How to get back on the frugal wagon?

**schellie69** · 10-19-2006, 12:43 PM

Hello, I have not been around the fv for a while I had 2 carpel tunnel surgeries on both my hands and elbows and the 2nd surgery really knocked me off my feet plus we had extra people living with us and not helping around the house and since I could not keep up with my health problems I fell into a big hole of depression I have now got my house hold down to eight which is my self my dh our 4 dk and our roommate (who is my dh best friend for over 25 years) and one extra person. which is okay. now I have to get back on track with the budget and and groceries but I feel so lost at where to start, I have been spending $360 a week for food, pet food, supplies ect. now I want to cut it down to $200-$250 a week also I need to start saving to get my gas back on due to the extra people here I could not pay the bill since I only use gas for heat it has not been a problem until now and it is starting to get cold we have 3 electric heaters to help right now but I am not sure how much longer that will last any ideas on how I can get the frugal train back on the tracks without feeling so overwelmed. there have been some good things one of my meds that i have to take went from $50 a month down to $35 a month which helpes. so any ideas would be greatly appricated at this point. We have not been able to finish the 2nd bathroom

project yet and really need to get that done also.

Thank you

**yankeegal** · 10-19-2006, 02:07 PM

first of all, deep breath...it sounds as if you are dealing with a lot right now.
How many members of your household, that are old enough to work, are helping you out right now? It sounds as if you are taking on the entire burden by yourself and that is overwhelming to someone who has not had to have surgery recently. Sounds like it might be time for a serious family meeting to see about getting some help.

**schellie69** · 10-19-2006, 02:11 PM

Thanks for the advice, My 2nd dd is getting ssi, and dh and roommate both work, dd and extra will start work on 0ct 22nd being my 2nd daughter personal asst. I will get $100 every two weeks to help out plus they will have money for the things that they need and want. I am unable to work at this time due to health reason and the 2 ds's our both under 16 and are in school. so things should start to get better it is just trying to play catch up right now. it just seems things are so up in the air right now and trying to figure out where to start seems so hard.

**kabin63** · 10-19-2006, 03:26 PM

Hi Schellie,
That sounds like a lot to me too. I can get overwhelmed with more than my lttle family.
I think the best place to start is to gather up all your bills and see what you owe and where. Then start working up a budget based on everyone's income. Food first, then housing, utilities, car, etc....Do you have any debt? Debt only comes in after you have the necessities taken care of.
Once you get that all down and done. Take a look at how much food and what types of food you are purchasing. You can spend less than $250.00 a week, I am sure of that. Do you have a good cookbook? Then you sit down and start figuring out a menu. Then make a list for the grocery store and stick to it. These are serious ways to cut your grocery budget down and save money. I hope others are helping you to cook and clean. It's rediculous to have that many peoplle in your home and not get any help with housekeeping and cooking, etc...
I hope this gives you some ideas. We are all here for you.

**Jill B.** · 10-19-2006, 05:09 PM

I do a lot of cooking from scratch. Remember beans are one of your best friends! You can make a pot of them, in a crock pot, and then freeze them.

I usually go over all the grocery fliers with my morning coffee the day after they come in the mail. Then I make lists of what to get at the stores. I can hit several stores or maybe one or two over the next few days. I match up coupons and sales to get great deals. After I see what is on sale, I make up a menu for the week.

I check the menu in the morning so I know what to defrost for the evening. Many times I partially prepare things during the day and complete the meal beforre dinner. This saves on "On, no!!! It is 5 pm and I was supposed to make beans (or whatever) and now I need to get pizza!!!" I think planning and organizing save me a ton of money every month. Think of it as a job. For the few hours you plan, and shop you can save a few hundred dollars.

I hope this helps you. I also hope you get some of your kids to help cook. They never can learn too early!!!