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Shared Apr 23, 2012 comment

10 goals for this week

Published: by Crystal Paine on April 23, 2012 | This post may contain affiliate links. Read my disclosure policy here.

Last week’s goals:

Family/Mothering Goals

~~1. Read five chapters each of Quest for Truth:Taken and Thomas A Edison: Young Inventor aloud to the children.~~

~~2. Write a love note to Jesse.~~

Personal Goals

3. Finish reading One of Us Must Be Crazy and I’m Pretty Sure It’s You and The Three R’s.

~~4. Run at least two times.~~

5. Finish listening to The 10 Habits of Happy Mothers. Start listening to Integrity: The Courage to Meet the Demands of Reality.

Home Management

~~6. Follow my Spring Cleaning plan & blog about it every weekday.~~

Business Goals

~~7. Continue practicing my talks for the Midwest Homeschool Convention.~~

~~8. Attend and speak at the Midwest Homeschool Convention.~~

This week’s goals:

This week’s goals:

Family/Mothering Goals

1. Read five chapters each of Quest for Truth:Taken and Thomas A Edison: Young Inventor aloud to the children.

2. Start one-on-one homeschooling times with each of the children {I’ve been doing this with Kathrynne, but not consistently with Kaitlynn and Silas, so I re-did our daily routine this weekend so that I could start meeting one-one-one with each child every day.}

3. Go on an overnight date with Jesse. {We’re supposed to try camping out — if I don’t chicken out! Ahem. I’m not much of a camper!}

Personal Goals

4. Finish reading The Three R’s. Start another book. {I have a stack that I’m trying to decide from!}

5. Run at least five times.

6. Finish listening to Integrity: The Courage to Meet the Demands of Reality.

7. Write and send two handwritten notes.

Home Management

8. Follow my Spring Cleaning plan & blog about it every weekday.

9. Make Homemade Pop Tarts.

Business Goals

10. Go through my “To Answer” email file (that’s been quite neglected in recent weeks!) and answer all emails.

How did you do on last week’s goals? What are your goals for this week? I’d love to have you share your progress on last week’s goals and your goals for this coming week in the comments. Of, if you’ve blogged about it, leave your direct link below. Let’s cheer each other on to live purposeful and productive lives!

You can download a free customizable weekly goal-planning sheet here.

Shared Apr 23, 2012 comment

Reader Testimonial: After 14 months of hard work, we’re debt-free!

Published: by Crystal Paine on April 23, 2012 | This post may contain affiliate links. Read my disclosure policy here.

Testimony from Sarah

In December 2010, my husband (Brad) brought up the idea about us looking at our finances, creating a budget, and making some sacrifices so we could pay off our debt. I was a little skeptical as I felt we were already living tight. What more could we do?

He was teaching Financial Peace University classes and I just thought it was his emotional high from that. I wanted some proof that if I committed to this new way of life and gave up my cable it would actually mean something.

Even though we never argued much over money, the stress of debt touched our relationship in ways I never realized. I finally agreed to it, but still was not ready to make any of the major sacrifices Brad was proposing at the time.

The Moment of Realization

However, I had my moment of realization when I was building a humanitarian aid web site. I was entering in items you could purchase, and an option to feed a whole school in Rwanda for one week was $250.00.

Seriously, we could feed an entire school for a week and all it would cost us is one car payment! I felt almost sick to my stomach at our selfishness. We were surrounding ourselves with “things” that we told ourselves we needed or deserved, while that same amount could feed a school of 450 children.

I became mad that we had this debt and wanted to do something about it so that we could be free to give. I told Brad that I was ready to kick this debt… and fast.

Kicking Up Our Momentum

So we started with the budget and were determined to make this work. We had a garage sale and sold everything we could think of in that. We still weren’t satisfied — so we talked about Brad getting another job.

He became a referee and started reffing at our church. Then, an opportunity came along for me to give personal basketball lessons and regularly babysit two of my friend’s children. These were unexpected bonuses and we socked that money away towards debt.

Kissing Our Nice Car (and Car Payment!) Goodbye

At the start of this, Brad asked that I think about selling our car. I immediately rolled my eyes and said “no”. I explained to him that our car was a blessing. I mean, it has an automatic starter, we needed a reliable car, we only have two years left to pay it off… and on and on my excuses went.

