Well-Trained Wallets - Week 1 of 5

[Carrie12345]

1/4 Dog food delivery, $66 and change.

      Amazon book return, told to keep the book -$22 and change

[Brittany1116]

On 1/1/2023 at 12:01 AM, Brittany1116 said:

My goals are to save $100 on groceries by eating down the fridge and pantry, not buy any clothing for the kids, and keep restaurants under $70/week. The first 2 should be easy. The last one is easy in theory, but difficult in practice since we have built snack stops into some routines. We have to rein it in. 

So here was our snag yesterday. We go to the fancy donut shop on orthodontist days. We were not supposed to go back until April but suddenly needed an appointment. I had no plans to get donuts, but was reminded that the last 2 times they were closed or sold out before we got there. So donuts happened. Today, they talked me into using their fast food GCs someone gave them for Christmas. I spent $6 on overage. I also got gas again since it is rising again. 

[EmilyGF]

No purchases yet, but I need to make an Amazon purchase, so a goal for today is to figure out how best to do that without putting more on the CC. Maybe I'll use "rewards" to do so.

1/5 I need to enroll ds11 in winter/spring basketball, but the link isn't working. That'll be expensive, but we've budgeted for it.

I worked on my YNAB budget and am feeling pretty good about it. I am glad for my paycheck, but I felt pretty guilty about working yesterday. Dd6 had come down with something and was feeling nasty, so she sat on the stairs crying as I went to work yesterday. Then, when I came home, she sat in my lap and cried for 5 minutes. She felt better later in the night and didn't remember any of it, though. If I hadn't been leading in-person trainings, I would have stayed home yesterday. Sigh.

Finally, got two SNAP cards in the mail (for last summer!) and was worried that they were sent in error. I did some googling and found out (I think) that our kids in high school qualify for them because their high school has a high enough poverty rate, or our district has a high enough poverty rate, that everyone at the school/district gets the cards. So, that should cover February groceries.

I followed some links in the "buying a dress for ds's wedding" thread and that was dangerous. Argh. I did not buy anything, but I also should not look at clothes websites when not buying, LOL.

I decluttered old sheets and kitchen linens yesterday. I think that has to do with budgeting because watching what I spend also means being honest about the effects of overspending: buying stuff I don't need. I need to declutter my homeschooling stuff. It is USING curriculum, not BUYING curriculum, which causes people to learn!

Emily

 

[Soror]

1/4/22- $189- Dh's college-

Dh has reimbursement for the fall but it didn't come in before the spring semesters payment was due. I'm thinking that should be in by next week's check. We should have about $400 extra after refilling the savings I took this from. The extra will be banked in the college fund for the fall (and possibly summer) class(es). It's funny but with the way his funding goes he has to pay less when he takes more classes because there are different tiers- he's usually 3/4s time but will be FT this Spring. We usually don't have too much left to pay after scholarships and pell but whatever we do have to pay he gets reimbursed 75% after he finishes classes with a passing grade.

I think I screwed up some of my grocery numbers when posting the other day. I made a purchase of bulk nuts and honey on Jan 1st but they split the bill. 

Anyway, I'm left with $413 for the next 3 weekly shopping trips. I'm going to try and keep the next one nice and low so I'm not short of money by the end of the month.

Food waste update:

1/4 c. beans (cooked from dried) - made a batch didn't use them all for a recipe- meant to throw them in something else and forgot them. I should have put them in the freezer

Tamarind paste- unknown amount- cleaning out the fridge doors I found the counter on the side and leaking. It wasn't entirely empty but a fair amount had seeped out.

3/4 bottle of dressing- bought ages ago- found Lemon poppyseed dressing for cheap so I bought a few bottles. This is the last one we all hate the taste. It is nothing like the ones we like 😞 Why did I buy in bulk when I didn't know if we'd like it?

1/2 cup greek yogurt- I decided to go back off of dairy due to issues- sometimes the girl's will eat my yogurt but of course didn't this time. I gave it to the cats so it's not a total waste.

[EmilyGF]

46 minutes ago, Soror said:

Food waste update:

 

1/4 c. beans (cooked from dried) - made a batch didn't use them all for a recipe- meant to throw them in something else and forgot them. I should have put them in the freezer

Tamarind paste- unknown amount- cleaning out the fridge doors I found the counter on the side and leaking. It wasn't entirely empty but a fair amount had seeped out.

3/4 bottle of dressing- bought ages ago- found Lemon poppyseed dressing for cheap so I bought a few bottles. This is the last one we all hate the taste. It is nothing like the ones we like 😞 Why did I buy in bulk when I didn't know if we'd like it?

1/2 cup greek yogurt- I decided to go back off of dairy due to issues- sometimes the girl's will eat my yogurt but of course didn't this time. I gave it to the cats so it's not a total waste.

That's impressive!

