some of you mothers on here need to stay quiet, this women is doing THE MOST to feed her family on a budget but all you do is judge instead of understanding. go read her blog and stop being mad!!
@@TheBealles Unfortunately, I have come to a conclusion that no matter how great your vids may be, some people are bend on negative comments and therefore bloggers need to get used to it. Try not to take it personally.
A lot of commenters said you can’t live off that for 5 people for 2 weeks. I gotta say - you are BLESSED to have that much to eat in 2 weeks! There was a time where my family of 5 (when I was growing up) are a PBJ for breakfast, no lunch (said I forgot my lunch and the school would give me a granola bar if they had some), and another PBJ or some watered down soup for supper. We got a box from the food bank. That’s what we ate. Instead of people being skeptical of you, I wish they would be thankful to the Lord God who made them that they have more to eat than you do. You make really healthy meals and you make the food work and the dollars stretch for your needs. It’s excellent. And it’s a blessing to me to remember my family needing to think even more consciously about money than you have, and that I don’t need to worry about money for food anymore.
Holly Pike I grew up the same as you expect I’m Hispanic and it was tortillas, beans and rice. Sometimes nothing but lunch at school. We were a family of 5.
God's grace gets me through all the time when feeding my kids. I may go without occasionally but my kids stay fed. Thank the Lord for oats. God is good!
I save a ton by not eating meat, dairy, eggs, salt, sugar or oil. We eat greens, beans, rice and potatoes, tons of veg and fruit. Eating this way cured my high blood pressure, psoriasis, and lost 80 pds. Nutritarian lifestyle. I loved this video. You have a pleasing warm voice.
That's awesome! I am vegan now, and it has made a huge difference. You could check out my more recent grocery hauls if you are interested in seeing the difference :)
My hubby and I recently switched to a plant based diet. We eat deer meat( which he shot) and eat lots of grain and veggies. Both lost weight. And just feel healthier. We don't eat out as much. Dinners are must easier to put together when there is no meat involved
Ya and where I live all that fruit and veg is more expensive than meat. We can't all be that lucky. Veganism is fine if you can afford it. But all those carbs screws with me...bad.
I have seven of my nieces and nephews living with us permanently after losing my brother. So with my husband and our two children, yes, that adds up to eleven in our household. We are on a very strict budget even though we both have very good jobs. We go grocery shopping once a month (except for milk and bread) and we have a large chest freezer in our garage. Our budget for once a month is $400. Our milk and bread fund is $22 weekly. I shop the sales and go to Aldi's along with the can-alicious sale at our local chain which takes place twice a year in January and July. We simply cannot spend any more than that. I admire that you stick to your budget. I love your videos. Keep up the excellent advice and God Bless you and your family. We make it work!!
It can :) Try cutting back just a little at a time. Go to 140 per week and see how you do. That's 40 extra dollars a month. Who wouldn't want that. Then keep cutting back little by little until you can't get any lower reasonably. :)
what I do is make a list of everything I have in the cabinet and fridge and then make a meal plan around what I have so that nothing sits in the cabinet. Everything gets used. It also kind of forces you to be creative with your meals. Also, when I go to the grocery store, I usually only have to pick up one or two things for each meal because I already had one or two of the sides.
This is what I'm talking about. I know this video is old, but I have to give you and your husband a standing round of applause for your efforts. You are budgeting food money to meet bigger goals. You are feeding your family healthy nutritious meals. And you are teaching your children how to properly reach targets thru saving and discipline. You and your family are rare in our current culture!!! Inspiring to those that are considering and encouraging to those of us who are following suit. *^_^*
She mentioned that she doesn't do breakfast and that most of the house is gone for lunch. So it's dinners and the weekend to put it into perspective. Regardless, she is still doing a great job :)
Back in the seventies I was stationed in el paso for a year. I had to budget $50 a month for food for the wife and I. Cheapest meat then was a center cut ham(33cents a pound) and I'd get it sliced into fourteen or so steaks. Next back then hamburger meat. Family packs divided up into two serving sizes. Then dried beans. Whatever money was left was spent on fresh vegetables, potatoes, rice, cereal, canned goods and a few meats like chicken, pork chops. We never ran out of food but toward the end of the month we were down to ham, hamburger, and dried beans for dinner every night. These days I don't eat grains, rice, potatoes, corn or sugar so everything else is my normal diet. I buy fresh vegetables but grow most items my wife and I eat. A small pond provides us with fresh fish and a fruit orchard provides more fruit than we can eat. Chickens provide all the eggs we can eat but it's work and likely more expensive than buying store bought eggs. Rule one, never buy prepared food or processed food. You pay for that service so fix it yourself and save. You'll also avoid all the added chemicals that keep the processed food safe to eat. Don't buy prepared salad mix. Buy a head of lettuce, cabbage, a bag of carrots, radishes and you can make a bushel of salad for the cost of a one pound bag of mix. Oil and vinegar are the cheapest salad dressing and you can season it anyway you want.
My husband and I Raised 7 children on a limited budget. In spite if it we made sure our children ate 3 good meals a day. Plenty of eggs, meat, milk, cheese, veggies, fruit, potatoes, rice, beans, peanut butter, whole wheat bread, oatmeal, wheateena, grits, ect.. We understood that feeding our children with their growing bodies plenty of good healthy food was our duty, so we made it a priority. When you have children and a small income, it takes sacrifice. They come first. If we had to depend on social security for retirement then so be it. We chose to bring them into this world and they should not be expected to go with less than is good for them so we can have a more comfortable retirement. We are getting by on S. S. And I wouldn't go back and change it for anything. On another note: This lady did what she needed to with her TH-cam videos to increase her food budget and I admire her for it.
I grew up really poor, but was also taught to be self-sufficient. We never had our hands held out to the government for food stamps, etc. It's just not the way we lived; no hand outs. So, I can appreciate and understand just how you do this. Anyone can do what you are doing. It's just a matter of will and discipline. Keep up the good work!
You just have to add a lot of fillers. So say i have a recipe for this casserole, its pulled chicken, stove top stuffing, a bag of frozen mixed veggies and a can of cream of chicken soup! Its sooo good! U can use as much or as lil chicken u want to or have. My kentucky mother in law used to make it. U can also use canned chicken if u like. Its a warm filling meal that has great flavor. U just put how much ever meat u have in there. Whatever u are blessed with. Take care n God Bless!!😁
Mexican meal that is cheap: Don't buy pre-made shells, buy corn tortillas and make them yourself. I personally like soft shell, so I put a few tablespoons of oil in a pan, let it heat , do each tortilla for 5-10 seconds on each side and put on napkin to absorb excess oil.... the corn tortilla is hot, soft, pliable and has a good flavor. Then you can make a mixture of ground beef and potato for the filling. First brown meat, drain, then add finely dice potatoes, drain salt, pepper, onion powder, ect), then simmer it till potatoes are cooked. Also, make spanish rice and refried beans. A little diced lettuce/tomato and a salsa from dollar store. Add additional flavor to it if you find the dollar salsa/sauce too tomatoey-bland. I add a little garlic and onion powder sometimes.
I loved that you took your daughter! Nothing like teaching real life skills, by doing life together 🤗 way to go Mom! Thanks for this awesome information.