We agreed that we would hold off on that. But what Brad didn’t know was I was seriously considering it and praying that God would give us direction. Finally, after a few months, I told myself and God that I was ready to sell the car if Brad brought it up.

Of course he did, and one week later, we kissed our Honda Accord goodbye and began that painful search for a new-to-us used car. After two weeks, we found a perfect car for our family, in our price range, that we purchased with cash.

It’s Official: We’re Debt-Free!

After 14 months of hard work, we paid off $23,000 and we’re celebrating a huge accomplishment: we’re officially debt-free! I actually feel more humbled than excited because I am so thankful for God’s goodness and grace this past year toward our family.

Sarah is a work-from-home wife and mom of a soon to be 3-year-old girl and another little girl due at the end of May. She works for www.hagcm.org a Christian non profit organization which focuses on radio overseas and humanitarian aid primarily in various African countries.

photo source

Shared Apr 23, 2012 comment

4 Weeks to a More Organized Home: Assignment #16

Published: by Crystal Paine on April 23, 2012 | This post may contain affiliate links. Read my disclosure policy here.

We survived the Cincinnati conference! It was busy and our days there were packed, but it was wonderful — and it was so good to meet so many of you in person!

{And for those who are wondering, my workshops went well… and after the first two, I wasn’t really even nervous for the other two! This was a huge victory for me in the public speaking arena. Thank you to everyone who has encouraged me to face my fears and step out and do things outside my comfort zone. The more I’m doing this, the easier it’s becoming! And I’m really starting to enjoy it, too!}

My apologies that Friday’s assignment never got posted. I had it planned, but our internet was so poor where we were that, by the time, I was able to get working internet, it was too late in the day to bother posting the assignment. So I just decided everyone could have the day off! 🙂

Day 16 Assignment

::Get dressed in something that makes you feel great {there’s something about dressing in clothes that make you feel great that just gives you more energy and zest for life! Get your free copy of SarahMae’s ebook, Frumps to Pumps, if you need more motivation in this.}

::Sit down with a cup of coffee or tea and make a list of weekly goals. I’ll post my goals along with a link-up around 1 p.m. ET this afternoon.

::Complete your morning routine {if you don’t have a morning routine, take some time to create one today! Read my How to Develop a Routine That Works–And Stick With It series for step-by-step help.}

::Set the timer for 15 minutes and quickly pick up your house and put things back into order after the weekend.

::Clean your vents. If you have floor vents that can be removed, remove them and wash them in warm soapy water. Vacuum/clean any dirt or grime around the floor vent area and replace the vent. Use a vacuum attachment and/or a wet rag to dust/clean your other vents.

::Find 7 items to get rid of today. Throw them out, stick them in a donate or garage sale box, give them to a friend who can use them, or list them on Craigslist or eBay.

Note: If you work outside the home or have a really busy week with little time for extra projects, just do the bolded project above.

At 9 p.m. ET tonight, I’ll be posting my progress and pictures, along with a link-up for you to share your progress and pictures, too. Here’s to our productivity today!

Shared Apr 21, 2012 comment

7 Common Sense Things I Do to Save Money

Published: by Crystal Paine on April 21, 2012 | This post may contain affiliate links. Read my disclosure policy here.

Guest post from Jenny of One Loved American Girl

For many years, I was not the thrifty woman I am today. In my early college years, I stayed up on trends by staying under a burgeoning credit card bill. When I finally climbed my way out, I vowed never to go back. I am still learning my lesson by using thrifty spending habits to pay off those looming student loans and evidence of my former self.

Some of the easiest ways to save money are so downright common sense I wondered why I didn’t start with them before!

1. Re-purpose.

I love crafts. I have turned an old photo frame into a cute dry erase board. Currently turning an old t-shirt in to some tree wall art for my son’s room and an old tablecloth into a decorative canvas for my bedroom.

2. Reuse.

I have found creative ways to reuse dinners — like making Shepard’s Pie with last nights mashed potatoes and a can of beef stew or potato pancakes. My favorite thing to cook is chicken and I love its variety of uses. There are dozens of ways to re-purpose a roasted chicken breast.

3. Eliminate.

Clear out what you do not use! Since I’ve switched to ebooks, I’ve been selling books we no longer need or use on Amazon.com. Ebay is a great resource for those old baby clothes. Consignment shops, thrift stores, and having a yard sale are other ways to eliminate things that are still usable that you no longer need.

