how to shop when you're broke and have a family
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check out www.imthatlady.com - she has a pretty amazing site - 20 meals for $150.00 - 10 meals that repeat twice a month. Not to bad.0
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ShelliesTrying wrote: »We leave the house at 7am and the earliest anyone was getting home from school was 3:30pm which is still 8 hours and I was leery about letting food go that long in the crock. Now the kids stay after for homework help or band/football practice so we all get home at the same time usually bc I go get them. I am going to get a christmas light timer like an earlier poster suggested.
I use my crock pot ALL the time (especially in the winter. I turn it on when I leave for work at 8am, and turn it off when I get home at 6pm (or sometimes as late as 7pm). ALL of the recipes I make call for cooking for 8-10 hours on low, but the odd time it might go 11 hours, the food has been fine (I'd actually be more worried about turning the crockpot off and having it just sitting there cooling down). I never make anything that requires a "mid" step though unless it's a weekend and I'm home (ie cook for 6 hours on low, add X and then cook another hour on high).
Another option would be to invest in a programmable crockpot. You tell it how long to cook on which setting, and when it's done, it automatically turns it down to "keep warm". Mine isn't that fancy, but my sister has one and loves it.
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I don't feel like I can add much to the incredible advice you've been given. Planning meals, buying on sale, using your freezer and your crockpot, all lifesavers for the mom with a limited budget! The only thing I can think of, is make sure you haven't missed any discount bread stores or scratch and dent stores in your area. Also, I know someone suggested wic, they have pretty generous income requirements, much higher then other forms of assistance. If your school district offers free/reduced lunches, take advantage. My five qualify for free lunch and breakfast and it's makes stretching our food budget so much easier.
You're doing great! It will get easier as you get better at it.0 -
http://www.5dollardinners.com/
http://ajwalton.com/6-best-foods-to-buy-when-youre-broke/
http://brokeassgourmet.com/articles/the-1582-grocery-shopping-trip
http://hellogiggles.com/10-meals-to-make-when-youre-broke-without-beelining-to-the-ramen-aisle/
http://www.budget101.com/household/10-grocery-list-when-youre-broke-14.html
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1. Try to use coupons when you can. Not for things you don't normally buy but for the items you usually get. Check out Krazy Coupon Lady.com. They have printable so and also point you to good bargains.
2. Dry beans and rice make a great meal and together offer a complete protein. Use spices and ham flavor packets. I put in onion, celery and carrots to boost the veggies.
3. Always read the circular and stock up on staples when they are on sale. I keep a large pantry of items, cereal, kidney beans, pasta. All purchased on sale and with a coupon.
4. Learn how to cook and preserve food if you can.
5. I always look for meat on sale. I hardly ever buy meat for full price.
I grew up with a single moms a poor household. I still shop today like I learned from my mom. I think the best thing you can do is buy food when it is cheap and store it.
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ShelliesTrying wrote: »I have not used coupons. I don't know how people get into that, haha. When I see coupons they are usually for items that we don't use or eat so I never look for coupons. I will check into that. I do buy a lot of store brands.
Cereal is an item that you can often find coupons for. I never buy it for full price.
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Do you have an Aldi's nearby? I think that is about the cheapest you can get0
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Thanksgiving is coming up, buy a huge turkey cheap, cook and freeze for meals. You can do the same with ham when they are on sale for Christmas, use the bone for split pea soup, which is also really inexpensive to make. I bulk buy meat during the holidays when they are buy one, get one free.0
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Aldi is wonderful. And coupons are not what they used to be. I was one of the coupon crazies for 4 years. I had a dang store in my basement, but once the show came out, the stores started clamping down. Most of them quit doubling q's, which was a staple for a coupon crazy. It's just not worth the 10 hours (or more) per week that you are going to invest. I haven't touched a coupon in 2 years and I still have a lifetime supply of shampoo and conditioner in my basement.0
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I'm sure I won't have any advice to offer that isn't already been given . But hugs mama. I'm making it work with my son and myself on 14k last year, and hopefully will net almost 20k this year. Child support is basically non existent here too. I know the struggle.
I make my own bread, and try to coupon - some of the coupon apps even have incentives for things like milk , bananas and other fresh stuff now!0 -
I hope that this thread will be helpful to others. There has been so much information given here.0
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I love threads like this and I agree. I hope many readers take away ideas.0
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I know you said you don't have bulk stores like Sams or BJs in your area, but I shop a lot on Walmart.com. I live in NYC and the grocery stores here are expensive and small. I just bought 60 packages of instant oatmeal for like $7. Granted they are not the High-Fiber ones I would like, but it's what I can afford now. I also eat Ramens a lot. 36 packages for $6 or $7. Not super healthy, but it fills the belly. PB and J is great especially if you can find bread on sale. I buy when it is and freeze it and thaw out a few slices in the fridge. I know you are doing the best you can and for that I give you props.
