Crystal over at Money Saving Mom (one of my vary favorite blogs) answered a reader question about how to spend $30/week on groceries. Read her answer HERE. She included what she would spend the money on and how she would prepare it. It was really insightful, and made me think about what would happen if our grocery budget was cut in half (See my $200/mo grocery budget for a family of 4 with one on the way HERE). If that was all we had, this what I would buy and how I would cook:
Week 1:
Brown Rice (15 lb bag) at $13
Bulk Oatmeal $3
Sale Veggies (Dark leafy greens, spinach, etc. I shoot for $1/lb) $5
Sale Fruits (Bag of apples or oranges, and some bananas, etc. I shoot for $1/lb) $5
Sale Meat (less than $2/lb You can find quality meats for this price!) $5
Eggs 18-ct. $2
Household/Sales & Coupon Shopping $5
=$38
Week 2:
Sale Veggies $7
Sale Fruits $6
Potatoes 10 lb bag $3
Household/Sales & Coupon Shopping $5
=$21
Week 3:
Sale Veggies $7
Sale Fruits $6
Sale Meat (less than $2/lb probably chicken or ground beef) $5
Household/Sales & Coupon Shopping $5
=$23
Week 4:
Sale Veggies $7
Sale Fruits $6
Household/Sales & Coupon Shopping $5
=$18
These are basic meals I would prepare:
Stir Fry
Oatmeal
Peanut Butter Sandwiches
Chili
Soups and Stews
In my budget I would have an extra $5/mo to use on toiletries or to stock up on sale and coupon pantry items. Also, there are usually freebies each week at different stores, so I would definitely stock up on those. Building a stockpile is one of the best ways to save money! I would also plant a garden (even potted tomato plants count)! I would also find other ways to feed myself and my family. To learn more about my ideas, check out my post on Assistance HERE.
I am curious on what you would buy with $100/mo! What are your thoughts?
-Kari