[Ali in OR]

Good news on my Flexible Spending Account issue (my healthcare company was automatically pulling from it to cover my disabled dd's copays--which would get paid by Medicaid). My human resources person got instructions from the account manager on how to fix it--something I could have done all along. In my thank you email to our human resources person I said "I don't know why they couldn't have told me that" and she replied that she's asked them to pull the record of my service call and retrain the employee that didn't help me! I don't know if that will happen but it makes me feel better that it got suggested. So now I will submit my own claims or use the debit card they gave me for medical purchases and I am in control again. Bought myself a pair of prescription glasses from Zenni and used my FSA credit card (and marveled at the $61 cost--first time using Zenni though dh has used it).

[Soror]

50 minutes ago, EmilyGF said:

That's impressive!

Thanks. I'm annoyed I wasted things. Oh, well, I'm going to keep trying. 

I used 3 brown bananas in some banana bread and ate the other with a snack. I need to find a use for sour cream I bought it for Christmas vegetable platter but it wasn't ate and we don't usually have it in the house.

 

[ScoutTN]

I think I linked our bank accts to YNAB. Need to do more video watching and learning! 

Bought Chemex filters on Amazon bc I can’t go to the local coffee shop where I usually buy them. 

Tomorrow is Dh’s payday, so I will do budgeting for the first time in 2023. 

[Carrie12345]

1/5 Finally got someone at Amazon to deal with (supposedly, at least) my “missing” order. We’ll see, but I did get a $10 credit for my trouble. 
And I will finally be near a UPS store to drop off a return tomorrow.

If my opthamologist’s office ever answers their phone, maybe I’ll be near Kohls soon to complete my last outstanding return!

Tomorrow is groceries and my list is within my goal. I just need to bring all my willpower!

[Brittany1116]

Zero spending today but I did go out last night for the new produce sales at the nearest store, and a hair clip for my niece. Will update numbers.

[historically accurate]

1/1: Had a board game party and ordered pizza: $71.65 (one pizza was gluten free) - received $40 from guests to cover it (which was way too generous, but I didn't notice it until after they left). We have not ordered delivery pizza since probably 2021 - when did it get sooooo pricey???

1/2: Stayed at home & de-decorated. $0. Did some freezer cooking: waffles, french bread pizza, and turkey burgers. Started a freezer inventory, and I had 3 pounds of ground turkey from the summer, so I made turkey burgers with it. DH purchased the french bread at Walmart on the 31st because it was on clearance, so used that too. Used up the last of leftover chicken in my fridge with buffalo chicken - I had mine on a baked potato and DH had his on a bun. We have enough for lunches tomorrow because the kids didn't want it.

1/3: Working all day in order to take tomorrow morning off - packed yesterday's buffalo chicken and the last of the mashed potatoes for lunch. Pre-registered for tomorrow's doctor appointment - $20 copay on the FSA card. Different family member has physical therapy this afternoon, so we will have a charge for that, but unknown how much for a while as it falls under deductible. I don't think there will be any out of pocket spending.

1/4: Returned curtains to Walmart (although that was for a family member - I purchased online so easier to use my phone to return). Picked up a big bag of ice while there for DD's ice machine (shoulder surgery last month): $4.97 Then, I went to the Post Office as I had a package returned to me for postage needed, and I picked up lots of stamps as I was out: $33.50. Another kid has PT tonight, but that bill will come later. Trying to decide What's for dinner? now. 

1/5: Paid bills this morning. Had specialist doctor appointment - will be $40 copay and who knows how much for the procedure. Appointment went long and poor DD had 4 shots, so DD & I grabbed McD's on the way home $13.62. We clicked the toll thing-y during our trip to the doctor and credit card will get charged $20 to refill it.  PT yet again tonight. 

[itsheresomewhere]

1/5-  31.20 on new bbq tools.  These are usually 35 a set and are very durable.  So I got 2 sets ( spare for the house and one for DH’s camping gear). But I had returned some stuff on Amazon earlier and used my returned credit for these.  
 

$4.76-  donut and drink for DS on the way to drop him off for work. 
 

 

[Soror]

1/5-

$60 cash for TKD

Gas for dh- $33;

Scholaric (hs schedule) $4

phone and internet- $89

Pool- $34- mostly for dd being on swim team but the rest of us can swim too

Disbursed allowances

Gave dd2 $20 of my personal money for a shopping trip with her friend she was invited on

Paid off 1 of 3 credit cards- this was budgeted for last month- each transaction is budgeted for the appropriate category when I make the charge but I don't pay until it posts.

Food waste- used up last 4 small potatoes from last 10 lb bag plus the rest of the zucchinis I got on markdown and made up fritters. 

Made too many rolls last night, on top of which they didn't turn out the best. I used half of the leftovers to make mini pizzas for the girls for lunch. Still thinking on the other half.

Finished off the last bit of a head of lettuce and half of jalapeno with tostados yesterday. I ate a hodge podge of misc leftovers for breakfast to clear those out. 