I too have a family of 5 and I've been a budget shopper all my life. One reason my husband loves me soo much 😆 My 8 yr old daughter is always learning about saving money and how to spend wisely. thank you for your video. we can't go wrong with potatoes and onions, rice dishes (I'm asian and thats a staple) throughout the month with a budget of 180.00 or less. You have revived something in me and I know I can cut the food budget a little lower. We love Aldis. We're teaching our kids to be content, humble, and thankful for what they have, a lesson that'll follow them into adulthood and showing them that when your saving for some thing, there's sacrifices that must be made in our lifestyle. Showing them that adapting without complaining is building character. This is the first video I seen of yours and I can seeyou have a beautiful spirit inside you that only God gives.
Thank you! We love Asian food, and it is a big reason why we feel comfortable with those staples. Teaching you children character is important in anything you do as a family. Good job, Mama!
Refreshing to see someone that is real, my wife will make enough spaghetti and meatballs for three days, when you plan your meals and make big batches it saves money.
You probably go through your onions quickly. If you ever find they are going bad too quickly switch from a plastic bowl to good old paper bags with some holes punched in them. Much longer storage that way. Taking potatoes out of plastic also helps with storage time.
I went and spent $35 this week, we feed 5 people. I needed to add a few veggies and fruits, I bought a chicken, canned tomatoes and beans. I probably won't shop again until next week to do the same! We are eating down our freezer and pantry, this is something we do around this time of year due to all our expenditures (property tax, vehicle tags, vacations, and Christmas). My regular budget is around $300 per month and I live in GA.
Family of two and I'm struggling! Just bought this house and I know we would be doing so well IF i could budget better! Just spent 150 to stock up the new place a bit. Made some nasty cheap pasta that I would throw out BUT I'm going to eat it ALL because I bought it. Thank you for this video! I will do better
Tell me do you find this true,that is it better to not always buy a item that you don't normally buy and not like it,just to save money?Or because it's on sale.
Homemade pasta is soooo easy to make & so much better and rewarding cause you did it yourself. Flour, egg, salt, water. Let dough sit in fridge for a bit. Roll it out. Cut it. It doesnt have to be perfect. You'll get more bang for your buck then buying boxed. & homemade sauce even easier.
Yeah, I try it every year. We have a plum tree, two apples, a pear and a nectarine. As soon as the fruit starts swelling we are raised by raccoons, rats, and a feisty squirrel. Fruit too high for them to teach is taken by birds. The cold soil and fog strictly limit what we can grow. None of the critters like red lettuce, Russian kale, or Swiss chard, so we grow those - oh yes, arugula is also left untouched. We get a small but welcome crop of zucchini, and we eat the male flowers too. We grow potatoes and green onions. We have to buy most of our produce, but we do get a thrill out of our backyard crops.
We spend like 700 $ to feed 4 persons. But honestly I don't want to save money on food. I'd rather save it on other stuff. we live in germany and for me it's very important to buy good quality especially if it comes to animal products. What I have to learn is to plan my shopping trip and write down what I want to cook for the week and maybe don't go grocery shopping when I'm hungry 😣
A couple tips for those trying to learn how to budget their food money. 1. Learn how to cook. If you don't have a kitchen (or time) a crockpot can be your best friend. 2. NEVER shop while hungry! 3. Don't go shopping in the few days before and after people get food stamps. I've noticed, around that time the 3 for 5.00 tags go up and people think they are getting a deal. The original price is 1.25 per so you'll end up spending more. Don't be afraid to lift those tags to be sure you are getting a deal. 4. Don't be afraid of the the bottom shelf and non-name brand products. Decades ago I worked for a chicken processing plant and was shocked to find out, the name brand and generic brand is the SAME chicken. They just change the bags! That's all I can think of off the top of my head. Hope it helps. Good luck!
I have worked retail most of my life and have almost perfected bargain shopping. I will admit I get food stamps for myself and my kids so that forces you to shop on a tight budget. I have found that certain 'off brands' or store brands are just as good if not BETTER than name brand. I love Aldi and Price Rite! Also most stores WILL give you a bit of a discount on an item if the package isn't perfect. So long as the product inside is not damaged and it is 'in date' you're fine. It never hurts to swallow your pride and simply ask 'Hey, any chance you could give me a little off these green beans since the can is dented?' The worst they are going to do is say no! LOL
She didn't say one negative thing about people on food stamps. She just pointed out that the stores manipulate the prices around these dates, which makes sense. They aren't stupid, they're going to know when people get their food stamps, that's when they're going to go food shopping and so they're going to take advantage of that. Around here, everyone gets their cards regenerated on the first of the month, so it may be a regional thing and in her state it is probably the same day of the month also.
It sounds as if you eat less meat then some families. Which is good for your health. You can still stock up for a snowpacalyps, just buy one or two of something such as veggies, a couple of cans of meat, tuna, chicken, turkey and gravy, roast beef and gravy. Serve the roast beef or turkey over Texas toast, rice or noodles. God bless you and your family.
Thank you it's good to see that real people do this too. I am spending little to no money on food right but have been stocking up all year. I think I have a year worth of food on hand now minus the fresh things you have to buy. Keep doing what you're doing there are so many people that don't know how to do this at all. I just like to learn new tricks from others if I can
For breakfast we do homemade pancakes ,eggs or oats and we have fruit on the side lunch is usually dinner leftovers or a sandwich and dinner we always have potatoes,beans,rice on the side as a filler we eat healthy for the most part I always make sure half of our plate is fruits and veggies If you have a little bit of money saved you can start a small garden and grow your own things for very cheap as well
It is possible and i am happy she does this... I feed family of 4 with 100 dollars a month... People say its impossible but its not.. Mind you i have 2 boys my husband and myself. I love this video 👍👍👍👍👍💕
I just went to the store yesterday and found whole chickens for under $3 each. I am just starting this new journey of eating everything in our pantry amd freezer before refilling it. we have wasted so much on food that doesn't get eaten. I love this video. God bless.
I have a family of five and we are now limited to a small amount of money a month on food due to me preparing to homeschool our children. Although it isnt a lifestyle im used to , its very humblying and i love how its helped us all to be grateful n ive become an awesome cook ! Better than wen we had alot of food. I really appreciate ur humbleness and ur willingness to share this to help people like me ❤
That's awesome! My family always said that the less money we have, the better I cook. I think it is because I appreciate it more. Glad I could be an encouragement to you. You can do it!
This is amazing!!! We are on our 5th child and I couldn't imagine spending 100 a month but this is definitely inspiring...I've learned that boiled eggs are a wonderful inexpensive thing to keep on hand...boil a couple dozen and you have snacks, egg salad, deviled eggs and a quick breakfast for your family I also believe pretzels are gluten free and you can usually get a decent sized bag for pretty cheap at aldi. Keep up the good work you definitely remind me of a proverbs 31 wife ❤
For our family, we just buy dried rice, beans, lentils, etc. No meat, no dairy, no eggs and our budget is very low. We look up recipes and make them from the internet and eat very well!
My goodness 😂 I'm 22 and I'm grocery shop for myself only and I spend 60+ dollars a week for about 5 days of groceries. On the weekends I eat out so I spend even more. This video is awesome! I didn't even think about how much I was throwing away just on food. You are wonderful! ❤️❤️
Wow! Before I saw this video I thought No Way can any family get by on $100 month for groceries but now that you have laid it all out I see it can be done. This is so inspiring. Thank you so much for this video. You are fabulous!!
