stockpiling on a tight budget?

**NewLeaf** · 08-26-2009, 06:57 PM

I have been thinking about the $5/week stockpiling idea. I agree w/Grainlady about buying the foods your family likes and getting a healthy variety.

I would probably take advantage of some of the five for $5 deals at Food City to start out. I would start w/spaghetti sauce and noodles. Get 5 sauces and 5 noodles and you have 5 extra meals!!!

The $5/week ($10/payday for me) would work for me. After 1 month I could have 5 canned fruits, 5 vegies, 5 sauces and 5 packs of noodles. That would be a great start.

I have a stockpile now, but I want to see it grow some, so I think I am going to try this method.

**sermon527** · 08-26-2009, 09:18 PM

thanks for all the help! i cant wait to implement some of the ideas. thanks again!

**WV_mom_of2** · 08-27-2009, 07:50 AM

I would do a couple of things if I was just starting out......

1. I would make a list of things we eat/use on a regular basis. Put the list on an index card and then carry it with you. This way you know what you need.

2. I agree with buying on sale! If you are in the grocery store this week and you see canned green beans on sale, pick up what you can afford. If it's one can, that's ok! Put is aside somewhere for now. Next week, pick up another item that is on sale, as much as you can afford. It takes time to get a good stockpile going and NOT going over budget is important!

I rotate my stockpile by using it on a daily basis. I replinish as things go on sale again!

**C@rol** · 08-27-2009, 08:44 AM

All great suggestions. I learned a few things too. Thanks ladies.

One thing I do when I'm in the grocery store if I have time is scan all the aisles for items the store may have for special in store sale. A lot of times you'll get lucky and the store will have most needed items for very good pricing. Also listen for the in-store announcements. They are good sometimes also.

**Tai** · 08-28-2009, 02:50 PM

Originally Posted by NewLeaf

Tai, what store does the "roll over " deal? I think our Food City gives fuel bucks and coupons when you buy so many Food Club or Value time items.... You are doing great!!!

I'm talking specifically about rolling catalina deals at Shaw's. Basically, when there's a catalina deal, it will generally let you use the OYNO (on your next order) to do the deal again, reducing your out of pocket for subsequent visits. Its kinda like ECB deals at CVS.

**xtena** · 08-28-2009, 07:49 PM

Don't forget that your stockpile can/should include nonperishable stuff as well: toothpaste, toilet paper, feminine hygiene etc bought when prices are rockbottom or you have good coupons.

Do you already make your own cleaning supplies, laundry detergent; use rags and cloth napkins instead of paper ones etc; if not consider doing so and apply the savings towards your stockpile purchase fund.

If your budget is REALLY tight you could even make your own old fashioned reusable sanitary napkins. I've never done it myself, but there are free instructions on the Internet. Or you could invest in a Keeper or whatever they are called. Never used one of those, either but some people swear by them and you can save thousands of dollars over time if you start young; I figure I'm close to menopause that a Keeper wouldn't be worth the personal ugh factor, though now that I've FINALLY learned to sew I might make some homemade pads just to see how they work.