4. Search the internet.

I love couponing blogs and local Facebook groups that keep up with freebies. Often times you can get beauty and household goods freebies that come with a coupon to purchase a really cheap full-sized item.

When my friend (who is admittedly forgetful) came this weekend, I set out some little sample size shampoo, conditioners, and lotions that I receive from a freebie I found online. She thought it was so thoughtful (and did, in fact, forget her shampoo!)

5. Make friends with other thrifty shoppers.

Many groups help share deals they find, swap coupons, and keep each other up on store policies. They have helped me shave even more off of my already slim shopping bills.

6. Limit trips to the store.

This one is a big one for my family. If I ask my husband to bring home milk, he usually brings home milk and a variety of other things. So I make sure I get everything I need in few trips.

7. Stay organized.

I keep up on my pantry and fridge by rotating products that will expire soon. I also keep all my cleaning products in one place instead of under every sink like I did previously.

Another big help for my family is our “community dry erase board”. I put my list of groceries on it and allow my husband to add to it before I go shopping. I also put a list of things we hope to accomplish every day and every month. When I keep track of things — like upcoming birthdays — I never have to run out and buy a last minute present.

These super simple tips have helped me save so much more each month.

What little common sense do you do to help you save more?

Jenny is an Army wife, mother of one, savings enthusiast, attempting to learn cook, active crafter/sewer, and believer. She follows her husband where ever his job may take them and loves the military life. This year she will be attempting to savor every moment before her husband heads to deployment. Visit her blog, One Loved American Girl.

photo source

Shared Apr 20, 2012 comment

7 Must-Read Books for Work-At-Home Moms (or those who want to be!)

Published: by Crystal Paine on April 20, 2012 | This post may contain affiliate links. Read my disclosure policy here.

I’m speaking at the Midwest Homeschool Conference on Saturday about Becoming a Work-At-Home Mom Without Losing Your Sanity. In the handout, I made a list of seven of my favorite business books and I thought some of you who couldn’t make it to the conference might enjoy seeing this list, too.

Now, mind you, three of these don’t even have much to do with business. Instead, they are about time management. However, I’ve found that it’s near impossible to successfully work from home if you’re not a good manager of your time. So I think books on time management are vitally important to read if you work from home or are considering working from home.

Here’s my list of seven must-read books:

1. Quitter by Jon Acuff In his witty style, Jon shares a wealth of advice for getting from where you are to where you want to go.

2. The Other 8 Hours by Robert Paglierini This book has page after page of helpful advice and suggestions for how to earn income outside of your day job. If you feel like you don’t have time to start something on the side because your plate is already quite full, this book will especially be helpful.

3. EntreLeadership by Dave Ramsey This book is packed with tried-and-tried information, practical application, and fantastic inspiration. As a small business owner with a few employees and sub-contractors, I’ve gleaned so much from this book.

4. Eat That Frog: 21 Great Ways to Stop Procrastinating by Brian Tracy This book has many practical ideas for prioritizing your time and life so that you make the most of your days.

5. How to Have a 48-Hour Day by Don Aslett This book is filled with lots of practical advice and inspiration for making the most of each day.

6. 168 Hours: You Have More Time Than You Think by Laura Vanderkam Laura helps you rethink your “I don’t have enough time” excuses and shows you how you just may have quite a bit more time than you realized!

7. Tell Your Time (ebook) by Amy Lynn Andrews This ebook offers step-by-step help for setting up a time budget — a concept that has revolutionized my time management!

If you are a work-at-home mom, I’d love to hear what books you’d add to my list!

WANT TO SAVE $100 FAST?!Join the FREE 14-Day Savings Challenge!

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Shared Apr 19, 2012 comment

4 Weeks to a More Organized Home: Assignment #14 Update

Published: by Crystal Paine on April 19, 2012 | This post may contain affiliate links. Read my disclosure policy here.

If you missed this morning’s assignment, you can check it out here.

We got up at 3:15 a.m. in order to make our early connecting flight to Cincinnati this morning. It’s been a long day, but a good day.

We got into Cincinnati in the early afternoon, set up our booth, and then spent the evening manning the booth — and meeting many of my wonderful readers. You all mean the world to me and it was so great to get to meet so many of you in person. I look forward to getting to spend more time with you tomorrow!