Bad news/good news: 

dd1 has beta convention dues coming up- $100- Mom had said she'd help some (she'd just rather give some money for the kid's activities than buy overpriced fundraisers). I'm not sure how much- maybe $50. I think I have enough budgeted in school activities to cover the rest as long as nothing else comes up (besides swim meets and school lunches that are already accounted for). I knew this was coming but not when or how much.

Mom also says that she doesn't know if I'll be able to buy half a cow now. She raises cows and told me months ago there would be a half for me to buy in the spring. Now, she says my brother wants half and she's taking most of the rest. I don't know how people eat so much meat. My brother just has 3 kids- 2 of which hardly eat beef due to issues and they just killed 4 deer this fall. My parents on the other hand have 3 freezers full of beef and mom only eats chicken 90% of the time. I don't get it. /vent over--- because she did say she has ground beef I can have and gave me 10 lbs and 3 doz eggs (she also has chickens). I'd much rather just buy it from her but every time they have a cow to get butchered there is none left and she keeps buying freezers. And really rant off because I should just be thankful for the ground beef. Maybe I can find someone else to buy from. Every time I get someone something happens and Mom keeps saying I can buy from her. I've been buying from the farm store at dd's work as it is better prices than the store and home grown but would like my freezer fuller. 

I'm looking for some cloth panty liners for me. My last ones died and I never replaced them. I have a cup as dd1 and I both bought one she tried and didn't like it (and now rarely gets a period). I've never been gutsy enough. I need to work up the nerve. Dd2 isn't interest in the cloth or cut especially going to PS.

ETA: bought some cloth pads and liners and pillow covers from Amazon using points - $0

Edited January 6, 2023 by Soror

[Carrie12345]

Weeeell, it’s Friday.

Last night I ordered a pack of my favorite toothbrushes with ridiculous shipping fees for a total of $21.16. This afternoon, I found almost a full pack in my bathroom cabinet. 😕

Last night I also paid $29 for planner downloads for the If I Die binder I’m putting together.

And today I got groceries; $68.47 at WM and, oops, $96.73 at Aldi, where I was just supposed to get bananas, grapes, bread, and beef jerky.
They had a good price (by today’s standards) on butter, 1/2 price mango slices, and decent blueberries and asparagus. They also had a good price on egg whites, cheaper than whole eggs. Then I got like 6 or 7 things I have no real excuse for grabbing other than I’m weak.

BUT, I dropped off a return and will have $25 in my account shortly.

[EmilyGF]

Just now, Carrie12345 said:

Weeeell, it’s Friday.

Last night I ordered a pack of my favorite toothbrushes with ridiculous shipping fees for a total of $21.16. This afternoon, I found almost a full pack in my bathroom cabinet. 😕

Last night I also paid $29 for planner downloads for the If I Die binder I’m putting together.

And today I got groceries; $68.47 at WM and, oops, $96.73 at Aldi, where I was just supposed to get bananas, grapes, bread, and beef jerky.
They had a good price (by today’s standards) on butter, 1/2 price mango slices, and decent blueberries and asparagus. They also had a good price on egg whites, cheaper than whole eggs. Then I got like 6 or 7 things I have no real excuse for grabbing other than I’m weak.

BUT, I dropped off a return and will have $25 in my account shortly.

Wow, that sounds like a great idea!

I've been decluttering around here, as nothing reminds me better not to spend than throwing out stuff I thought I needed and have never used. I found 12 bars of soap and 4 hand soaps under a very neglected sink. My goal of decluttering is to get 2 closets back and to get ride of piles and boxes on top of cabinets. DH is traveling right now (the first major major trip since COVID hit) and I hope to deal with some major hotspots before he gets back.

Finally, I found a few things to list on ebay (perfect condition Disney dollars from the early 90s!) or Craigslist (child's table, some wooden maps). I am hoping to make $50 and a fair amount of space. 🙂

Emily

[Brittany1116]

We are trying to help a stray cat and are looking at some vet bills next week. Not thrilled but he's sweet and we are smitten. 

More groceries today. Challenge butter was BOGO and I had 2 coupons from prior boxes. Also got decaf iced coffees BOGO. 

[historically accurate]

1/1: Had a board game party and ordered pizza: $71.65 (one pizza was gluten free) - received $40 from guests to cover it (which was way too generous, but I didn't notice it until after they left). We have not ordered delivery pizza since probably 2021 - when did it get sooooo pricey???

1/2: Stayed at home & de-decorated. $0. Did some freezer cooking: waffles, french bread pizza, and turkey burgers. Started a freezer inventory, and I had 3 pounds of ground turkey from the summer, so I made turkey burgers with it. DH purchased the french bread at Walmart on the 31st because it was on clearance, so used that too. Used up the last of leftover chicken in my fridge with buffalo chicken - I had mine on a baked potato and DH had his on a bun. We have enough for lunches tomorrow because the kids didn't want it.

