My Frugal Plan - Part 1

**AmyBoz** · 12-22-2007, 07:00 PM

So, as I said in my previous thread "Living Frugally in the New Year" I am going into black belt frugality mode come January 1. In planning ahead, I took a good, hard look at my pantry and found that I am not going to need to buy any snacks for the kids for quite some time. I have muffin mixes and cookie mixes out the wazoo, as well as chocolate chips and regular baking materials. Granted, cookies and muffins are not particularly healthy in the grand scheme of things, but we also do lots of active play around here and they will be balanced out with the good, healthy meals that I cook.

So, part 1 was going through my pantry and freezer and seeing what I could use up, wear out before purchasing new. Snacks, it appears, is where I'll begin to save some grocery money. (Just want to add, we have lots of fresh fruit in our house as well that I will continue to purchase...that is non-negotiable.),

**FrugalMomof3** · 12-22-2007, 08:13 PM

I am with you on black belting for the new year, i have to cut down on small things that add up. Wishing us the best of luck

**adavant** · 12-22-2007, 08:21 PM

I too am strapping down in 2008 especially in the grocery area. Any tips you ladies have will be appreciated. My pantry is pretty small so it isn't well stocked unfortunately.

**carlitasway** · 12-22-2007, 08:33 PM

I really need to tighten the belt. I really need to get to menu planning and get a hold of the food budget. I'm in simplifying mode so I won't be buying anything for the house except curtains.

**Cricket1** · 12-22-2007, 10:28 PM

I'm right there with you for the new year. I have to get back to sticking with the budget, cutting coupons, and not eating out so much.

**Daisygirl** · 12-23-2007, 05:52 AM

Great plan. I need to figure out some small steps myself. I have spent the most ridiculous amount of money these past couple of weeks! Ay yi yi.

I am thinking about my pantry and I too have lots of baking supplies, plus countless jello and pudding mixes. I could make up some of those on the weekend in individual containers during my weekly cookfest and cut Waaaaayy back on my grocery bill.

Keep posting your ideas, I am right behind ya!

**Nada.Leona** · 12-23-2007, 07:45 AM

That's a great step! I will do that right after Christmas!

**dwallyfam** · 12-23-2007, 07:55 AM

I have a lot of items in the freezer but not in the cupboards. I also need to do more couponing when I go shopping. I fell off that bandwagon a few months back.

**Nantahala** · 12-23-2007, 08:41 AM

I am also strapping down in 2008. I am creating my plan as we speak....

**Royal** · 12-23-2007, 08:51 AM

I am also strapping down my grocery budget in 2008. Although I don't think we spend that much on groceries (250 euro) I want to see if I can beat that. My goal for January is 200 euro. That might be too little but we shall see. I see this as a sport. It's not that we HAVE to but I would really like to spend less and save more. We have a few BIG time goals for the near future and I realize that you have to begin somewhere. I figure that groceries is the one area that I can spend more or less if need be. What we spend on gas for our 2 cars (we drive basically only to work/church/school) or our mortgage I can't really influence but the amount we spend on food I can.

**mcphlips** · 12-23-2007, 09:04 AM

I'm in with tightening the belt!

I have gotten off of the menu-planning using my pantry band wagon, and we have a TON of food.
I also need to go back to using a written budget.

**Darlene** · 12-23-2007, 09:19 AM

Love how you're kicking up your frugal heels Amy! We'll be joining you on your journey, after buying a new car, Christmas, unexpected electrician bill and taxes coming up plus regular bills, we are cutting things razor thin to squeak by.

**watchingpennies** · 12-23-2007, 09:38 AM

I have noticed too that I have a lot of cake/muffin mixes. I am going to use those for snacks also. I also have a lot of stuff in the freezer. I think after this Christmas rush is over, I am going to use up my "stash" of stuff and use up everything and only go to the store for fresh fruits and veggies. I am going to get back to baking bread again too...I notice I also have a ton of flour. I really need to get menu planning!

**Telephus44** · 12-23-2007, 04:03 PM

Way to go Amy! We've been a lot better about cooking from scratch lately, due to DS getting to the age where eating in restaurants is becoming almost impossible and DH doing really well with his diet. Unfortunately, we do a lot of last minute runs to the grocery store to try new recipes, instead of looking to our pantry and planning around sales. I'm also hoping to do better with our food budget next year.