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ShelliesTrying wrote: »My 3yo is not my biological child.
I'm from N.Z and that is a common practice called 'whangae' which basically means to foster (a child) without the paperwork. Good on you for giving a child a loving and stable home full stop, end of conversation.
I just wanted to mention that, because it is commendable.... as is your desire to feed your family well. You have been given a wealth of some fabulous and practical information. The only thing I can think of to contribute is I hunt for bargains first and then I set the menu (I had to feed 2 adults, 2 teens on $12 a week for 2yrs). Its a good thing I love offal!
I done freezer meals on w/ends - brekky muffins, vege slice, soups, stews etc.
I was raised learning to ration, and groceries were gotten once a month. It was actually fun trying to scratch a meal up with 'nothin in the cupboard'. So having that knowledge sure came in handy, and I thanked my parents for those tools because I honestly don't believe I or my family would have survived those long, rough days without those skills.
I spoke to the kids about it a few years later, and they said Ohh. Were we broke? We thought you were on a diet and so we weren't allowed to have takeaway's!
Oh man, as a not biological parent, I say I done my job well phewwww.... As you are too!
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Great suggestions everyone!0
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Where do you live? I support a family through my local church. I'm on my 20th family now. The church provides me with a list of items and I buy them and take them to the church. Maybe check with your local salvation army, as they help many low income families.0
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ShelliesTrying wrote: »I think there is one in the area, maybe. I am really looking for advice on how to shop, what things to buy to make the most of what money I have to spend.
You can make a lot of different meals with rice, tomatoes and beans. Soup is also something that I make often because it is cheap.
Cheap meat is turkey and ham after the holidays.
I made a large batch of beans soup in my crock pot one day. I mixed Dried Black beans, and pinto beans and soaked for 24 hours. Drained them and rinsed. Then put them in the crock pot with a large onion, 1/2 bulb of garlic because we love garlic, and 3 Tbls of cumin because we love cumin also.I had a leftover meaty ham bone in the freezer that I threw in as well. Cover with water and Turn on low 12hrs. Salt to taste as desired after finished.
That day we ate it as soup with broccoli on the side.
Next day rinsed some of the beans and put in a pan with cooked brown rice, tomatoes, peppers,and some taco seasoning. Kids topped it with sour cream, but I didn't think that was necessary.
The rest of the beans I put in plastic bags and stored in freezer. I have eaten it as soup many times, but can make more Mexican foods with them.0 -
Great job on all of your hard work!! One thing my husband and I do is keep a running ziplock in the freezer for veggie scraps to make stock out of. Trimming the tops of celery? Throw it in the bag. Have some husks from onion peels? In the bag it goes, carrot peels (washed) into the bag! You'd be amazed at how quickly the bag fills up if you are diligent about not throwing away any veggie scraps. We do, however, have a separate bag for the stinky veggies like cauliflower, broccoli and asparagus - they make a good soup base on their own, but have a strong flavour for basic stocks.0
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You can look on your smart phone or computer at Meyer's geyers krogers ads and walmart will price match it that's what i do! Just write the sales on paper and they will have a ad by them. I get great deals.0
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You can use rice and beans to stretch meat or even as meals themselves. Learn when your local store marks down meat and buy it that way. I can get a 10# bag of potatoes for $2 and make many creative meals out of them. If you have a Farmers Market close go at the end of the day and you can usually get some really good deals. Eggs can sometimes be bought cheaper from a local seller than a grocery store and they usually taste better. Watch the sales and stock up on your most used items when they are discounted. I have found corn tortillas to be cheaper also and you can use those to make your own chips or even as wraps.0
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Hi. Here are some resources:
bettertimesinfo.org/2004index.htm Better Times Almanac and Compendium of Useful Information...
Here's their shop list: justpeace.org/shopping.htm
wholesomemommy.com/real-food-on-a-food-stamp-budget-the-challenge-begins/ Wholesome Mommy-6 months of real food (meal plans and recipes) on a food stamp budget.
Cooperative Extension publications: extensionpubs.umext.maine.edu/ePOS?this_category=8&store=413&form=shared3%2fgm%2fmain%2ehtml&design=413
Cornell Cooperative Extension: extendonondaga.org/nutrition/family-meal-time-healthy-recipes/
I wish you the best of luck. I have tried a garden a few times and it always seems to cost about the same as just going to the Farmers Market or Aldis. So I got to the point that I will grow herbs as fresh ones cost more at the grocery store and they are usually easy enough to start from seed -- and I seem to grow them easy enough -- just be careful because some of them grow like weeds.-- like mint and chives.. (many are considered weeds..lol) but you can season food with them, dry them and make teas as well.0 -
ShelliesTrying wrote: »I have never gardened. I wanted to start one this year but I just couldn't make it happen. (we had a very hard, life altering summer and I'm trying to get us on our feet)
I do buy tuna, rice, beans, frozen fruits/veggies, oatmeal, peanut butter etc. I meant that I avoid the middle stuff like pop-tarts, chips, cookies, frozen meals etc.