1/3: Working all day in order to take tomorrow morning off - packed yesterday's buffalo chicken and the last of the mashed potatoes for lunch. Pre-registered for tomorrow's doctor appointment - $20 copay on the FSA card. Different family member has physical therapy this afternoon, so we will have a charge for that, but unknown how much for a while as it falls under deductible. I don't think there will be any out of pocket spending.

1/4: Returned curtains to Walmart (although that was for a family member - I purchased online so easier to use my phone to return). Picked up a big bag of ice while there for DD's ice machine (shoulder surgery last month): $4.97 Then, I went to the Post Office as I had a package returned to me for postage needed, and I picked up lots of stamps as I was out: $33.50. Another kid has PT tonight, but that bill will come later. Trying to decide What's for dinner? now. 

1/5: Paid bills this morning. Had specialist doctor appointment - will be $40 copay and who knows how much for the procedure. Appointment went long and poor DD had 4 shots, so DD & I grabbed McD's on the way home $13.62. We clicked the toll thing-y during our trip to the doctor and credit card will get charged $20 to refill it.  PT yet again tonight. 

1/6: Spendy day - not even sure yet - hopefully, I'll include everything here. DH worked a half day, so he did a lot of running this afternoon. Batteries: $5.41. Prescription: $10. McD's (I worked 8-5, so he surprised me with not cooking. Sweet, but I didn't want to spend the money): $28.98. New phone for Youngest as her ancient one officially gave up the ghost: $156.58. Will have $40 copay for knee specialist (possibly a 4th surgery needed on it - I don't even know what to say to that yet!) and another PT appointment

I'm so tired tonight that I am going to put in the grocery order and call it a day.

[EmilyGF]

Argh, @historically accurate, that's a bummer about the knee surgery. I hope the PT helps. It was sweet of your hubby to consider your busy day. Nights like the one you are describing have driven me to more tv than I used to watch... 

Emily

 

[ScoutTN]

Bought a tank of gas for my car and a rotisserie chx.
 

Used our new health insurance and HSA cards today and was happy to spend only $10 and that on the HSA card. Our deductible is higher on this plan, but Rx coverage seems similar.

No time or energy for YNAB today, so will budget and pay bills tomorrow.

[Soror]

@historically accurate I'm sorry about the surgery 😞 Your dh's heart was in the right place.

@ScoutTN nice to find stuff cheaper than expected

@EmilyGF ya for finding items to sell, score!

@itsheresomewhere good deal on the bbq sets

------------------------------------------------------

1/6- $40.x vitamins; $37.x house air filters; $1.x cream cheese

I ended up picking a different dish from later on the menu as I unexpectedly had girls staying over so I picked a more kid friendly and cheaper dish- Taco Pasta. I only needed cream cheese so I had dh pick some up on the way home.  We used budget bytes recipe last time and it was enjoyed but I tried this recipe this week and I think they liked it even better, and I was able to use up about half of the sour cream. I'm gluten free and currently dairy free so I had my leftover meat sauce from Monday w/ gf noodles for my dinner instead.

I found a coffee cake recipe to use the rest of the sour cream-- yipee! I'm going to make that shortly since I can't sleep anyway.

Dd has an away swim meet today so she'll be spending some for food. I think I'll be running to Dollar General at some point to use the $5 off/$25 to buy some needed cleaning and toiletry supplies.

Dh actually asked me more about Ynab as he says he needs to be more involved. I'm all for that but also know he is getting ready to start spring semester and have drastically less time. We'll see.

In not good news dh is worried about work, again. Sigh. Things were really tight at the end of the year which was somewhat worrying as it is usually the busiest time. They thought with the fiscal year rolling over there would be some easing up but that's not the case and it is looking worse. The widgets they make aren't selling very well due to changes in technology. They are trying to transition to making different widgets that are selling well as the plant that makes them is struggling with productivity and staffing BUT there are a lot of changes involved and of course capital investment needed. So, we just sit back and hope for the best.  Dh is getting so close to finishing his degree he needs to stay tight unless the ship really does sink. His chances of finding the flexiblity he needs for college at his current pay is slim to none. AFter this semester he could finish in a semester if he really pushed it. So, dh is very in agreement with me that things need to be as tight as we can reasonably make them and might end up needing to go tighter than we are now.

[historically accurate]

I'm feeling better after sleeping 9(!) hours last night. 

I got the grocery order in, and we will pick up at 9 am this morning. I ordered a couple new-to-me ingredients as I am going to try some freezer meals to help while I'm working and shuffling kids to PT at 5 pm. I'm actually pretty excited about it - I think it'll really help us out. I may not be after I put together 6 meals today LOL. 

 

[itsheresomewhere]

1/7-  140 at the grocery store.  They had a great sale on pasta, DS’s beloved chicken nuggets, can goods and some other things.  Also picked up soda for DS with a decent sale. While to some it is not necessary for us it is.

[EmilyGF]

Just spent three hours cleaning out a few closets with dd14 who could seriously make a MINT as a personal organizer. As soon as I was flagging, she'd say, "We're almost done. Can you do X while I organize these boxes?"