You can make your own fruit leather, instead of the high suger version sold in stores, much healthier too. Cook and mash fruit and add honey instead of sugar. Then spread in a thin layer on a baking sheet. Keep on low for several hours. This is a basic recipe. You can find more instructions online. God bless you and your family.
I think you look very well and healthy! People are so used to filling fridges and freezers up, which so much gets wasted. I have a friend who used to say she loved to see an empty fridge! I know what she means. You know everything's been eaten up! We eat so much junk food which might only cost a pound or so ( I'm from the uk) but they soon add up! Love your videos, keeps me motivated! Thank you!
Thank you! I agree. Eating everything is a good thing. Now that we have more storage, I purpose to have low spend months where we HAVE to eat what is in the cabinet that we may have been avoiding.
My sister found a couple of places that are given surplus food from grocery stores. Discontinued, near expiration date, etc. This food is just given away as much as one wants, they are free to take. She calls me every Tuesday and Thursday and lets me know what they have and if I need or want anything. She brings me cases of food, mostly produce but there are other goodies also. AThe following are some of the food items she has brought me. Apples, potatoes, tomatoes, sometimes milk, bread, cukes, watermelon, corn on the cob, cakes, cabbage, potato chips, popcorn, green peppers, red peppers and onions.I place it all on the counter, take what I need and then make care packages for neighbors and friends. Nothing goes to waste, what doesn't get eaten by humans gets fed to the chickens. It helps the entire community save on their food bills. I've often said that my sister needs to write a book on how to survive being poor. Food isn't the only thing she knows where to get free or next to nothing. She has gotten free furniture, appliances, clothes, bedding, you name it and she know where to go to get it.
I am a mother to 4...new to your channel.I definitely appreciate the creativity here...buying food for a family is expensive nowadays.I am definitely trying stretch my money...so thank you for this.
I feed our family of 4 on 80 a month. Lots of rice, pasta, and soups do it. No one needs a ton of meat each meal. If people eat more veggies than meat and drink plenty water they wouldn't be so hungry so often.
Wow. My husband and I spend $250/month on food. I'm vegan he's not. I thought we spent so little money on food. And we do. Living in Sweden. I don't know how much food cost in US. We never buy sodas, chips, candy or anything like that. Your doing a great work.
Wow, I am watching this for the second time. When you said 2016, I had to check the date. I have been watching your channel a long time. I'm glad you are still on TH-cam.
please ignore the hateful comments. im 25 and recently engaged and this was very useful to watch. no kids yet but we both love to eat. my fiance and I spend about 60-80 dollars on groceries and I would like to go lower. im learning to cook and how to make freezer meals. thank you for sharing.
I now see what my problem is. I simply eat too damn much too often. I JUST ate 2 piece of salmon, broccoli and a potatoe. And... Im back in the fridge.
You have got to know, You encouraged my 21 year old fiancee and myself (19) to try this way of budgeting and we have actually saved enough doing this (also using coupons) to make a down payment on our FIRST HOUSE!!!! We have been tight, only because we are renting an apartment and it's soooo expensive. We on average saved over $100 on each check (so about $600 per month) and now we are able to buy our first home and pay mortgage for over 4 months. You are the best, seeing as there are only two of us it's super easy leftovers. Thank you so much!!!
The Fundamental Home thankfully we were both blessed with skilled and well paying jobs due to early college degrees and really late nights of doing school day in and day out. We are really glad that we are able to do this. We started the closing process on our new home yesterday!!
Cooking from scratch will save a ton of money. My budget at it's highest was 100 for a family of 4 back in the 90's. NY. Home made soup, bread, bakery items ( no ready made mixes). Home made dressing, lots of rice, potatoes, and spaghetti. Thin cut chicken breast, meatloaf Fridays, tons of fresh fruit for eating and pies. Soda was very rare, saved us on dental bills. Milk or juices only. Meals were very rustic and filling. Condiments were bought in bulk for the exception of mayo. 250 bucks only spent in October to stock up for the Winter.
Thank you for sharing this video and your positive energy. We usually spend at least $150 on groceries at the beginning of the week and probably another $50 when we add take out and last minute purchases. We have a lot of food waste as well, mainly because of lack of planning. This week money is tight and I need to cut our grocery budget in half. Your video is making me reflect on how how much of my money goes to waste. Thank you.
Marlene Jaime this is definitely how I feel every week. Ive just started the cash envelope system just this last Tuesday and I can already tell the difference in my spending habits. It kills me to see my $ leave those little envelopes. Also, I have started meal planning along with the sale ads in my local shopper. Here's to saving in 2018 good luck!!!
Good for you! It takes a while to get the knack of it, but you can eat very well for comparatively little. It takes work. You have to plan meals and learn to make things from scratch. You also have to be disciplined enough to buy the produce that is in season. Once you have expanded you cooking repertoire, you can be versatile--taking advantage of unexpected bargains and rearranging the meal plans without your head exploding. If you do have a little fund set aside, you can take advantage of super specials on meats that freeze well. I once got boneless, skinless chicken breasts on the final freshness date and spent about $3 for each 5.5 pound family pack. So I bought enough chicken to last for almost a year and put them in the freezer. It actually cost less than buying a couple of large Angus roasts.
Robin Gorbet Something that is always cheap to make is pasta. Homemade pasta is soooo easy to make & so much better and rewarding cause you did it yourself. Flour, egg, salt, water. Let dough sit in fridge for a bit. Roll it out. Cut it. It doesnt have to be perfect. You'll get more bang for your buck then buying boxed. & you'll have flour to make more. You really dont need much. & you can always buy like fresh veggies to make sauce. Healthier and you can get cheap veggies at like a local farmers market or something.
This is great!! I live by myself, but sometimes have my grandchildren. I have had no money whatsoever coming in since 2014. Just $194.00 in stamps. So being Frugal can really help me. I will be checking out your videos. Thank you so much!!. 💛💙💜💚❤
I have no clue how I stumbled upon this video, but this totally makes me embarrassed on my lack of discipline when it comes to spending money in general. You are doing a great job and setting a great example for your kids!! The for sharing!
**Tip** Don't keep bread in the fridge it will go stale.. but if you can't eat it before it goes moldy.. put the entire loaf in the freezer and take out the few slices you need and keep them in a zip lock baggie. =)
That's what we do, we also freeze loaves in half loaf portions, especially if they had a great offer so we picked up the bread for next week too! I also freeze cheese if I find good offers. A friend thought it was gross to freeze cheese, so I asked "so what about frozen pizza and pasta dishes? Is that not cheese?" It sometimes amazes me what folks will declare "weird" or "gross" without thinking. Although this is the same friend who finds it odd that I'll happily spend an entire weekend cooking soups, curry sauces and pasta sauce etc for the freezer. But then we can easily just grab a bag of sauce, choose a meat to add to it and leave in the fridge for dinner tomorrow. Then tomorrow dinner is 80% done! This worked amazingly when I was in hospital for 3 weeks, even my husband agreed that my prepared meals saved his sanity while I was away ;)
Being frugal is commendable. However, if we (the USA) ever run into food shortages in this country, you'll wish you'd stocked up on at least the staples. Things like rice, beans, seasonings, sugar, more canned goods than you have etc. - My best friend said that the Lord impressed upon her to begin storing food abt 2 years ago. It is difficult to buy & spend extra money on food, but just look at what happened in Venezuela, you don't want to be stuck without food. Also I live in Buffalo, NY. You can get snowed in here. Even if u can get out (cuz we've had less snow recently), supermarkets typically only carry 3 days worth of food. If everyone goes to the store at once, (in an emergency) the shelves will quickly go bare.