The convention hall here is amazingly huge compared to our homeschool convention in Kansas!

Our simple booth {I’m not a big fan of the yellow, but we didn’t have any choice regarding that! If you’re wondering what’s on the table other than my books, those are freebie bags we put together with some fun freebies to hand out. Because it just wouldn’t seem like a MoneySavingMom.com booth without freebies! :)}

Earlier this week, I did today’s assignment. Here’s the junk drawer before I cleaned it out. {And in case you’re wondering why it looks so clean, it’s because I recently cleaned it out! Otherwise, it might be a sorry sight!}

And the utensil drawer. I’m not too happy with the after result — it still seems cluttered to me. Anyone have suggestions on how to make it more organized?

And my pile of 7+ items to get rid of: from the junk drawer and the utensil drawer. Some to throw out, some to stick in the garage sale boxes.

How did you do on Assignment #14? I’d love to have you share your progress and success with us so we can be inspired. Either post a link to your blog post below or leave a comment with your update.

Shared Apr 19, 2012 comment

We Paid Cash: Washer and Dryer

Published: by Crystal Paine on April 19, 2012 | This post may contain affiliate links. Read my disclosure policy here.

A testimony from Taylor from Stain Removal 101

I’m a work-at-home-Mom of three, so needless to say, I am on very friendly terms with our washing machine! In addition, as part of my home business, I test and review a lot of various laundry supplies and laundry detergents with that very same machine, at Stain Removal 101, so you could say my washing machine and I are a team.

That’s why I was very sad when my “team member” bit the dust during the middle of one of my stain removal product tests. Normally, I’m all for fixing broken appliances instead of just replacing them; however, it didn’t make sense financially to do that this time.

We briefly considered purchasing a lower-end model new appliance, but even the new washing machines without many bells and whistles were quite expensive. In our situation, it made more sense to buy a used washing machine that didn’t have an inflated showroom value anymore.

Plus, buying a used machine also meant that we had enough emergency savings available to pay for it with cash, without dipping too far into those reserves. Yes, we could have purchased a new washing machine with cash too, but I knew how long it would take to replace all that money from the fund if we dipped down so low.

We weren’t comfortable having such a low fund since emergencies are unpredictable — and this ended up being a wise decision, since we also got some wind damage to our roof and needed to use some emergency funds to pay our deductible.

If we’d bought a new machine we would have eaten up too much money at once.

We chose a used machine that was six years old and cost only $250. That was about how much the repair of the old machine might have cost us, and we got a machine 10 years newer!

So far, this machine works great and I hope it will last us as long as our old one did. If I can even get five or ten years out of it, instead of the 13 my previous used model gave us, I’ll have gotten a great bargain. Plus, we’ve still got money in our emergency fund for any curve balls life might throw at us!

Taylor Flanery is former lawyer turned writer, who blogs about all things domestic while working at home with her three kids and husband. You can find her at Household Management 101, Stain Removal 101, and Home Storage Solutions 101.

Have you saved up and paid cash for something — large or small? Submit your story for possible publication here.

Shared Apr 19, 2012 comment

4 Weeks to a More Organized Home: Assignment #14

Published: by Crystal Paine on April 19, 2012 | This post may contain affiliate links. Read my disclosure policy here.

Day 14 Assignment

::Get dressed in something that makes you feel great {there’s something about dressing in clothes that make you feel great that just gives you more energy and zest for life! Get your free copy of SarahMae’s ebook, Frumps to Pumps, if you need more motivation in this.}

::Sit down with a cup of coffee or tea, refer to your list of weekly goals, and make a list of no more than 5-7 specific things you want to accomplish today.

::Complete your morning routine {if you don’t have a morning routine, take some time to create one today! Read my How to Develop a Routine That Works–And Stick With It series for step-by-step help.}

::Set the timer for 15 minutes and clean the mirrors and glass doors in your house.

::Clean out your utensil drawer(s) (those with serving spoons, ladles, spatulas, etc.) in the kitchen and your junk drawer(s). Take everything out, throw out the trash, get rid of extra clutter, wipe out the drawers, and re-organize the contents as you put them back in.

::Find 7 items to get rid of today. Throw them out, stick them in a donate or garage sale box, give them to a friend who can use them, or list them on Craigslist or eBay.

