Not so freaked out anymore

**buffy871** · 06-12-2010, 10:33 PM

I posted earlier about my financial situation, so I'll be brief. Next year I'm going to have a whole lot less money and I decided to begin living frugally now while it's a choice instead of a necessity. When the time comes, I don't want any nasty suprises.

They only area my husband and I can really cut down is food costs. I work about 60 to 70 hours a week, so time is a real problem.

I became reaquainted with the crockpot, and I've saved us a good deal of money already. I don't know how I ever got along without it now! I've been freezing food and making sure I have snacks in the house to prevent junk food attacks. I've also discovered that it takes less time to cook many meals than it does to sit in a restraunt waiting for service and then food.

With the money I'm saving on food, we'll be able to save money per month even with the lower budget next year.

**Palooka** · 06-12-2010, 10:43 PM

Good for you! Using the CP, planning and cooking from scratch is a huge money saver.

**NikoSan999** · 06-13-2010, 12:05 AM

I haven't read any of your posts but another thing you could do in preparation of next year would be to start at least a small stockpile. That would further cut down on your groceries next year. It's saved our butts more than once in the last couple years. There are several threads on here. Good luck

**Cricketlegs** · 06-30-2010, 02:38 PM

Great thinking on your part.

**frugal is fun** · 07-01-2010, 11:04 AM

Awesome plan! Way to go!

**NikoSan999** · 07-01-2010, 07:14 PM

Since this was brought back to the fore front...
Electric can also be cut back to some extent. Many threads on here about doing that. Takes some effort but works. Depending on the months, we knocked off anywhere from $100 to $200 a month from ours. I know cause I keep a couple years worth of past bills. And that's with an increase in electric bill.

When we first started I made a lot of homemade soup. What we didn't eat went into the freezer for quick meals by itself or with a sandwich..whatever. Great when you're tired. I also kept a lot of mini meatloaves. Great individual servings for meal or to cut for sandwiches.

You have a year. Read the stockpiling threads. I could now feed a family of three on about $25 a week or sometimes less including every meat imaginable for about 6 months ballpark.

**frugalfranny** · 07-02-2010, 12:30 AM

Good planning on your part.

**Darlene** · 07-02-2010, 08:25 AM

I like the way you are thinking.

You are right about having alot of control with your food budget & planning ahead will have you making well thought out decisions instead of last minute costly meals.
Do you have a pressure cooker? Yesterday in FV chat LadyV, mek42 and I were talking about how wonderful they are, especially for those with time constraints. LadyV sold me on using mine more.