Greenhorn needs some advice from Seasoned singles

I think it's realistic, depends what you like to eat though I am a big bread-eater (often toast for breakfast followed by sandwiches later!) so I try to wait for sales and stock up on 4 loaves when the price is right. I make fruit smoothies with frozen fruits, not quite as healthy but cheaper than buying fresh all the time. Best wishes to you! And good job for making a budget

It's coming to the end of the season - but check out your local farmer's markets. Go grocery shopping on the double coupon days if your local stores offer those, or on Tuesday mornings. Most produce deliveries (at least in my area) come in on Tuesdays, so you get fresher fruit and veg, so they'll last a bit longer.

Also, chicken thighs cost less than chicken breasts - more flavor there too - so get bulk packages of those and then freeze off 1-2 pieces per freezer bag.

It'll take you a bit to get used to, but you can do $35/week. As long as you're not drinking any of that budget, you can totally make it happen :drinker:

1. good luck! Moving out and living on your own is so exciting I've been living by myself for about 3 years now and I love it.

2. addressing your question: does that $35 include things like gas/bills or is that already worked into your budget? if so then 35 might be manageable, but I think maybe if you had a few extra flexible dollars it might help a little. I am still tight on money so I know where you're coming from, I usually shop bi-weekly and spend around $80. I typically make some sort of meal like pot pie, casseroles, lasagna, crock pot foods etc at the beginning of the week and make it last for the rest of the week. that way when i get done with work I don't have to worry about making food or stopping on the way home and picking up fast food, wasting money and calories. I usually pack a lunch as well so that, again ,I'm not tempted to buy food out and spend more money.

I find frozen food goes a long way too, mostly vegetables and healthy sides, things you can use for leftovers and wont go bad for a long time. they tend to be on sale a lot as well. I stock up on those and things like pasta and sauces and other randoms that come in handy when you don't expect it to. Then if I'm having a week where I don't have as much to spend on food I have back ups in the pantry or freezer.

Just plan out your weeks, it can be tedious but it helps a lot when it comes to grocery shopping time. Fresh seasonal fruits and veggies are always a good thing to stick to as well, as they tend to be cheaper at the right time of year. I also have to write out my list and stick right to it, or else I end up over budget with things i don't really need.

Also, getting started on your own can be expensive. I just moved to a new apartment and forgot how much starter stuff costs, those things you never think about until you need them. Not everything has to be bought at once, you just need the "must haves" (you know, things like toilet paper) starting out. I always have to remind myself that there is a difference between "I want" and "I need".

again, good luck with this new adventure! I hope things work out well

If you have a costco, sams club, BJ's near you, you can buy chicken breasts there in bulk, sometimes you can even get them pre seasoned. It costs around $16 but you get 8 pouches of 2 chicken breasts each- that could last you a month.
I also would buy the atlantic salmon with the skin, usually runs about $11-$15. You can cut that up into about 5 servings and store in freezer bags with whatever you want to season/marinade it with, so defrosting will be easy and when you get home from work, all you have to do is throw it in the oven.
Also, frozen vegetables are better for you because they hold more nutrients since they are frozen almost immediately- and they are cheap and you'll find lots of coupons for them.
Buying in bulk for the things you know you'll eat- and can be either dry stored or freezer is ideal.
Something you might not have thought about- make a small bank of about $50-$75 for the first day you move in for all of your necessities- such as- toilet paper, paper towels, dish detergent, sponge, mop, cleaning products, laundry detergent, tooth paste, plunger, toilet brush... and don't forget the fridge/cupboard- ketchup, mayo, mustard, salad dressings, pickles, salt, pepper, garlic, olive oil....
That's the kind of stuff you might find yourself for granted because it's always been there for you at home.
And last- buy a box of Ramen Noodles, cup of noodles- whatever you fancy- so if for any reason you accidently go broke before pay day- you'll always have something there to hold you over! :-)
Good Luck!!!!!!!