Just a little report on how our newly reduced budget is going: So far so good... We actually came in under budget for the week! A few tips that are working for us:
1~Using cash: We're pulling out our eating budget for the month in cash and separating it into weeks. This is such a good visual for me. I can gauge how we're doing and adjust accordingly. Plus, it hurts just a little more to pay in bills rather than pulling out the check card.
2~Meal Planning: This is really helping me, and it's even getting a little easier as I keep up with it. I'm finding that I'm really looking at what we have and buying just for what we need. And it's really nice to know I've got the week planned-- One thing less to think about!
3~Budget meetings: Our goal is to sit down weekly. We plan for any extra expenses that we foresee coming up (occasions, car registration/inspection, activities, and on and on) and adjust our spending as needed.
4~Cutting expenses: This is something I wish we'd done at the very beginning of the lay off, or even before just in case. We brainstormed ways to decrease our regular bills and are canceling/suspending/reducing in several areas of our regular bills. We plan to continue with this when dear hubby is back in the working world, to ensure we are prepared just in case this happens again. We even had a meeting with our six year old and put her in charge of being our official "Watt Watcher". She's on the light & door patrol to cut down on our electricity. This was really just a way to inform her of our thriftiness and make her aware without alarming her. And, hey, every little bit helps!
5~Staying Connected: Budgeting is t-o-u-g-h, and it can be a source of stress in a relationship. We're trying to look at this as a challenge that we're taking on together and are being as supportive as possible (overly so in a lot of cases). I'm just trying to safeguard against low morale and resentment. This is a team effort! Go us, go!
Here's our budget-friendly menu for the week:
Monday/Tuesday:
(Hubby has already requested this again and suggested a double batch this time... I absolutely love when I try a new recipe and it makes it into the rotation! Oh, and I'm making it with Buffalo bc I have some in the freezer already. Gotta love that too!)
Wednesday:
Steak
Thursday:
Steak Fajita Salad
(Leftover Steak, lettuce, corn, avocado, salsa)
Friday:
Pizza Night
Using this easy dough recipe and making some extra to freeze.
Saturday/Sunday:
Something with Sweet Potatoes bc I have a bunch. I haven't quite deciced yet... Any ideas? I have pork tenderloin in the freezer, but I don't think I'm ready for that again just yet.
Hope your week is off to a fabulous start!
It's a new week of possibilities...
8 comments:
Awesome!! Sounds great! Cash is very helpful, isn't it? Have a great week of yummy meals!
Sounds like you are on the right track. I love the menus! What time is dinner? Enjoy and have a golden day! xoxo
I'm thoroughly impressed. You and your husband make a great team.
Ok, these posts have been so incredibly helpful for me. As I am completely going though the same thing--trying to stay on a grocery budget. I am going to be making some risotto tonight with the leftover asparagus I have-thank you:)
Sounds like you're doing great... love hearing about your menus for the week. I need to do a better job of doing that on Sunday rather than waiting until Monday morning when I feel so rushed.
meal planning--i need to work on this one. and i think the risotto w/asparagus will be on menu for this week. thanks.
we do the cash thing too. It helps so much.
my goodness, you menu looks delicious. great tips- i've been budgeting my grocery food money separate from restaurants and that has really helped. planning ahead is helpful too as it cuts down on ordering out b/c you're prepared!
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