I live in California and I have to say, it is very expensive to have a small garden. My husband and I do it because it's an activity we love, but is costs us a lot in fertilizer, plant food, water etc. It's much cheaper to buy even organic foods than it is for grow enough for a family. Plus, everyones aware of drought we have, so water utility has gone up substantially. Possibly if you have a larger area and are able to grow enough for canning and freezing. Otherwise, not realistic for us as a family of 2. (Except herbs, I grow 8 different herbs and it's a cheap way to add a ton of flavor)
Honestly I was very poor growing up and my mom made all of our meals. We ate cream of wheat and oatmeal for breakfast. She would make large meat loaves with brown rice filler for dinners and we'd make sandwiches with left overs. We had frozen veggies and lots of beans. Beans are such an amazing food that doesn't get utilized enough. If you have a crock pot, it's a lovely meal to come home to. 7 or 13 bean soup with a cheap piece of bone- in ham for flavor and additional protein.
It sounds like you're doing the right things. I would check your local store for programs for selling bruised or "undesirable" produce at a discounted price. Many places are selling the day of expiration at 50 and 70% off. I can be honest and say that I always look for expiring meat when I shop because my local Winco butcher will mark it down for me and I'll freeze for later use.0 -
99 cent store has a lot of good stuff.. And also you don't get wic?0
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There are a lot programs that are willing to help families you just have to do your research. Can you apply for TANF, WIC & in most town have social service that help. Also there are childcare that are willing to work with low income families or childcare services. Its hard understand been there done that with two children a full-time mom and went to school as a single parent. I could not get help from Social service because I made to much but I did get from social service in my town and received child support which was not much. How about child support, do you received child support? If not reached out to the father maybe he can help or file child support. I wish you all the best you and your family will be in my prayers.
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It looks like other people have mentioned buying online but I would really look into that, I bet even Amazon could get you some bulked foods at big discounts. I'm pretty sure you could find a lot of good deals if you snooped around for foods you are interested in buying0
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ShelliesTrying wrote: »I live in a rural area. Any bulk stores are 2 hours away. I do make it a couple times a year. I buy lots of fozen veggies. I don't buy a lot of canned foods in general. My 3yo loves all veggies so I try to keep sugar snap peas, cucumbers, sweet peppers and stuff like that for her. I try to keep apples, bananas and oranges as well. When other fruits are on sale I will buy those as well.
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blerg the computer ate my post!
basically i am also poor, and live waaay out in the sticks.
i find it helpful to shop in catagories, and to avoid high cost items like greek yogurts, protein bars, single serve items.
dont be afraid of processed foods, you can lose weight no matter. i personally keep chicken nuggets in the freezer, and canned tomato soup in the pantry, for those busy nights.
i also batch cook in the crockpot, and eat the leftovers over several days. we eat low cost side dishes like rice quite frequently.0 -
Oatmeal is cheap from ( £1-£2 kg) tescos/asdas , you can always pick up frozen chicken for a kilo. (£4 frozen chicken breasts) Always buy frozen vedge. ( £1 mixed ) Also a kilo which will last a lot longer than buying fresh. If you like peanut butter etc , I would suggest buying the tescos brand for a lot cheaper prices than the organic products.0
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+1 on the milk!goldthistime wrote: »ShelliesTrying wrote: »And just to address the cooking posts...I do cook. I very seldom buy pre-made items. I am a good cook and there really isn't much I can't cook. I do anything I am capable on my own. And not just in the kitchen. If I need a cute outfit for my 3yo to cheer on her brother at a football game, I make her one. Just an example. If I can make it myself, I do.
You sew too? You're making the rest of us look bad
Regarding milk though, I can see why having restrictions as a child make you want to go the other direction with your own kids. Growing up at my house, we were served milk at every meal, the way people serve water in most homes. I am going the other direction on milk. I am trying to stop/reduce drinking calories period. I stopped drinking juice a long time ago, but recently read an article where they pointed out that drinking a lot of milk falls into the same category.
How are you doing with food spoilage? When I was working full time, it was a big problem for us. I didn't do well using food up on time and wasted money.
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i find the fruit and vegetables are cheaper in those shops that only sell fruit and vegetables (i don't know what they are called lol!) I have heard farmer markets (they sell heaps of fresh food) become very cheap as they begin to close up shop at the end of the day. Make use of bulk foods such as brown rice and beans such as kidney beans and even lentils. They are in their whole form and bulk up a meal. Add healthy fats into your meals like nuts and olive oil, this adds energy so you won't starve.They sell bulk nuts i'm sure. You could perhaps make your own trail mix by adding in nuts, dried fruit and chocolate bits/yogurt covered raisins. Make use of potatoes those are so cheap and are healthy you can do a million things with a potato. Maybe search (student food budget tips) in google0
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