Starting Over
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How's it going with the grocery budget?

Yeah that's right my name's Yauch!
Re: achase
Yeah that's right my name's Yauch!
I'll admit, I am not great at couponing but I love the idea of the menu planning and so that's where I'm saving the bulk of my money each month. I'm running around $115 at the grocery store and going twice a month, then just have to get the staples like milk and fruit in between so it's under my $350/budget. I still think I can do much better though so I'm looking forward to pressing it closer to $250 or $300 next month.
Now I need to stay within my budget for eating out and buying clothes. Next goal to work towards!
I don't coupon.
Like if I run across one that I know I'll use, I'll use it, but I don't "coupon" as a verb, lol.
Menu planning is where it's at, IMO.
I've gotten back into it myself and have spent almost the exact same amount every weekend at the grocery store, and it's less than I'd usually spend if I was just "winging it" and I throw so much less produce out.
Another thing I'm trying to do right now is make one or two meals a week that I know will make leftovers that I can freeze either for lunches or nights when I want something quick to throw together. Chili, soup, stew, sauce & meatballs, stuff like that.
Yeah that's right my name's Yauch!
I found a great recipe to make shredded chicken in the crockpot, and then thirty different recipes it can be used in. Here's link:
http://momsbyheart.net/meal-planning-40-recipes-for-shredded-chicken/
I have also found the menu planning beneficial in saving time because most of the recipes are quick (as well as inexpensive AND healthy). If I can find ways to make one recipe but eat it several different nights that's even better.
For example, last night I made beef with snowpeas, which was easy AND delicious, btw. Here's the recipe (I love anything from PW):
http://thepioneerwoman.com/cooking/2010/10/beef-with-snow-peas/
I only used half of the beef so tonight I will just sautee the other half and make an asian beef salad. DS probably won't like it but he doesn't eat a ton of dinner anyways so I can do something simple for him like a quesadilla.
I am seriously impressed. You should take over my grocery list..
How??? How???? Mint.com infuriates me to no end sometimes. I just moved my DS' savings account into a 529 plan and mint.com doesn't follow the company so they're telling me I withdrew almost $1,800 and it looks like I just squandered it. I want it to keep track of this investment account too.
AND it took them forever to recognize my 401(k) and it's with TD Ameritrade. That's a huge company!
AK, you're my hero. I sent you an email about this. And I want details. Every last one of them.
I did it! Thanks!