My family of three. One being a baby who is breastfed , we spent 110$ on food and house hold products last week. I nearly cried. I am only 21 and try desperately to save. This is inspirational
Ashley God bless you I know it's hard I have a family of four and I also breastfeeding my baby and toddler but I know that there is a light at the end of the tunnel
Ashley Bless you. Household products can be expensive. Do you live near a dollar store? If so, buy the bottle of "cleaning vinegar" & use that - but not on marble or granite. You can buy a pack of washcloths there & use as napkins. Newspaper instead of paper towels or a cloth that doesn't leave marks on cleaning mirrors/glass. I made my own laundry soap with less products than what most recipes say & it cleans really well.
You are so adorable. Such a good mom. And your daughter is so cute. You have a young face you can pass for your daughters big sis. Very lovely beautiful family
This is awesome! I'm a college student and a budget $45 a month for groceries. I always have rice, beans, and potatoes so I never use the entire amount, so I treat myself with fast food or ice cream.
Me too I spend about $300 a week on groceries, but we are on the ketogenic diet low carb high fat and protein. It's just expensive to eat healthier. We are fortunate enough to be able to spend that much, but I still like to watch these just in case we weren't some day.
I got at least four meals out of a pre-roasted chicken I got on sale for $3.00. I made the chicken with potatoes and veggies, chicken with gravy for lunch, chicken salad, and I made stock with the carcass which will probably be at least 2 more meals when I make it into soup. We are both disabled on limited incomes so money is tight. Our food budget is around $100 or so.
lilgiggler35 i made biryani (rice with veg and/or meat cooked in it) with leftover roast chicken fried with onion and garlic, some frozen veg and sone leftover potatoes from the roast-lasted 4 days, really tasty with spices out of the cupboard and cheap!
You could easily write a book/cookbook on this. We EAT way too much in today's society and I feel you got this. We don't need any more than 3 to 4 ounces of protein per day (if that). As far as milk, it is full of hormones etc. so you can get alternative choices.
I'm not a pro but one thing I do besides plan is say going to 2 stores this week and I'm going to spend $40 @ each store. It's a mental trick that has worked for a long time.
I am proud of you. It takes a lot of skill to be able to pull this off. I am glad that your family has you. I hope every now and again you buy something nice for yourself. In my last comment I wasn't trying to boast about the amount of money we have to spend. We are trying to be more frugal but it's expensive. You've shown me some tips in this video, so thank you.:)
Hi Amanda! No pomposity here! I think you're working MAGIC with your wonderful attitude and the obvious joy you take in sharing your strategies for feeding a family that includes a handful of hungry kids for two weeks at a stretch! It has driven me crazy how the price of all food across the board seems to have tripled over the past 8 years or so, and still continues to climb every month! Even with a budget of $150.00 a month, I haven't been able to do what you've managed to do with the $100.00 a month for your good-sized family. I have slid into a pattern of buying fresh produce, fruits and veggies year round, and as I just saw yesterday, that's simply ridiculous; Red and Orange Bell Peppers were selling for about $4.69 a pound! That's about one large pepper! Who can afford that, realistically? I intend to follow your lead with purchaseing canned/jarred veggies and fruits instead, and go back to shopping in discount stores for bargains. My fear is only for anything originating in China, after melamine in infant formula killed hundreds of Chinese infants, poisons slaughtered many, many family pets in the USA from Chinese pet foods exported to us, and even the scandal when anti-freeze was being added as a sweetener to toothpaste causing untold poisonings. I just learned that most garlic sold in the US is imported from China (I never would have imagined), and has not only been bleached, but is full of pesticides, so check the sources, girl, to safeguard your sweet family! Last thought, as I apologize for suuuuch a long comment; I grew up dealing with clay soil, and it's such a challenge; what about raised beds for your garden? They can absolutely transform your entire gardening experience! Thank you for your generosity of spirit and taking the time to support and uplift all those struggling to have enough to eat!👍🏼 😊🙏💕
Ive gotten down to 80 a month for groceries here in Ontario Canada. the trick here is to look for meat alternatives like beans, eggs etc. Before I go shopping I go to walmart.ca and fill up an online grocery cart (choose what you want then pick up in store) so I always know how much Im spending before I go to the store.
MoChiGi do you do all your grocery shopping at Walmart or are there other Canadian stores that you know about that might help me get my grocery bill down? I didn't think it could be done in Canada. Thx from Calgary 😀
Honestly, i am truly amazed at how cheap it is to do groceries while still getting good quality products, here i don't cook and i spend more than $300 a month feeding ONLY myself. I am inspired.
In hard times I use meat almost like a condiment & I don't think my family really notices much.. Rice, pasta, potatoes or beans mixed w/ a little bit of meat: chicken legs (Chicken & dumplings/noodles); those little breakfast pork chops (fried rice); kielbasa sausage (sauerkraut,potatoes & sausage/ Jambalaya/ Red Beans & rice w/sausage;; a $7 chuck roast pulled apart into 4 pieces you can use to flavor things (Beef & Noodles, any kind of soup that would use stew meat) , cube steak (cooked for an hour in either stewed tomatoes or cream of mushroom soup.... Ham steaks cut up into white beans or navy beans.... Also, I'm sure we've all figured out that if you buy 4pounds of hamburger meat for $10 on super-sale, any recipe that calls for a lb of ground beef can be made w/ about .75 lbs. w/ no obvious difference... chili, spaghetti w/ meat sauce. goulash, stroganoff.... also, one chicken breast pounded flat and cut into strips will make enough for all kinds of family stir-fries & even fajitas if there are plenty of beans & other fillings...
Yes, yes, yes... preach it. You don't have to go meatless, but if you reduce your meat and bulk up your starches and your vegetables, you're going to save. Also make more meals with eggs.
Do you use the bones from chicken for broth? 9 grams of protein and lots of collagen in bone broth serving. A cup with some salt is a healthy snack. We put the bones from everything into a bag in the freezer. When we have a full one or two bags, we boil them for 24 hours in just enough liquid to cover the bones. Then strain. Really delicious and nutritious
Thank you for your video. Getting serious about saving money is where it all begins. Saving for your financial future is smart. And for those who want to save, it means locating the stores in your area that are the cheapest, and buying on sale. People often buy what they want rather than what saves money, then they don't understand why groceries are so expensive. Certain stores, like Walmart, mark their meats down a lot almost every day because they are going to expire. Family packs of meats saves a ton, and you can freeze most of it. Using rice, potatoes and noodles to stretch meals saves a lot. Making soups that last days is a good idea. Walmart has loaves of bread for $1 all the time. If you have a Save-a-Lot and Aldi store in your area, you can run laughing to the bank! If you are in dire need, and have no money, find out where your local food banks are by Googling "food bank (your city).
That's wonderful that you have the skill and discipline to stay on budget. I think we can all learn and benefit from this, especially considering how much of our salaries go to food. I'll be checking your other videos with my notepad ready to see the wonderful meals you put together. Thank you for sharing.