I listed three things on craigslist for a total of $50. I hope they sell, mainly because I want them out of the house! I got closet space back and I think I'll feel more relaxed at home, and therefore less likely to spend, with less clutter around the main rooms. I also have about six bags for donation, a few extra bags of trash, and a collection of e-waste and chemicals to dispose of later this month. I also found a red tablecloth that we can use for the month of February. 🙂

We didn't eat anywhere near as much fruit last week as I thought we would, so I can skip a produce trip today. I am going to cut back to every other night beans because my kids have been making comments about digestion issues 🤣. We ate leftovers last night, but needed to toss some uneaten oatmeal.

I opened checking accounts for two out of three teens yesterday. One more to go!

ETA: Found about $75+ of personal care products while decluttering hall closet: 20 bars of soap, 6 deodorants, 3 floss boxes, 10 toothbrushes, 3 containers of feminine hygiene, etc. all in box, unopened.

Emily

Edited January 7, 2023 by EmilyGF

[Brittany1116]

So I am struggling with doing things midday when no one is hungry, getting caught up and grabbing food out, and spending too much that way. I think I may start packing lunches or snacks a few days a week even if we don't have firm plans to go out so I can grab them if we do. We have to stop the $7, $10, $14 a pop trips. 

[ScoutTN]

Apparently I did NOT successfully link YNAB to my bank. But I do not have time or energy to figure it out today. Updated everything and paid a pile of bills. I think Dh’s payroll deductions are not correct, bc the paycheck was too high, but that’s for another day too. I asked him to find and print the paycheck stub. Will tackle that this week. 

Ordered groceries for less than $100. Have meals planned through Monday and plenty of ingredients to work with.

Added targets to many YNAB budget items.

Clarified with Dd that she is paying for her costume/clothes for a February dance. 

Edited January 7, 2023 by ScoutTN

[Carrie12345]

I’ve ended the week at $375.51. And $56.62 in refunds.

That’s groceries, dog food, a digital download for myself, extra toothbrushes I didn’t actually need, and then just more dog stuff (needs, not fun toys.)

It feels like an awful lot for being extra careful.

The rest of this month is about to be insane. Tons of appointments on a new year deductible, pet appointments, and tuition. Ugh.

[historically accurate]

1/1: Had a board game party and ordered pizza: $71.65 (one pizza was gluten free) - received $40 from guests to cover it (which was way too generous, but I didn't notice it until after they left). We have not ordered delivery pizza since probably 2021 - when did it get sooooo pricey???

1/2: Stayed at home & de-decorated. $0. Did some freezer cooking: waffles, french bread pizza, and turkey burgers. Started a freezer inventory, and I had 3 pounds of ground turkey from the summer, so I made turkey burgers with it. DH purchased the french bread at Walmart on the 31st because it was on clearance, so used that too. Used up the last of leftover chicken in my fridge with buffalo chicken - I had mine on a baked potato and DH had his on a bun. We have enough for lunches tomorrow because the kids didn't want it.

1/3: Working all day in order to take tomorrow morning off - packed yesterday's buffalo chicken and the last of the mashed potatoes for lunch. Pre-registered for tomorrow's doctor appointment - $20 copay on the FSA card. Different family member has physical therapy this afternoon, so we will have a charge for that, but unknown how much for a while as it falls under deductible. I don't think there will be any out of pocket spending.

1/4: Returned curtains to Walmart (although that was for a family member - I purchased online so easier to use my phone to return). Picked up a big bag of ice while there for DD's ice machine (shoulder surgery last month): $4.97 Then, I went to the Post Office as I had a package returned to me for postage needed, and I picked up lots of stamps as I was out: $33.50. Another kid has PT tonight, but that bill will come later. Trying to decide What's for dinner? now. 

1/5: Paid bills this morning. Had specialist doctor appointment - will be $40 copay and who knows how much for the procedure. Appointment went long and poor DD had 4 shots, so DD & I grabbed McD's on the way home $13.62. We clicked the toll thing-y during our trip to the doctor and credit card will get charged $20 to refill it.  PT yet again tonight. 

1/6: Spendy day - not even sure yet - hopefully, I'll include everything here. DH worked a half day, so he did a lot of running this afternoon. Batteries: $5.41. Prescription: $10. McD's (I worked 8-5, so he surprised me with not cooking. Sweet, but I didn't want to spend the money): $28.98. New phone for Youngest as her ancient one officially gave up the ghost: $156.58. Will have $40 copay for knee specialist (possibly a 4th surgery needed on it - I don't even know what to say to that yet!) and another PT appointment.

1/7: Groceries: $182.15. Prescription: $10. Cooling mattress pad (DD has night sweats as part of her disease): $26.98. Another bag of ice: $4.97. 

That is a total of $568.71 out of pocket, $60 in copays, and 4 PT appointments and 1 medical procedure that will fall under deductible whenever they get processed. Welp, that got expensive quickly. However, with a phone purchase, it could be worse I guess.

