BEING FRUGAL

I have been thinking of ways to be more frugal lately. In light of our recent "announcement, I am thinking now is a good time to actually do it. I haven't sat down to really look at things that could be eliminated yet, but I plan too. However, I did start this morning when I was making my grocery list. Before I made my list, I did a quick kitchen inventory. I never do that before I go to the store. I just buy more stuff to shove in the freezer or pantry. I usually spend about $200 every two weeks at the grocery store, and figured it would be that much again. Well, after my inventory, I was shocked at all the stuff we already have. In my freezer alone there is enough food for at least a weeks worth of meals. My pantry has tons of can goods, rice, and pasta too! So I made a list of all the possible meals. I wont have to buy a single thing for dinner at the store. We are completely covered in that area. I still need the basics - milk, bread, cheese, but that wont be close to the $200 I have budgeted! I am so excited. My goal is to take the extra that we have and put it away.

We are really going to crack down around here. I am talking peanut butter sandwiches and beans. LOL! Seriously, my kids favorite meal consist of Ramen noodles and goldfish. I can handle that! I may have to buy stock in vitamins, but heck, it is cheaper right? Just kidding, but fortunately, my family is easy when it comes to eating cheaply. I can't wait to see the savings!

Now I will have to look at how we can cut back in other ways. We don't live extravagantly as it is, so it might be pretty hard. My "splurge" is coffee, but I am totally equipped to make it at home, so that will be ok. I don't get manicures or pedicures. I do all of our hair cutting/coloring, so that already saves money. I am not quite ready to give up my cell phone, but it may come to that too.

If anyone has any great tips, I am open to hearing them! Please share whatever you can!