Living on the cheap
It’s official. In two short months, I will be joining the millions of Americans that are unemployed.
With a 16-month-old, and another on the way, my mission is to cut costs now, while my family still has two pay checks.
My first place to cut back, the grocery store. I have an addiction to the grocery store. I grew up in a house with plenty of food, but oh, the pretty shiny produce, organic foods, and well, cheese, how I adore thee!
Last weekend was my first step in saving big. I went to a great store called Aldi. It’s a discount grocery, with few if any name brands. What I got, a cart of fruit, veggies, snacks for the little one, salad dressings, milk, more all for $100. That’s right, $100. Alarmed by the thought of a discount grocery? Don’t be. Things actually taste good. While Aldi does require you to pay 25 cents to “rent” the cart, and you need to pack your own bags, it’s well worth it. To find an Aldi near you, visit www.aldi.com.
To buy organic or not to buy organic
I’m a big fan of organic but now, I need to face reality. Organic mac and cheese (at around $3.00 per box) might be able to go and be replaced by the 35 cent box I found at Aldi’s. What are the best things to buy organic? According to foodnews.org the dirty dozen (or those laden with the most chemicals include:
- Buy spinach organic for better health
- Fruits like: peaches, apples, nectaries, strawberries, cherries, grapes (imported) and pears
- Veggies like: bell peppers, celery, kale, lettuce (includes spinach) and carrots.
To down load a handy pocket guide on organic must haves:
http://www.foodnews.org/walletguide.php
Moneysavingmom.com has a great list of ways to slash your grocery bill without clipping coupons. To see the full list, click here.
And, if you want to go the coupon route, here is an article on coupon stacking (I’ve never heard of this but it is brilliant) to help cut the cost of grocery bills. For more on coupon stacking check out this link.
How do you help cut costs around the house or on groceries?
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Filed Under: Featured • For Stay At Home Moms • Moms To Work • Working Moms Diaries • Working Moms Resources
About the Author: Renee is a Co-Founder of MomsToWork and a mom to two great kids. Follow @reneeyaborough
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I have the same passion with the grocery store and food. I would probably grocery shop for someone else if they needed me to. It’s like a game for me. I actually feel nauseated if I do not have at least one coupon though and will forgo certain things without them. Check out the blogs that show you what you can get for the least and with what coupons like littlemissknowitall.net and cooking one’s like 5dollardinners.com.
Are you able to grow a garden like Erin (5dollardinners)? I live downtown so my garden if limited to some tomatos, peppers and a few herbs. They do not seem to be as fruitful as ones grown in the garden. Either that or it just hasn’t been as long and I expect too much.?
I have serious health problems so I have been out of work more than I have worked in the past 4 years and it’s hard but doable. Another thing that we did is when the baby was off of my milk and starting baby food, I made my own. Eventually, I simply pureed whatever meat and veggies we were eating for dinner to meet his age. Saved money and he is a great eater too.
Good luck with everything and thanks for sharing.
.-= Christina Baita´s last blog ..Unique Baby Names =-.
Another great option is a Farmers’ Market. Food is local, fresh and usually much more economical. Sometimes it’s organic as well. Take your own bags to prevent recycling plastic.