I buy food when it's on super discount. Like few days ago 45lbs case of whole chicken for $20 and pork chops were 99¢a lb I fill my freezer chest. With those whole chicken I can either make one or two meals out of them depending on the meal. With a whole chicken I can make chicken salad, rice and chicken, Chinese stir fry, and kind of noodles with chicken with different fresh veggies and or flavoring and soups, gravy. If I make white rice and beans and I have leftovers beans they are saved for the next day. The next day its mix in a pot with rice with seasonings and sofrito which is now considered red beans and rice. Same with benefits buy on discount and make all sorts of meals with it. 70%if my meals are homemade. I hardly eat out or buy take out or even TV dinners. Tomato sauce and bread are even homemade. I've been saving a lot of money which has been used to pay off some debts faster.
when I first got married in 1980 we spent 40 dollars every 2 week's and had a lot of food left for the next shopping trip how things change over the yrs. it's amazing
When my husband and I moved in together (2001) my mom gave us $25 to get food because we spent all of his paycheck on the rent/deposit/utilities. It seems like we had a cart full. In just 16 years things have change soooo much :(
I spend about 300 a month on me and my husband and our toddler. I think it is this high because I do it mostly organic and tons of fresh fruits and veggies, but this video has definitely inspired me too try and spend less on groceries per month. I am not willing to give up and fruits or veggies, but can definitely think of ways to save some money. Am hoping to get us to about 250 or less a month. And by the way, for anyone giving you crap about how healthy or unheathy this is... There's nothing more you can do for your children than to provide for their future and it looks like you're giving them an amazing chance by helping them through college. I ate meals like this growing up and am perfectly healthy. Although I don't shop like this 100%, I definitely see that you're doing an amazing job and it's obvious that your children's nutrition needs are being met.
Thank you for your understanding. This video was intended to show what could be done in extreme circumstances. However, if you look at my other grocery hauls, you will see that we do buy fresh fruits and veggies- just not as much as others. But then again, we don't purchase as much as others do of anything. Our children are happy and healthy, and we are contented with our diet.
WOW just today I spent $71.50 and got a VERY few things. I do notice that ALOT of people that shop easy like this usually only use like 1 potato when making meals and stuff. and WOW one leg and thigh for 5 people I use like 1/2 a ten pound bag when I make meal I am REALLY going to cut down ALOT of food and use less and try to hit it to $200 total a month for 3 people (2 adults 1 child) I can easily use up to $400 a month at the grocery store.
A serving size of meat is 3-4 ounces for women and 4-5 ounces for men. Making a meal more filling would be adding more of the cheaper filling items like dried beans, rice, pasta or potatoes.
You need to do some comparison shopping. Find where you can get best deals. Even if it means spreading your shopping around. It's worth it to save money. My go to store is WinCo. If you don't have one then look for good alternative. Also, buy store brand or other cheaper brand. I've found store brand is usually just as good or better than name brand and you save money.
It's only my husband, myself and granddaughter. We spend about $900 a month. I'm so ashamed. I just don't know what to fix anymore. We're in our sixties and I'm just tired of trying to think of things to cook. I've been cooking for 40+years.
Don’t be ashamed. How old is your granddaughter? The fact you are raising her is reason enough to give yourself grace. Perhaps she could help? (my daughter is seven and she can make scrambled eggs and muffins (with help of course), my 5 yr old can wash salad and shell beans☺️). Here on youtube you can find so many ideas for quick and cheap meals, 5 meals in one hour and “dump dinners” in crockpot etc.). All the best to you and your family❤️
What people who have a lot don't understand is that some people have to do the best with what they have. Don't judge. Good luck to you!!
Thank you! I appreciate your support!
some of you mothers on here need to stay quiet, this women is doing THE MOST to feed her family on a budget but all you do is judge instead of understanding. go read her blog and stop being mad!!
I appreciate your support and encouragement
@@TheBealles Unfortunately, I have come to a conclusion that no matter how great your vids may be, some people are bend on negative comments and therefore bloggers need to get used to it. Try not to take it personally.
Shes trying to help us to make it thru these ruff days I for one respect and appreciate what she's doing. PRAY
A lot of commenters said you can’t live off that for 5 people for 2 weeks. I gotta say - you are BLESSED to have that much to eat in 2 weeks! There was a time where my family of 5 (when I was growing up) are a PBJ for breakfast, no lunch (said I forgot my lunch and the school would give me a granola bar if they had some), and another PBJ or some watered down soup for supper. We got a box from the food bank. That’s what we ate. Instead of people being skeptical of you, I wish they would be thankful to the Lord God who made them that they have more to eat than you do. You make really healthy meals and you make the food work and the dollars stretch for your needs. It’s excellent. And it’s a blessing to me to remember my family needing to think even more consciously about money than you have, and that I don’t need to worry about money for food anymore.
Holly Pike I grew up the same as you expect I’m Hispanic and it was tortillas, beans and rice. Sometimes nothing but lunch at school. We were a family of 5.
God's grace gets me through all the time when feeding my kids. I may go without occasionally but my kids stay fed. Thank the Lord for oats. God is good!
Yes! I recommend oats to anyone on a budget because a small amount of oats fills you for a very small price!
I save a ton by not eating meat, dairy, eggs, salt, sugar or oil. We eat greens, beans, rice and potatoes, tons of veg and fruit. Eating this way cured my high blood pressure, psoriasis, and lost 80 pds. Nutritarian lifestyle.
I loved this video. You have a pleasing warm voice.
That's awesome! I am vegan now, and it has made a huge difference. You could check out my more recent grocery hauls if you are interested in seeing the difference :)
My hubby and I recently switched to a plant based diet. We eat deer meat( which he shot) and eat lots of grain and veggies. Both lost weight. And just feel healthier. We don't eat out as much. Dinners are must easier to put together when there is no meat involved
Do you have any meal plan ideas anywhere online? I'm trying very hard to go that way but also very much failing...
Ya and where I live all that fruit and veg is more expensive than meat. We can't all be that lucky. Veganism is fine if you can afford it. But all those carbs screws with me...bad.
I have seven of my nieces and nephews living with us permanently after losing my brother. So with my husband and our two children, yes, that adds up to eleven in our household. We are on a very strict budget even though we both have very good jobs. We go grocery shopping once a month (except for milk and bread) and we have a large chest freezer in our garage. Our budget for once a month is $400. Our milk and bread fund is $22 weekly. I shop the sales and go to Aldi's along with the can-alicious sale at our local chain which takes place twice a year in January and July. We simply cannot spend any more than that. I admire that you stick to your budget. I love your videos. Keep up the excellent advice and God Bless you and your family. We make it work!!
Phenom157 I’m so sorry to hear about your brother. You are a great sister and aunt! God bless your family.💕🙏🏽💕
I spend at least $150 a week on groceries for my husband, my two year old son and myself. I didn't know this could be done! You've inspired me!
It can :) Try cutting back just a little at a time. Go to 140 per week and see how you do. That's 40 extra dollars a month. Who wouldn't want that. Then keep cutting back little by little until you can't get any lower reasonably. :)
what I do is make a list of everything I have in the cabinet and fridge and then make a meal plan around what I have so that nothing sits in the cabinet. Everything gets used. It also kind of forces you to be creative with your meals. Also, when I go to the grocery store, I usually only have to pick up one or two things for each meal because I already had one or two of the sides.