Note: If you work outside the home or have a really busy week with little time for extra projects, just do the bolded project above.

At around 9 p.m. EST tonight, I’ll be posting my progress and pictures, along with a link-up for you to share your progress and pictures, too. Here’s to our productivity today!

Shared Apr 18, 2012 comment

4 Weeks to a More Organized Home: Assignment #13 Update

Published: by Crystal Paine on April 18, 2012 | This post may contain affiliate links. Read my disclosure policy here.

If you missed this morning’s assignment, you can see it here.

We had a good day today and I am so thankful to have gotten almost all of the trip preparations done so that I can go to bed early tonight. (As much as I try to plan ahead, I usually seem to be scrambling and throwing things into a suitcase at midnight before I’m supposed to leave on an early flight the next morning!)

The tops of the cupboards didn’t look to dirty…

…but looks were deceiving. Ick! There was a sticky film that required I scrub and rinse each area three times to get it completely cleaned.

The top of the refrigerator wasn’t too bad.

But the rubber seal was nasty! So glad I got up there and cleaned it today. It just feels good to know all that dirt is gone.

My 7 things I got rid of today. We’ve recently gotten a few new mugs as gifts, so I pared down our mug collection and got rid of a few that we’ve had since we got married.

How did you do on Assignment #13? I’d love to have you share your progress and success with us so we can be inspired. Either post a link to your blog post below or leave a comment with your update.

Shared Apr 18, 2012 comment

My husband’s Target shopping trip today

Published: by Crystal Paine on April 18, 2012 | This post may contain affiliate links. Read my disclosure policy here.

So, my husband generously offered to go to Target today on his way to a court appearance and pick up some tank tops and Starbucks coffee for me. Can’t you just picture an attorney all decked out his suit looking through the ladies’ clothing to pick out tank tops for his wife — and then using coupons at the register to boot?

Yes, I love that guy! 🙂 Here’s what he got:

Bought 4 bags of Starbucks coffee at $7.99 each
Used 2 $5/2 Starbucks Ground or Whole Bean Coffee Target printable coupon
Stacked with 4 $1/1 Starbucks Coffee printable manufacturer’s coupon
$4.50 per bag after coupons

Bought 2 Merona Ruffled Tank Tops at $6 each
Used 2 $3/1 Merona coupons
$3 each after coupon

See more deals at Target this week here.

OVER-SPENDING EVERY SINGLE MONTH?Grab these FREE Budgeting Sheets!

Click here to download!

Shared Apr 18, 2012 comment

Reader Tip: Buying from the bulk bins could have saved me over 70%!

Published: by Crystal Paine on April 18, 2012 | This post may contain affiliate links. Read my disclosure policy here.

Caren from The Prudent Pantry emailed the following tip:

While making pancake mix recently, I ran out of flax seed and purchased the prepackaged flax for $2.79. When I made a trip to a health food store later in the week, I realized how hasty I had been and how much it had cost me.

I had paid $2.79 for a 7-ounce package of organic flax seed. However, at the health food store, the organic flax seed is sold in bulk for $1.89 per pound. At $2.79 for a 7-ounces, that prepackaged flax seed cost $6.38 per pound.

Buying flax seeds from the bulk bins would have saved me over 70 percent. Not all savings are that spectacular, but they are savings none the less.

If your regular grocery store does not have a bulk section, check out the smaller specialty or health food stores in your area. My grocery store does not have a bulk section, but it is worth it for me to visit a local health food store occasionally to purchase items in bulk.

The bins are also great for items you just want to try, or for when you only need a small amount of an ingredient for a recipe. This is especially true of spices. You may only need a small amount of a particular spice for a new recipe you want to try. There’s no need to pay for an entire jar if you just need a teaspoon. -Caren

For more frugal encouragement and ideas from Caren, stop by The Prudent Pantry.

Shared Apr 18, 2012 comment

Ask the Readers: Quick, cheap, and healthful sack lunch ideas?

Published: by Crystal Paine on April 18, 2012 | This post may contain affiliate links. Read my disclosure policy here.

