Friday, January 2, 2009

2009

As of yesterday, we are back on the cash budget again. Which means that when I go to a store, I take a certain amount of cash, and I can't spend over that. Which works much better than you'd think. My sister was talking about how you used to see people in the store with those push-button money counters, making sure they didn't spend more than they had. How long has it been since people did that? (I've personally never seen it, if that' says anything.) I declare it time to start again. Except, you know, use a calculator. Or not.



I've increased our grocery budget by $50 for the new year. I've been hearing for awhile that grocery prices were increasing, but have only noticed it in the things we buy in the last six months or so. Plus, our quantities have been increasing as our family has grown.

I'm afraid that our grocery budget is far from "frugal." But we've reached a point where I'd rather save money in other areas, to ensure that we have a fairly loose budget in the food area. It's just less stressful that way. Anyway, it's about $550/month right now, including all toiletries (diapers!) and eating out.

Also, just because I think it's funny, a video for you.

7 comments:

RonaldJ said...

New Year's Day is a wonderful time for "getting back on the wagon". Our family is doing the same.

After a "close call" with a restaurant bill yesterday, I can attest that resolving to stick with the envelope system helps keep our budget (as well as my waistline) in check! All the best in 2009 to you & your readers.

Anonymous said...

What a cute video - hahaha! Very Adorable!

Thanks so much for sharing with us. I have been reading here for a very long time and have decided that this is the year to start leaving comments - LOL!
I have enjoyed your blog very much and your sincerity is beautiful, as are your children. Thanks Tenille!

Unknown said...

Thank you! ;)

Jenny L. said...

I really enjoy your blog, not only for the great information, but I think you are very witty. You really crack me up sometimes.

The video was so cute. I thought for sure your son was working so intently on getting that hat just right so he could perform something and then he just ran off like most boys do. Your daughter looks just like you.

NM McCoy said...

Hello,
Your kiddos are really cute! I have found your website and love it! We are a gluten-free, dairy-free, citrus-free family and we struggle with the cost of food. We are also at $500 per month, but it is already the fifth of the month and we are about there...so, all we can do is try harder right? (The momma learning to cook better should help also).
I just wanted to say thanks for the great recipes and share one of our favorite recipes with you - (you may already have it, but I thought I have taken quite a bit from you guys, maybe I should try to give back.)
P.S. I find this recipe not so expensive once you have those seldom used ingredients like apple cider vinegar and wor. sauce.

Best Wishes in the New Year

Gluten-Free Sloppy Joes
Ingredients

1 pound ground beef
1 cup GF tomato sauce
1/2 cup onion, finely chopped
1/4 cup GF catsup
1/4 cup green pepper, finely chopped
1 Tablespoon apple cider vinegar
1/4 cup celery, finely chopped
1 teaspoon white sugar
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 t GF worcestershire sauce

Directions

Brown hamburger. Add onion, pepper and celery and cook for 5 to 6 minutes. Add remaining ingredients and simmer on low for 20 minutes

Anonymous said...

Good for you! We are also on a cash only budget... we didn't do so well with it last year. Hubs refuses to pay attention to how much he actually spends on food/drinks at work (like yesterday when I sent his lunch and he still bought lunch?????) I am home nearly all the time so my spending has dramatically decreased.

Our grocery bill is $1000 each month but I'm trying to shave it to $800. There are seven of us eating all natural, organic when possible (esp. the dirty dozen, which we plan to grow more of our own this year) and the gluten free issue.

My biggest issue is food to pack in the kids lunches... esp. gluten free foods, almost everything is prepackaged and pricey. Most of the bars I've tried to make the kids don't like!!!! It's a pain.

Thought you were going cloth this time? ;)

Cheers!
Jamie

Unknown said...

Jamie -
I'll be right with you on packing lunches starting in September. Hasn't been an issue for us so far, since we mostly eat leftovers, but that won't always work at school!

RE: Cloth. Uh... hoping to get around to it. Sometime? I feel really guilty about it, if that scores me any points? LOL.

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