That's exactly what I do.
Time saver - take photos of the food inside your cupboard instead of writing a list.
This is what I'm talking about. I know this video is old, but I have to give you and your husband a standing round of applause for your efforts. You are budgeting food money to meet bigger goals. You are feeding your family healthy nutritious meals. And you are teaching your children how to properly reach targets thru saving and discipline. You and your family are rare in our current culture!!! Inspiring to those that are considering and encouraging to those of us who are following suit. *^_^*
Thank you! I appreciate that!
I live in California and spend $200+ per week on groceries for two people. You are a miracle worker
Linda Rodriguez Really?? I’m in California and spend about 100 a week for two. I don’t shop anywhere special and eat healthy
She mentioned that she doesn't do breakfast and that most of the house is gone for lunch. So it's dinners and the weekend to put it into perspective. Regardless, she is still doing a great job :)
Back in the seventies I was stationed in el paso for a year. I had to budget $50 a month for food for the wife and I. Cheapest meat then was a center cut ham(33cents a pound) and I'd get it sliced into fourteen or so steaks. Next back then hamburger meat. Family packs divided up into two serving sizes. Then dried beans. Whatever money was left was spent on fresh vegetables, potatoes, rice, cereal, canned goods and a few meats like chicken, pork chops. We never ran out of food but toward the end of the month we were down to ham, hamburger, and dried beans for dinner every night. These days I don't eat grains, rice, potatoes, corn or sugar so everything else is my normal diet. I buy fresh vegetables but grow most items my wife and I eat. A small pond provides us with fresh fish and a fruit orchard provides more fruit than we can eat. Chickens provide all the eggs we can eat but it's work and likely more expensive than buying store bought eggs. Rule one, never buy prepared food or processed food. You pay for that service so fix it yourself and save. You'll also avoid all the added chemicals that keep the processed food safe to eat. Don't buy prepared salad mix. Buy a head of lettuce, cabbage, a bag of carrots, radishes and you can make a bushel of salad for the cost of a one pound bag of mix. Oil and vinegar are the cheapest salad dressing and you can season it anyway you want.
Great suggestions!
Excellent advice!
your hubby sure got lucky when he found you.
My husband and I Raised 7 children on a limited budget. In spite if it we made sure our children ate 3 good meals a day. Plenty of eggs, meat, milk, cheese, veggies, fruit, potatoes, rice, beans, peanut butter, whole wheat bread, oatmeal, wheateena, grits, ect.. We understood that feeding our children with their growing bodies plenty of good healthy food was our duty, so we made it a priority. When you have children and a small income, it takes sacrifice. They come first. If we had to depend on social security for retirement then so be it. We chose to bring them into this world and they should not be expected to go with less than is good for them so we can have a more comfortable retirement. We are getting by on S. S. And I wouldn't go back and change it for anything.
On another note: This lady did what she needed to with her TH-cam videos to increase her food budget and I admire her for it.
Thank you so much!
I grew up really poor, but was also taught to be self-sufficient. We never had our hands held out to the government for food stamps, etc. It's just not the way we lived; no hand outs. So, I can appreciate and understand just how you do this. Anyone can do what you are doing. It's just a matter of will and discipline. Keep up the good work!
Thank you! Discipline is very important to me :)
i cant wrap my mind around making a meal of 1 chicken leg quarter for 5 ppl. It's weird but very impressive 👏👏
Thanks! It works!
Me either I eat one by myself.
if you add some lentils, that's plenty of protein.
You just have to add a lot of fillers. So say i have a recipe for this casserole, its pulled chicken, stove top stuffing, a bag of frozen mixed veggies and a can of cream of chicken soup! Its sooo good! U can use as much or as lil chicken u want to or have. My kentucky mother in law used to make it. U can also use canned chicken if u like. Its a warm filling meal that has great flavor. U just put how much ever meat u have in there. Whatever u are blessed with. Take care n God Bless!!😁
Fillers are generally cheap carbs, and I have to avoid carbs.
I do love when people are financially responsible
Mexican meal that is cheap: Don't buy pre-made shells, buy corn tortillas and make them yourself. I personally like soft shell, so I put a few tablespoons of oil in a pan, let it heat , do each tortilla for 5-10 seconds on each side and put on napkin to absorb excess oil.... the corn tortilla is hot, soft, pliable and has a good flavor. Then you can make a mixture of ground beef and potato for the filling. First brown meat, drain, then add finely dice potatoes, drain salt, pepper, onion powder, ect), then simmer it till potatoes are cooked. Also, make spanish rice and refried beans. A little diced lettuce/tomato and a salsa from dollar store. Add additional flavor to it if you find the dollar salsa/sauce too tomatoey-bland. I add a little garlic and onion powder sometimes.
Great suggestions! Thank you!
I loved that you took your daughter! Nothing like teaching real life skills, by doing life together 🤗 way to go Mom! Thanks for this awesome information.
Thanks! I appreciate that :)
I too have a family of 5 and I've been a budget shopper all my life. One reason my husband loves me soo much 😆 My 8 yr old daughter is always learning about saving money and how to spend wisely. thank you for your video. we can't go wrong with potatoes and onions, rice dishes (I'm asian and thats a staple) throughout the month with a budget of 180.00 or less. You have revived something in me and I know I can cut the food budget a little lower. We love Aldis. We're teaching our kids to be content, humble, and thankful for what they have, a lesson that'll follow them into adulthood and showing them that when your saving for some thing, there's sacrifices that must be made in our lifestyle. Showing them that adapting without complaining is building character. This is the first video I seen of yours and I can seeyou have a beautiful spirit inside you that only God gives.
Thank you! We love Asian food, and it is a big reason why we feel comfortable with those staples. Teaching you children character is important in anything you do as a family. Good job, Mama!
Refreshing to see someone that is real, my wife will make enough spaghetti and meatballs for three days, when you plan your meals and make big batches it saves money.
Thank you! I appreciate your kindness and understanding. Your wife sounds like a wise lady
You probably go through your onions quickly. If you ever find they are going bad too quickly switch from a plastic bowl to good old paper bags with some holes punched in them. Much longer storage that way. Taking potatoes out of plastic also helps with storage time.
Thanks for the suggestion! I will give that a try!
Donna M thank you!
Anyone can cut their cost in half if you half to. I make big batches and then freeze to the left overs. Also cut down on sweets.
I went and spent $35 this week, we feed 5 people. I needed to add a few veggies and fruits, I bought a chicken, canned tomatoes and beans. I probably won't shop again until next week to do the same! We are eating down our freezer and pantry, this is something we do around this time of year due to all our expenditures (property tax, vehicle tags, vacations, and Christmas). My regular budget is around $300 per month and I live in GA.
Family of two and I'm struggling! Just bought this house and I know we would be doing so well IF i could budget better! Just spent 150 to stock up the new place a bit. Made some nasty cheap pasta that I would throw out BUT I'm going to eat it ALL because I bought it. Thank you for this video! I will do better
Tell me do you find this true,that is it better to not always buy a item that you don't normally buy and not like it,just to save money?Or because it's on sale.
Beans and rice. Peas and rice. Beans and rice.
