After my son was born, my husband gave me the option of staying at home or going back to work. First let me say I am so thankful he gave me the option. I know that some couples don't get the option and I am so happy I've been able to spend so much time with my little guy. However, 2 weeks after he was born he developed a milk allergy and I was no longer able to breastfeed. Also he was on a soy formula which is much more expensive than the dairy versions. We held on and pinched what we thought we could but we were struggling. (as I'm sure most can relate) My husband came to me and said we either needed to BOTH be working or I had to find a way to make ends meet. I started crocheting baby hats and trying to sell them online but that didn't work out as well as I'd hoped. I tried ruffle scarves too but to no avail. So, I went to Pinterest (you know, my favorite website) and started looking for frugal ways to change up what I had. I started with laundry soap. I have been making it for 3 years now and I know that change alone has saved us a ton. I also made my own household cleaners, shower cleaners, dishwasher detergent, etc. Some worked, some didn't. I didn't let that discourage me though. We also set ourselves on a pretty strict budget. My husband gave me $200 a paycheck ($400 a month) to feed the 3 of us. Some weeks were great, others I cut pretty close. A couple of times I've even been over budget. Thankfully, never over about $20 though. My husband constantly sings my praises to anyone that will listen. Especially his coworkers and friends. It's almost become a competition with us. I love surprising him.
A few months ago one of his coworkers told him of a new website that lists all the local ads and Walmart will price match them. I made my grocery store list, went to the website and wrote down some of the things I was going to buy with the new prices. I was very nervous at first, but it worked. The first time I saved about $40. The next time I saved $70. I was on a high. A savings high. (There are some times I don't do as well as others but it all depends on the sales. I do try to stock up if the prices are good and I have extra budget.) On the website I use, they also link coupons if they are available. I currently don't own a printer so I miss out on that extra savings but if you do, then you can save even more. Well, I suppose I've chattered enough. This is my system. (note - we are currently eating a low carb/diabetic diet, since I have recently been evaluated as pre-diabetic. Don't want to take any chances! But you will see a lot more produce and less pastas,breads, etc. Trust me that this works with ANY diet and ANY lifestyle as we just moved to this "diet" and it worked before and STILL does!)
First I plan what meals I want to make the next couple weeks (and I check the calendar to see how many I need to plan for until the next paycheck) and it looks something like this. (although usually it's handwritten.)
After that is done, I write out EVERYTHING I need for that recipe. Even things that I know that I have. The only exception is things you always have like salt, pepper, milk, butter, etc.(It will all make sense very soon, grasshopper) When it's done, It looks kinda like this.
After all that, I take my list to my fridge, freezers, pantry, etc. and cross off everything I already have. That way I know exactly how much I need of each item and nothing gets forgotten. After all that, It looks something like this.
xo-Lisa