Today’s question is from Vicki:

I commute to my college and need some ideas easy, cheap, and healthful ideas for me to bring for sack lunches. I don’t have access to a fridge/freezer or microwave. Also I’m getting bored of PB&J and lunch meat wraps. Any suggestions? -Vicki

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

Shared Apr 18, 2012 comment

4 Weeks to a More Organized Home: Assignment #13

Published: by Crystal Paine on April 18, 2012 | This post may contain affiliate links. Read my disclosure policy here.

We’re leaving early tomorrow for Cincinnati so today will be a busy day of last-minute preparations. However, don’t feel like that means you get off the hook. 🙂

I actually worked ahead a little bit and have done most of the next few days’ assignments already so that I can continue posting this challenge when I’m gone. Yes, you all can thank me right now for making you work while I’m on “vacation”.

(I’m not sure that I’m ready to call speaking in front of thousands of people a “vacation”, but getting to meet many of you all in Cincinnati will make it worth dealing with my stage fright! And honestly, I’m learning that the more I just face my fears, jump out and do this stuff that used to scare me to death, the more I’m actually enjoying it — which is something I never dreamed I’d say about public speaking!).

At any rate, I’m hoping for a productive, focused, and calm day. And an early bedtime. 🙂

Day 13 Assignment

::Get dressed in something that makes you feel great {there’s something about dressing in clothes that make you feel great that just gives you more energy and zest for life! Get your free copy of SarahMae’s ebook, Frumps to Pumps, if you need more motivation in this.}

::Sit down with a cup of coffee or tea, refer to your list of weekly goals, and make a list of no more than 5-7 specific things you want to accomplish today.

::Complete your morning routine {if you don’t have a morning routine, take some time to create one today! Read my How to Develop a Routine That Works–And Stick With It series for step-by-step help.}

::Set the timer for 15 minutes and do a quick-clean of your bathroom. Need specific directions? Read this article on How to Clean Your Bathroom in 15 Minutes.

::Clean the top of your kitchen cupboards (if there is space between them and the ceiling) and the top of your refrigerator. If you have clutter on the top of your refrigerator, go through it and see if you can get rid of it or find a new home for it. Wipe down the outside of your kitchen cupboard doors.

::Find 7 items to get rid of today. Throw them out, stick them in a donate or garage sale box, give them to a friend who can use them, or list them on Craigslist or eBay.

Note: If you work outside the home or have a really busy week with little time for extra projects, just do the bolded project above.

At around 9 p.m. EST tonight, I’ll be posting my progress and pictures, along with a link-up for you to share your progress and pictures, too. Here’s to our productivity today!

Shared Apr 17, 2012 comment

4 Weeks to a More Organized Home: Assignment #12 Update

Published: by Crystal Paine on April 17, 2012 | This post may contain affiliate links. Read my disclosure policy here.

If you missed this morning’s assignment, you can check it out here.

So, do you all want to know the truth? I haven’t cleaned my oven since we moved to this house. I’ve wiped up a few spills, but haven’t given it a serious scrubbing since we moved in almost two years ago (wow, has it really been that long?!).

Some of you are probably reeling from shock just thinking of how horrific that is that I wouldn’t clean my oven on a weekly basis.

And maybe others of you are breathing a big sigh of relief that you’re not the only one? 🙂

At any rate, I got out the baking soda and started scrubbing this morning.

Honestly, it wasn’t that bad at all.

But I did find some burned on gunk on the racks that was very persistent. I finally gave up on getting it completely off (anyone have suggestions for how to miraculously take stubborn stuff off oven racks?!).

I also discovered this at the bottom of the oven. It appeared to be some kind of hard plastic. I’m not sure what it is or how long it’s been in there but you would think that if it were plastic, it would have smelled like plastic every time I used my oven recently, right? So I have no idea, but I’m glad to have it out of there.

I also cleaned out the drawer underneath the oven while I was at it. It was in dire need of cleaning as it seems to be one giant crumb catcher!

And finally, I tackled the stovetop and the microwave, neither of which were too bad since I do clean those on a regular basis.

My pile of 7+ things to get rid of today — mostly well, well used foil pans I found stashed in the drawer under the stove and decided were well past their prime.

How did you do on Assignment #12? I’d love to have you share your progress and success with us so we can be inspired. Either post a link to your blog post below or leave a comment with your update.

Think it's impossible to live on a tiny grocery budget? This post will inspire you otherwise and give you the tips & tricks you need to make it happen!