Homemade pasta is soooo easy to make & so much better and rewarding cause you did it yourself. Flour, egg, salt, water. Let dough sit in fridge for a bit. Roll it out. Cut it. It doesnt have to be perfect. You'll get more bang for your buck then buying boxed. & homemade sauce even easier.
i actually wish i could budget like this im really bad with food money i spend like $300 a week on food alone and im single
Oh no 🙊
Planting fruits and veggies even herbs in the backyard is always budget friendly.. also, it's organic..
Working on that
We used to grow onlions and garlic on the windows during winters. This is how you get fresh greens)
Yeah, I try it every year. We have a plum tree, two apples, a pear and a nectarine. As soon as the fruit starts swelling we are raised by raccoons, rats, and a feisty squirrel. Fruit too high for them to teach is taken by birds.
The cold soil and fog strictly limit what we can grow. None of the critters like red lettuce, Russian kale, or Swiss chard, so we grow those - oh yes, arugula is also left untouched. We get a small but welcome crop of zucchini, and we eat the male flowers too. We grow potatoes and green onions. We have to buy most of our produce, but we do get a thrill out of our backyard crops.
That's what our fridge looks like right now. The struggle is real! Thank you for the video. Shine bright y'all
You are such a happy and positive woman on a budget, you’re definitely a motivational mom to women like me!
Thank you!
We spend like 700 $ to feed 4 persons. But honestly I don't want to save money on food. I'd rather save it on other stuff. we live in germany and for me it's very important to buy good quality especially if it comes to animal products. What I have to learn is to plan my shopping trip and write down what I want to cook for the week and maybe don't go grocery shopping when I'm hungry 😣
A couple tips for those trying to learn how to budget their food money.
1. Learn how to cook. If you don't have a kitchen (or time) a crockpot can be your best friend.
2. NEVER shop while hungry!
3. Don't go shopping in the few days before and after people get food stamps. I've noticed, around that time the 3 for 5.00 tags go up and people think they are getting a deal. The original price is 1.25 per so you'll end up spending more. Don't be afraid to lift those tags to be sure you are getting a deal.
4. Don't be afraid of the the bottom shelf and non-name brand products. Decades ago I worked for a chicken processing plant and was shocked to find out, the name brand and generic brand is the SAME chicken. They just change the bags!
That's all I can think of off the top of my head. Hope it helps. Good luck!
Thank you for your suggestions!
I have worked retail most of my life and have almost perfected bargain shopping. I will admit I get food stamps for myself and my kids so that forces you to shop on a tight budget. I have found that certain 'off brands' or store brands are just as good if not BETTER than name brand. I love Aldi and Price Rite! Also most stores WILL give you a bit of a discount on an item if the package isn't perfect. So long as the product inside is not damaged and it is 'in date' you're fine. It never hurts to swallow your pride and simply ask 'Hey, any chance you could give me a little off these green beans since the can is dented?' The worst they are going to do is say no! LOL
She didn't say one negative thing about people on food stamps. She just pointed out that the stores manipulate the prices around these dates, which makes sense. They aren't stupid, they're going to know when people get their food stamps, that's when they're going to go food shopping and so they're going to take advantage of that. Around here, everyone gets their cards regenerated on the first of the month, so it may be a regional thing and in her state it is probably the same day of the month also.
It sounds as if you eat less meat then some families. Which is good for your health. You can still stock up for a snowpacalyps, just buy one or two of something such as veggies, a couple of cans of meat, tuna, chicken, turkey and gravy, roast beef and gravy. Serve the roast beef or turkey over Texas toast, rice or noodles. God bless you and your family.
When i lived back east, Aldi was a lifesaver!!!!!! I have a family of 7, my goal is 125 week. It’s tricky but doable..... Your doing a great job!!!
I have been young, and now am old; yet have I not seen the righteous forsaken, nor his seed begging bread. Psalm 37:25
Truth
Thank you it's good to see that real people do this too. I am spending little to no money on food right but have been stocking up all year. I think I have a year worth of food on hand now minus the fresh things you have to buy. Keep doing what you're doing there are so many people that don't know how to do this at all. I just like to learn new tricks from others if I can
With all the craziness in the world watching this video is a really nice change
Thank you!
This is wonderful and you know what it definitely prevents obesity and overeating. I will definitely try this budgeting $100 or less a month.
For breakfast we do homemade pancakes ,eggs or oats and we have fruit on the side lunch is usually dinner leftovers or a sandwich and dinner we always have potatoes,beans,rice on the side as a filler we eat healthy for the most part I always make sure half of our plate is fruits and veggies If you have a little bit of money saved you can start a small garden and grow your own things for very cheap as well
You are doing a great job!
we used to do about 200 for 8 people plus a baby. Diapers, wipes, laundry soap, etc. all included in that budget. It was hard, but we made it work
You can make it if you try :)
Brieann Ziehme wow that's real good.
It is possible and i am happy she does this... I feed family of 4 with 100 dollars a month... People say its impossible but its not.. Mind you i have 2 boys my husband and myself. I love this video 👍👍👍👍👍💕
I just went to the store yesterday and found whole chickens for under $3 each. I am just starting this new journey of eating everything in our pantry amd freezer before refilling it. we have wasted so much on food that doesn't get eaten. I love this video. God bless.
That's wonderful! Good luck on your journey! You can do this!
I have a family of five and we are now limited to a small amount of money a month on food due to me preparing to homeschool our children. Although it isnt a lifestyle im used to , its very humblying and i love how its helped us all to be grateful n ive become an awesome cook ! Better than wen we had alot of food. I really appreciate ur humbleness and ur willingness to share this to help people like me ❤
That's awesome! My family always said that the less money we have, the better I cook. I think it is because I appreciate it more. Glad I could be an encouragement to you. You can do it!
The Fundamental Home yes!! Allows us to be more creative thank u!!!
This is amazing!!! We are on our 5th child and I couldn't imagine spending 100 a month but this is definitely inspiring...I've learned that boiled eggs are a wonderful inexpensive thing to keep on hand...boil a couple dozen and you have snacks, egg salad, deviled eggs and a quick breakfast for your family I also believe pretzels are gluten free and you can usually get a decent sized bag for pretty cheap at aldi. Keep up the good work you definitely remind me of a proverbs 31 wife ❤
Amanda Moore
I have five children and my ex and I would cook boiled eggs with Spanish rice and beans..Cheap and good..
is there a aldi in the us?
Amanda Moore I was thinking the same thing. Ashe does remind me of the Proverbs 31 woman
Aldis are in several states. I live in Florida, and they are all over this area. You can save so much there, you will be amazed. Good food, too.
toby baconator yes lots of em too.
You are doing good for a family of 5. I am by myself and spending more than that
Thank you!
Me too, just me and I spend a lot more than that :-(
For our family, we just buy dried rice, beans, lentils, etc. No meat, no dairy, no eggs and our budget is very low. We look up recipes and make them from the internet and eat very well!
dhkrescue that is awesome!! I wish I could do that it seems very hard
Now that I am vegan, I am spending a bit more, but we are doing well
@@TheBealles.. may I ask what inspired you to become a vegan eater??
Me too! And so healthy. People on here have been brainwashed that eggs and dairy and meat are healthy.
