Ask the Readers

Today’s question is from Story:

I used to have a good plan for my drug store and grocery shopping, but since I had my second baby (5 months; I also have a 2.5 year old), I haven’t been able to get back into a good routine. I’d love to know how other moms manage to get to multiple stores each week.

Do you do it all in one day, or do you do it throughout the week? Do you take your kids with you?

Do you have a question you’d like to ask Money Saving Mom® readers? Read the submission guidelines and submit it here.

Today’s question is from Melissa:

After a year of job searching, I was just offered a position as an interventionist at an elementary school. I am starting from scratch. I do not have anything to set up my room for the fall.

In my district, we get $200 to buy our supplies, however that will not be nearly enough to make my classroom. Classroom rugs cost nearly $400 and then I have to buy books for my classroom library, totes to store supplies, the supplies itself (pencils, paper, crayons, etc).

Is there a way I can somehow buy the necessary supplies for my classroom for less? -Melissa

Do you have a question you’d like to ask Money Saving Mom® readers? Read the submission guidelines and submit it here.

Today’s question is from Carrie:

I’m a stay at home wife and my husband and I just started Dave Ramsey’s Total Money Makeover this year (we’re on baby step 3). We’ve definitely become much more conscious of our spending now that we’re paying cash at the grocery store and I’m shocked to see that we’re spending about $600 a month on groceries for 2 adults (that’s strictly food not household stuff)!

We do meal plan and eat at home most meals, however I’d really like to bring that number down. How do you decide what’s worth buying organic versus conventional? And how do you decide what’s worth buying brand name versus store brand?

Do you have a question you’d like to ask Money Saving Mom® readers? Read the submission guidelines and submit it here.

Today’s question is from Amy:

I was wondering if you could post my question. I’m pregnant with my second child and thinking about becoming a stay at home mom (Currently working full-time). For moms who have done this, did you find that you spent less because you were able to do more things yourself? Like cooking from scratch, couponing, making homemade cleaners, or more energy to take care of things like cloth diapers? Or are these unrealistic savings expectations? Were there any extra costs that surprised you? -Amy

Do you have a question you’d like to ask Money Saving Mom® readers? Read the submission guidelines and submit it here.

Today’s question is from Bobbie:

I am currently 14 weeks pregnant, the mother of a four year old and a night shift nurse. We recently moved and lately, I have noticed that my husband has picked up a lot of my slack. I really want to get back on track and ease his load, so I need to find a way to streamline my household duties, financial duties and menu planning all at once. I am committed to finding a system that I think will work for my family.

I am wondering if any of your readers have suggestions on places to find printables or systems that work for them?

Do you have a question you’d like to ask Money Saving Mom® readers? Read the submission guidelines and submit it here.

Today’s question is from Kari:

My husband and I recently started the Dave Ramsey program and we are halfway through baby step #2 (the debt snowball). I’m having a hard time with how much I should budget for grocery — and making that stretch for the whole month.

Can any of your readers share some ideas and/or cheap recipes for a family of 4 (our boys are 3 and 5) with a $200 monthly budget? I am doing a lot of freezer cooking, making a lot of rice meals, and using my bread machine like crazy, but I am having trouble with wanting to use meat but just cant afford it. We are already doing some meatless meals and I am buying my flour in bulk at Sam’s Club. -Kari

Do you have a question you’d like to ask Money Saving Mom® readers? Read the submission guidelines and submit it here.

Today’s question is from Sarah:

I just started doing the money envelope system for my house budget, and at the end of the month, I have some extra money! I’m wondering how I should use this extra cash? Should I leave it in the envelope for a month that may have more expenses, put it towards a debt, or something else? -Sarah

Do you have a question you’d like to ask Money Saving Mom® readers? Read the submission guidelines and submit it here.