Comments on: Grocery Spending and Menu Plan

By: Becky

Becky — Mon, 30 Mar 2009 12:28:05 +0000

One option for cutting back on paper product costs (and waste) is to purchase a set of cloth napkins for your household. If each “place” at the table has a cloth napkin set for each meal, you will save tons of money on paper napkins (and help the environment too). When the napkins get dirty, just throw them in the wash with the other clothes, and hang them to dry. Etsy seller “Kitchen Quilts” makes high quality cloth napkins, but you can obviously pick them up more cheaply at your thrift store (or make your own!).

By: Susan

Susan — Sun, 29 Mar 2009 22:46:50 +0000

I am so glad you are answerig Dana’s question! I was wondering the same thing. It’s almost another budget I need to make for paper products and cleaning items.

By: Kristen

Kristen — Sun, 29 Mar 2009 21:50:08 +0000

Dana-your question is in the queue for tomorrow’s Q&A.

By: Plan to Eat

Plan to Eat — Sun, 29 Mar 2009 02:30:07 +0000

I have been working on a meal planning website for my wife over the past 6 months with the goal of taking a lot of the repetition out of meal planning. It basically allows you to create your own family menu of recipes, easily add them to a weekly plan and then it automatically creates a shopping list based on that plan, categorized by grocery categories. You can also share your recipes with friends, and save you weekly plans. I am adding new stuff every week, so please let us know what you think, and what we could add to make meal planning that much easier.

By: Stephanie

Stephanie — Sat, 28 Mar 2009 17:44:35 +0000

In additon to the above if I run out of lunches for the ones in college I will send them with a coupon from a restraunt. Example recently my daughter used her free sub at subway for her lunch. As I was out of anything to pack. I buy only enough lunch meat to make sandwiches for two days after that they start on leftovers. Then when the leftovers get used up they get creative. One thing one likes is cheese , crackers and an apple. Almost no packing invovled and they like what they have to eat. If they are home choices get easier. Tuna travels sometimes.

By: Stephanie

Stephanie — Sat, 28 Mar 2009 17:41:10 +0000

I buy only the meat, chicken, seafood or entree item we need for the main meal. All of mine or home or brown bagging for every meal. We have 7 total to feed. I do not waste a single morsel. I get the breakfast free or way reduced. Lunches I pick up only 2 lunches and I stretch with other things at home. I concentrate on the entree as stated above. Get 5 veggies and 3 fruits stretch it all. Milk , eggs and cheese. This has been working for me. I have spent two years writing one product we use each night and asking for coupons. We spend $80 for everything that is needed for 10 days. So far it works. I stretch with beans, oatmeal and all the free stuff. Hope this basic overview helps someone out there.

By: Dana

Dana — Sat, 28 Mar 2009 15:24:29 +0000

Hi Kristen~ Just wondering…do you buy things like paper towels, paper plates, napkins, trash bags…etc? I spend a lot of money on these things, and feel like it’s kind of a waste of money, but I don’t want to give up these conveniences. I work part-time and believe they are huge time-savers. Please tell me your feelings.
Thanks and kudos to you!
Dana

By: Frugal Liz

Frugal Liz — Sat, 28 Mar 2009 14:04:58 +0000

I haven’t gone shopping yet this week, but I have high hopes I will come in way under budget. I made a menu plan that uses up a lot of ingredients I already have in my pantry and fridge. Now we’ll just have to see if I stick to it!:P

By: Jinger

Jinger — Sat, 28 Mar 2009 13:22:10 +0000

I just admire your grocery spending! I have 2 adults and 1 dog in my home and some weeks, we are here for 3 meals a day. The college student is a dance major, so she eats a lot! (yet maintains a slim physique) I buy only produce and ingredients for basic meals…no convenience foods at all, no cleansers etc and I still spend upwards of $70 per week. I shop mainly at WalMart. We have no Aldi here. I am growing vegetables now on my patio and hope that will reduce my food spending.