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I think with the stocking up, the lesson in that is supposed to be that one trip for everything for a month saves a lot of money versus going every few days or once a week. I believe I heard a statistic that said the average family goes to the grocery store 3 times a week.
My husband has been unemployed for over a year (goes back to work next week!) and believe me when I tell you, I have learned so much about waste. We have still had enough money to do special things, just not every week. We would like to buy a house and have another car paid off and we need to save to do that. So when my husband goes back to work we intend to try and mostly maintain our frugal layoff budget. Its hard but it really has helped me gain perspective.
Have you looked into The Total Money Makeover by Dave Ramsey?
That is what we are doing and it is a great program. If you want more information do a search for Dave Ramsey or PM me and I'll be happy to send you what I have. I give away his books all the time.
I think with the stocking up, the lesson in that is supposed to be that one trip for everything for a month saves a lot of money versus going every few days or once a week. I believe I heard a statistic that said the average family goes to the grocery store 3 times a week.
My husband has been unemployed for over a year (goes back to work next week!) and believe me when I tell you, I have learned so much about waste. We have still had enough money to do special things, just not every week. We would like to buy a house and have another car paid off and we need to save to do that. So when my husband goes back to work we intend to try and mostly maintain our frugal layoff budget. Its hard but it really has helped me gain perspective.
First, I'm glad to hear your husband is going back to work!
Secondly, I agree with you about stocking up, but go over to the Urban Planning forum and they're all talking about going to the grocery store (albeit walking) daily or almost daily. They don't understand that you spend a lot of extra money that way, AND a lot of time.
This would be impossible for us. It seems every week we are giving our child money for something required at school such as a party or trip. Then there are birthday presents for her friends, money to go ice skating, etc. I could do without stuff and my husband could function if he had to, but it seems impossible with a child. It would be kind of fun to try it some time, but it's unlikely.
DH and have substantial savings, no debt, and make very good incomes so we intend on enjoying it. Yes, we go out to dinner very often, see sporting events, take vacations, or just go out for drinks. We indulge in wine, clothes, shoes.
Granted, we're DINKS (dual income, no kids). We plan on trying next year, so right now is our time to really enjoy somewhat 'responsibility free' life, particularly since we are fortunate to be in a strong financial position.
I wouldn't either if I were you, i'd just enjoy as well as it sounds like you can without any worry. I have a goal to reach so it just happened on to me. lol
When I was SAHM, there was VERY little discretionary spending money available. Thus there were months that since there was none, we spent none. Now with working and commuting, we make use of the conveniences. It would be hard to go back. Time is more of a premium for us than money right now.
Have you looked into The Total Money Makeover by Dave Ramsey?
That is what we are doing and it is a great program. If you want more information do a search for Dave Ramsey or PM me and I'll be happy to send you what I have. I give away his books all the time.
Have you looked into The Total Money Makeover by Dave Ramsey?
That is what we are doing and it is a great program. If you want more information do a search for Dave Ramsey or PM me and I'll be happy to send you what I have. I give away his books all the time.
The only thing I did not like about the Ramsey plan is the use of cash. It is very hard to pay most bills with cash these days, and acquiring cash required a trip to the bank. But You Need a Budget follows much the same procedure. As I understand it, Ramsey himself has budget oriented software. I can't speak to whether it is any good. Ynab is quite good.
We would have to drive a bit to necessary doctor appointments and to the airport for my husband's business travels but the girls could walk to school, we have extra fridge with big freezer so we could stock up on food. It would be difficult to give up our delivery pizza every few weeks but as long as all our bills were caught up I think we could do it. How about your family? I think it would be a great experiment for a family....just not sure it would be great for MY family
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(dual income, no kids). We plan on trying next year, so right now is our time to really enjoy somewhat 'responsibility free' life, particularly since we are fortunate to be in a strong financial position.
I have a goal to reach so it just happened on to me. lol