I did 7 meals today - we'll eat 4 this week, and 3 went into the freezer. Sweet Thai Chicken Lettuce Wraps (1 meal), Doritos casserole (2 meals), BBQ Maple Ribs (2 meals), and Spicy Garlic Lime Chicken (2 meals). The lettuce wraps and the ribs are new to me. I also have some of the ingredients prepped for a shrimp/sausage skillet meal that I make occasionally since I was cutting other things for the meals made today. I'm planning on making some "convenience" foods ahead tomorrow - chicken patties, waffles, and breakfast burritos; the teens are often on their own for lunch due to our work schedules, so I try to have super-easy things to eat then. Apparently, the waffles were popular lunches here this week because I made a double batch on the 2nd and we only have 2 left. 

[historically accurate]

1 hour ago, historically accurate said:

 

I did 7 meals today - we'll eat 4 this week, and 3 went into the freezer. Sweet Thai Chicken Lettuce Wraps (1 meal), Doritos casserole (2 meals), BBQ Maple Ribs (2 meals), and Spicy Garlic Lime Chicken (2 meals). The lettuce wraps and the ribs are new to me. I also have some of the ingredients prepped for a shrimp/sausage skillet meal that I make occasionally since I was cutting other things for the meals made today. I'm planning on making some "convenience" foods ahead tomorrow - chicken patties, waffles, and breakfast burritos; the teens are often on their own for lunch due to our work schedules, so I try to have super-easy things to eat then. Apparently, the waffles were popular lunches here this week because I made a double batch on the 2nd and we only have 2 left. 

Update: Sweet Thai chicken lettuce wraps are pretty good. 3 of the 5 of us like them. One wouldn't try it, and one said "meh", ate one, and a piece of pizza. I'll get some more ground chicken next week and make a couple up for the freezer.

[itsheresomewhere]

If you a Lidl’s near you-  they have spiral cut hams for 69 cents  a pound.  I got one for the freezer. 

[mommyoffive]

5 hours ago, Brittany1116 said:

So I am struggling with doing things midday when no one is hungry, getting caught up and grabbing food out, and spending too much that way. I think I may start packing lunches or snacks a few days a week even if we don't have firm plans to go out so I can grab them if we do. We have to stop the $7, $10, $14 a pop trips. 

Because their activities are far from home we are always on the go at a meal time.   I have a whole shelf that is easy to grab food, because sometimes we are to busy to make things to take with us.  We never eat out, just grab and go.  I we have eaten out 2 times since mid August.  Both holiday reasons where we grabbed food to eat at home.  I also keep food in the vans because sometimes people get hungry and haven't thought to pack something or they ate all of what they have brought.  I also have drinks in the car for this reason.  Saves money I think and time.  

[mommyoffive]

@historically accurate Your menu sounds so good!!  Good job getting all those meals done.

[Brittany1116]

2 hours ago, mommyoffive said:

Because their activities are far from home we are always on the go at a meal time.   I have a whole shelf that is easy to grab food, because sometimes we are to busy to make things to take with us.  We never eat out, just grab and go.  I we have eaten out 2 times since mid August.  Both holiday reasons where we grabbed food to eat at home.  I also keep food in the vans because sometimes people get hungry and haven't thought to pack something or they ate all of what they have brought.  I also have drinks in the car for this reason.  Saves money I think and time.  

They did get new jumbo water bottles for Christmas so we carry those to avoid buying drinks while on the run. Florida is always hot and we are always thirsty. 🙂 Today we slept in, had omlettes and fruit at brunch time, ran errands and ran out of time to get back home for food before chess club. So we dropped into the grocery store for ready-made deli sandwiches, which was $10. 😞

[ScoutTN]

Budget Bytes for the win today with coconut curry ramen!
 

Yummy, filling, and inexpensive. I added about 1/3 C leftover rotisserie chx, some shredded carrots, fresh spinach, and siracha. No frozen veg. Used only 2 of the seasoning packets for 4 pkgs ramen. Total cost: about $5 total for 4 people, with a serving leftover for Ds’ lunchbox tomorrow. 

[Brittany1116]

This week's dinner plans...

Tikka masala

Sausage and beans and rice

Sweet and sour chicken

Tacos

Pork loin

Kielbasa

Chicken and dumplings

[historically accurate]

1/8: $0. Did some freezer cooking - waffles, chicken patties, french bread pizza (DH did most of these), and breakfast burritos. Tripled the waffle recipe and served it for dinner as well as put some in the freezer. Lots of cooking this weekend, so I'm happy with my stash/menu for the week, but I'm tired tonight. Looked into getting a CSA share, but it's more than my budget can stretch right now. Sold a large item on ebay (whoo-hoo, I've been trying to sell it for a long time!); I'll have to take it to the UPS store to ship it tomorrow evening as I am working a full day tomorrow. Have a mattress to return - unsure how to do that as it came in a box, and there's no way it's going back in. I'll have to call the store tomorrow, at least it is a local store. 