Shared Apr 17, 2012 comment

Is it possible to survive on a $30 per week grocery budget?

Published: by Crystal Paine on April 17, 2012 | This post may contain affiliate links. Read my disclosure policy here.

I am single and have about $30 per week for groceries which I find hard to do and get a balanced diet. I do go to multiple stores to get the best prices and use coupons the best I can. The thing that bothers me, is when a staple item I use is on sale, I normally don’t have an extra $5 (let alone more) to spend to purchase it. How can I stock-up on sale items when I have such a little bit to get by with anyways? -Renee

Contrary to what many people may tell you, I think you can definitely eat well on $30 per week — and you can find a little wiggle room to buy ahead, too.

My husband and I both lived on a $30 per week grocery budget when we were first married. This included all the ingredients to make 21 meals for both of us each week, plus all household products.

A Can-Do Attitude Is a Must

Don’t let yourself think, “There’s no way I can eat on this small of a budget.” Instead, decide that you’re going to do the best you can with the resources you have.

Make it a game, of sorts, to see how well you can do on a little. By challenging yourself to exercise creativity and think outside the box, you’ll enjoy it a lot more. And when you’re enjoying something, it no longer seems so difficult.

Make Short-Term Sacrifices

In order to be able to scrape together enough money to start buying ahead and building up your stockpile, I’d encourage you to commit to eating really simply for a few weeks. Cut your grocery budget back to $25, and save the extra $5 to invest in those rock-bottom, can’t miss deals — or to purchase almost-free toiletries and household products.

If you’re thinking there’s no way you can eat on $25 per week, here’s a grocery list and menu plan I came up with:

Sample $25 Grocery List and Menu

Prices are approximate and will likely vary a little by area. You may be able to beat these prices with great sales and/or coupons.

Regular Grocery Store, Aldi, or Walmart

1 canister of oatmeal –$2
1 gallon milk — $2.50
1 bag of apples — $3
1 bag of carrots — $1.50
4 bags of frozen vegetables — $4
1 bag of frozen chicken breasts — $7

Dollar Store

1 loaf of bread — $1
1 jar of peanut butter — $1
1 jar of jelly or honey — $1
1 bag of dried beans — $1
1 bag of rice — $1

Breakfasts:

Oatmeal with milk (add in some chopped apples, honey, or peanut butter to change things up a little)

Lunches:

Peanut butter and jelly sandwiches, apples, carrots

Dinners:

Beans and rice with steamed veggies on the side
Chicken, rice, and carrot soup
Baked chicken breast on a bed of rice, steamed veggies
Rice, chopped chicken, and steamed veggies mixed together and sprinkled with salt
Homemade refried beans, baked chicken, steamed veggies
Chicken and veggie stirfry served over rice
Leftovers

Yes, this isn’t a very exciting menu. But if you’re willing to scrimp for a few weeks and eat very simply, it will free up that extra $5 or so each week to start buying a few extra things that are on a great sale (like a bag of flour, like that incredible deal on strawberries — some to eat now, some to freeze for later, or that fantastic special on beef).

As you invest some of your grocery money in the rock-bottom specials and deals, this helps you to build up more of a stockpile so that, over time, you’ll be able to have more and more variety without increasing your budget.

Want to cut your grocery budget? Go here and sign up (it’s free!) I’ll send you my 10 Easy Ways to Cut Your Grocery Bill By $50.

Summer Bucket List

Summer Bucket List

FREE Summer Bucket List!!

The Moment of Realization

Kicking Up Our Momentum

Kissing Our Nice Car (and Car Payment!) Goodbye

It’s Official: We’re Debt-Free!

Day 16 Assignment

1. Re-purpose.

2. Reuse.

3. Eliminate.

4. Search the internet.

5. Make friends with other thrifty shoppers.

6. Limit trips to the store.

7. Stay organized.

What little common sense do you do to help you save more?

If you are a work-at-home mom, I’d love to hear what books you’d add to my list!

WANT TO SAVE $100 FAST?!Join the FREE 14-Day Savings Challenge!

Day 14 Assignment

OVER-SPENDING EVERY SINGLE MONTH?Grab these FREE Budgeting Sheets!

Day 13 Assignment

A Can-Do Attitude Is a Must

Make Short-Term Sacrifices

Sample $25 Grocery List and Menu

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