2 years each so I know how much money that saves.

The reason I asked about sewing is that they are making the best cloth diapers these days with pretty colors, fun fabrics, and even elastic. Those square white things are obsolete. If you bought a few--maybe 3 or had someone make you some you could really knock off some cash there.

Before you freak--maybe since you are home just use one cloth diaper a day saves you 30 yes THIRTY diapers a month!

One diaper in cloth thrown in the wash isn't that much of an inconveince. It isn't like going all cloth. 2 a day saves 60.

At 3 months--what size diapers are you using and how many in a pack and what is the cost?

Also, try emailing the diaper companies for diaper and wipes coupons, penny saved is a penny saved.