[Soror]

1/7-  Dollar General- $24.x lots of TP; 

AutoZone- - $59.x brakes for dh's car (he replaced them so no labor)

Walmart- $3.x brake cleaner (for changing out brakes); + $8.x kitty litter

1/8- Walmart- $27.x animal food; $5.x toiletries; $3.x snacks for movies

Took girls to the cheap show- they shared a drink with dh- used Xmas gift card for admittance and drink (still have a bit left)

Food waste update:

Let's see- used last lime from discount bag for smoothie and cilantro rice (for Tuesday's meal);

dh and kids finished off dip from xmas, dd ate her last leftover crepe from the other day instead of making new pancakes; 

dd and I finished off last of refried beans and guac for tostados that I'd made for lunch this week;

The family devoured the coffee cake made with the rest of the sour cream.

I found a smoothie bowl recipe to use up some frozen fruits I'd bought and have been having that lately. 

I'm roasting a turkey tonight (dh was given it for thanksgiving), cut it up so it would cook faster. I cut off the breasts so hopefully I can use that for my recipes I'd planned to use chicken breasts for this week. I'll debone the backbone and use it to make some broth.

My lunch this is- falafels--- I've got my chickpeas soaking to make that tomorrow. I'll be making some grains for the bowls and also roasting up some discount squash I need to use with other veggies. I think I'll try some buckwheat groats that I've bought but not tried yet.

I need to make an apple crisp with some apples that no one likes the variety (they were out of our favorites). I also need to prioritize pistachios and mixed nuts for snacks this week as I've had some sitting in my cabinet for awhile. 

I'm working on my grocery list but probably won't be shopping until Wednesday. My week is all wonky with dh leaving for training so it is still a bit in the air. 

Dh and I decided to use the bit I'd set back for our 25th vaca towards our HELOC. It was pretty much entirely cc points and interest- not a ton as we just wiped them out from our last vaca but it will make a bit of a dent in the loan and we want it paid off ASAP. I also squeezed some other categories to hopefully have a bit more towards that each month. Assuming I can get a job in May we should be able to have it paid off by June at the latest (barring unforeseen crap). I'm then hoping the rest of the summer we can build up savings some more, finish more on the shop, and loosen up a bit. One thing at a time focusing on really hammering down through May.

[Soror]

2 hours ago, ScoutTN said:

Budget Bytes for the win today with coconut curry ramen!
 

Yummy, filling, and inexpensive. I added about 1/3 C leftover rotisserie chx, some shredded carrots, fresh spinach, and siracha. No frozen veg. Used only 2 of the seasoning packets for 4 pkgs ramen. Total cost: about $5 total for 4 people, with a serving leftover for Ds’ lunchbox tomorrow. 

Thanks for the rec

21 hours ago, Brittany1116 said:

They did get new jumbo water bottles for Christmas so we carry those to avoid buying drinks while on the run. Florida is always hot and we are always thirsty. 🙂 Today we slept in, had omlettes and fruit at brunch time, ran errands and ran out of time to get back home for food before chess club. So we dropped into the grocery store for ready-made deli sandwiches, which was $10. 😞

Did you improve this week? That's the big question to me- changing habits is hard so give yourself some credit. Ready made sandwiches for $10 is cheaper than a drive through.

On 1/7/2023 at 1:22 PM, ScoutTN said:

Apparently I did NOT successfully link YNAB to my bank. But I do not have time or energy to figure it out today. Updated everything and paid a pile of bills. I think Dh’s payroll deductions are not correct, bc the paycheck was too high, but that’s for another day too. I asked him to find and print the paycheck stub. Will tackle that this week. 

Ordered groceries for less than $100. Have meals planned through Monday and plenty of ingredients to work with.

Added targets to many YNAB budget items.

Clarified with Dd that she is paying for her costume/clothes for a February dance. 

My dd2 just decided she's going to a dance next weekend. She can borrow from dd1 though. I panicked a bit when she told me that but she's already got that figured out. The targets are really helpful. If you set up a target for everything you can go to the next month and then see how much more to fund it all (make sure nothing is clicked or it will just show that to the side).

On 1/7/2023 at 11:48 AM, EmilyGF said:

Just spent three hours cleaning out a few closets with dd14 who could seriously make a MINT as a personal organizer. As soon as I was flagging, she'd say, "We're almost done. Can you do X while I organize these boxes?"

I listed three things on craigslist for a total of $50. I hope they sell, mainly because I want them out of the house! I got closet space back and I think I'll feel more relaxed at home, and therefore less likely to spend, with less clutter around the main rooms. I also have about six bags for donation, a few extra bags of trash, and a collection of e-waste and chemicals to dispose of later this month. I also found a red tablecloth that we can use for the month of February. 🙂

We didn't eat anywhere near as much fruit last week as I thought we would, so I can skip a produce trip today. I am going to cut back to every other night beans because my kids have been making comments about digestion issues 🤣. We ate leftovers last night, but needed to toss some uneaten oatmeal.

I opened checking accounts for two out of three teens yesterday. One more to go!

ETA: Found about $75+ of personal care products while decluttering hall closet: 20 bars of soap, 6 deodorants, 3 floss boxes, 10 toothbrushes, 3 containers of feminine hygiene, etc. all in box, unopened.

Emily

Dang girl you got a big hall closet. You're finding all sorts of treasures.

On 1/7/2023 at 11:28 AM, itsheresomewhere said:

1/7-  140 at the grocery store.  They had a great sale on pasta, DS’s beloved chicken nuggets, can goods and some other things.  Also picked up soda for DS with a decent sale. While to some it is not necessary for us it is.

Dh is a soda addict so I watch for sales to buy it from the grocery store as it is so much cheaper than vending machines. It's always good to find favorites on sale.

[Brittany1116]

1 hour ago, Soror said:

 

Did you improve this week? That's the big question to me- changing habits is hard so give yourself some credit. Ready made sandwiches for $10 is cheaper than a drive through.

 

Wellll yes and no. I was under my $ limit for eating out because we had some gift cards, but we also stopped out more than we usually do. And my receipt says it was $13 instead of $10 because I forgot I got a ginger ale. LoL But yes, cheaper for 3 than a drive thru. 

I have been good about the water bottles and I have the week's menu planned and some snacks prepped. I am hoping to spend $0 M-F. 

I also reactivated my Every Plate for their $1.49/serving offer. So NEXT week (16th) we will get 6 dinners for 4 people for $46 shipped. 

I also had a goal of saving $100 in the month in groceries. If I buy nothing else before Friday, I will have skimmed $38 off of my biweekly amount. 

 

[mommyoffive]

1 hour ago, Brittany1116 said:

Wellll yes and no. I was under my $ limit for eating out because we had some gift cards, but we also stopped out more than we usually do. And my receipt says it was $13 instead of $10 because I forgot I got a ginger ale. LoL But yes, cheaper for 3 than a drive thru. 

I have been good about the water bottles and I have the week's menu planned and some snacks prepped. I am hoping to spend $0 M-F. 

I also reactivated my Every Plate for their $1.49/serving offer. So NEXT week (16th) we will get 6 dinners for 4 people for $46 shipped. 

I also had a goal of saving $100 in the month in groceries. If I buy nothing else before Friday, I will have skimmed $38 off of my biweekly amount. 

 

Oh that is a really good price.  I haven't ever used them, do you have feedback on the service?

[Brittany1116]

50 minutes ago, mommyoffive said:

Oh that is a really good price.  I haven't ever used them, do you have feedback on the service?

So far we have only done one delivery. It came in 2 huge boxes packed well to keep meats cold. The only snafu was that they sent a wrong recipe card but a call to CS got me the right one via email. 4 of the 6 meals we tried were GREAT and 2 were just okay. They are cheaper than some other services because they do not chop the veggies etc and you have to use your own salt, pepper, and oil. We did end up with excess garlic and onion and lime.  They rotate many options and you pick which you want, so it's not the same 12 options each week. I have also sent 2 boxes to my parents, all vegetarian, and they have been happy with everything. I think I have free box codes or something but I don't know if that breaks any rules here, although I don't know if there is a perk on my end. 

[Soror]

9 hours ago, Brittany1116 said:

Wellll yes and no. I was under my $ limit for eating out because we had some gift cards, but we also stopped out more than we usually do. And my receipt says it was $13 instead of $10 because I forgot I got a ginger ale. LoL But yes, cheaper for 3 than a drive thru. 

I have been good about the water bottles and I have the week's menu planned and some snacks prepped. I am hoping to spend $0 M-F. 

I also reactivated my Every Plate for their $1.49/serving offer. So NEXT week (16th) we will get 6 dinners for 4 people for $46 shipped. 

I also had a goal of saving $100 in the month in groceries. If I buy nothing else before Friday, I will have skimmed $38 off of my biweekly amount. 

 

Maybe you could buy supplies for sandwiches or quick foods as @mommyoffive suggested. More expensive than homemade foods but cheaper than eating out. Good luck with the groceries next week.

------------------------

I forgot in my money report that dd ended up spending $10 on drinks for swim meet day. It ended up being much cheaper for them to do the shared snacks and drinks. She was invited to ride home w/ her friend and they always insist on paying for meals on the way back. Her dad makes the big bucks and refuses to let her pay. I'm not going to fight him.

Today I've got to ride in with dh and dd to drop her off at school and get him a rental car for his trip. This afternoon I'm taking the dd2 and dd3 to get a hair cut and dd2 is getting highlights. Usually we cut their own but for a treat here and there they get it done (it's been over a year for both of them). Dd2 is paying for her own highlights. That will be $40 w/ a tip for my part.

Edited January 9, 2023 by Soror