My goodness 😂 I'm 22 and I'm grocery shop for myself only and I spend 60+ dollars a week for about 5 days of groceries. On the weekends I eat out so I spend even more. This video is awesome! I didn't even think about how much I was throwing away just on food. You are wonderful! ❤️❤️
Thanks so much! I am glad we could encourage you :)
Wow! Before I saw this video I thought No Way can any family get by on $100 month for groceries but now that you have laid it all out I see it can be done. This is so inspiring. Thank you so much for this video. You are fabulous!!
Thank you! Check out the food diaries to see how we eat on a daily basis :)
I’m about to be a women living on my own. Being told by everyone in my family I CAN’T DO IT. So videos like these are really helpful, Thank You🌺
You can do this. You just need to get organized!
God bless you!
You got this ! Late but how you doing?
You can make your own fruit leather, instead of the high suger version sold in stores, much healthier too. Cook and mash fruit and add honey instead of sugar. Then spread in a thin layer on a baking sheet. Keep on low for several hours. This is a basic recipe. You can find more instructions online. God bless you and your family.
Honestly your fridge looks much better than mine did growing up. Mom did the bet she could but seemed to always be hungry... Good for you
We do pretty well. No one is going hungry here
I think you look very well and healthy! People are so used to filling fridges and freezers up, which so much gets wasted. I have a friend who used to say she loved to see an empty fridge! I know what she means. You know everything's been eaten up! We eat so much junk food which might only cost a pound or so ( I'm from the uk) but they soon add up! Love your videos, keeps me motivated! Thank you!
Thank you! I agree. Eating everything is a good thing. Now that we have more storage, I purpose to have low spend months where we HAVE to eat what is in the cabinet that we may have been avoiding.
My sister found a couple of places that are given surplus food from grocery stores. Discontinued, near expiration date, etc. This food is just given away as much as one wants, they are free to take. She calls me every Tuesday and Thursday and lets me know what they have and if I need or want anything. She brings me cases of food, mostly produce but there are other goodies also. AThe following are some of the food items she has brought me. Apples, potatoes, tomatoes, sometimes milk, bread, cukes, watermelon, corn on the cob, cakes, cabbage, potato chips, popcorn, green peppers, red peppers and onions.I place it all on the counter, take what I need and then make care packages for neighbors and friends. Nothing goes to waste, what doesn't get eaten by humans gets fed to the chickens. It helps the entire community save on their food bills. I've often said that my sister needs to write a book on how to survive being poor. Food isn't the only thing she knows where to get free or next to nothing. She has gotten free furniture, appliances, clothes, bedding, you name it and she know where to go to get it.
Wow! That's great! It helps so many people!
I am a mother to 4...new to your channel.I definitely appreciate the creativity here...buying food for a family is expensive nowadays.I am definitely trying stretch my money...so thank you for this.
Thank you! I hope it is a help to you!
I feed our family of 4 on 80 a month. Lots of rice, pasta, and soups do it. No one needs a ton of meat each meal. If people eat more veggies than meat and drink plenty water they wouldn't be so hungry so often.
veggies can be expensive
My family like meat
especially non gmo veggies
Pasta and rice turn to sugar in your body. Meat is pure protein and that keeps you fuller longer than pasta and rice do.
Buy frozen veggies.
Wow. My husband and I spend $250/month on food.
I'm vegan he's not.
I thought we spent so little money on food. And we do.
Living in Sweden. I don't know how much food cost in US.
We never buy sodas, chips, candy or anything like that.
Your doing a great work.
Wow, I am watching this for the second time. When you said 2016, I had to check the date. I have been watching your channel a long time. I'm glad you are still on TH-cam.
please ignore the hateful comments. im 25 and recently engaged and this was very useful to watch. no kids yet but we both love to eat. my fiance and I spend about 60-80 dollars on groceries and I would like to go lower. im learning to cook and how to make freezer meals. thank you for sharing.
Thank you! I appreciate your kindness and support!
I now see what my problem is. I simply eat too damn much too often.
I JUST ate 2 piece of salmon, broccoli and a potatoe. And... Im back in the fridge.
Hahaha!! It's hard to balance
The Fundamental Home Thanks for sharing your tips!
You have got to know, You encouraged my 21 year old fiancee and myself (19) to try this way of budgeting and we have actually saved enough doing this (also using coupons) to make a down payment on our FIRST HOUSE!!!! We have been tight, only because we are renting an apartment and it's soooo expensive. We on average saved over $100 on each check (so about $600 per month) and now we are able to buy our first home and pay mortgage for over 4 months. You are the best, seeing as there are only two of us it's super easy leftovers. Thank you so much!!!
YAY!!! So proud of you!! You did the work, and at your age especially, that is amazing!
You're only 19 and doing better than a lot of adults. Your savings is awesome!
The Fundamental Home thankfully we were both blessed with skilled and well paying jobs due to early college degrees and really late nights of doing school day in and day out. We are really glad that we are able to do this. We started the closing process on our new home yesterday!!
Awesome! My 19 year old just finished his Bachelor's. He is saving for a house as an investment property.
Cooking from scratch will save a ton of money. My budget at it's highest was 100 for a family of 4 back in the 90's. NY.
Home made soup, bread, bakery items ( no ready made mixes). Home made dressing, lots of rice, potatoes, and spaghetti. Thin cut chicken breast, meatloaf Fridays, tons of fresh fruit for eating and pies. Soda was very rare, saved us on dental bills. Milk or juices only. Meals were very rustic and filling. Condiments were bought in bulk for the exception of mayo. 250 bucks only spent in October to stock up for the Winter.
That's what is all about. SMART PLANING. AND SHOPPING.
Thank you for sharing this video and your positive energy. We usually spend at least $150 on groceries at the beginning of the week and probably another $50 when we add take out and last minute purchases. We have a lot of food waste as well, mainly because of lack of planning. This week money is tight and I need to cut our grocery budget in half. Your video is making me reflect on how how much of my money goes to waste. Thank you.
Marlene Jaime this is definitely how I feel every week. Ive just started the cash envelope system just this last Tuesday and I can already tell the difference in my spending habits. It kills me to see my $ leave those little envelopes. Also, I have started meal planning along with the sale ads in my local shopper. Here's to saving in 2018 good luck!!!
pretty impressive, I try to stick at 100 a week for family of 3!
Good for you! It takes a while to get the knack of it, but you can eat very well for comparatively little. It takes work. You have to plan meals and learn to make things from scratch. You also have to be disciplined enough to buy the produce that is in season. Once you have expanded you cooking repertoire, you can be versatile--taking advantage of unexpected bargains and rearranging the meal plans without your head exploding. If you do have a little fund set aside, you can take advantage of super specials on meats that freeze well. I once got boneless, skinless chicken breasts on the final freshness date and spent about $3 for each 5.5 pound family pack. So I bought enough chicken to last for almost a year and put them in the freezer. It actually cost less than buying a couple of large Angus roasts.
Exactly! Thanks for sharing!
I need help on this we have no money for food sometimes we get 25 to 50.00 for a mo how do I get the coupons how do I start doing this .
Robin Gorbet Something that is always cheap to make is pasta. Homemade pasta is soooo easy to make & so much better and rewarding cause you did it yourself. Flour, egg, salt, water. Let dough sit in fridge for a bit. Roll it out. Cut it. It doesnt have to be perfect. You'll get more bang for your buck then buying boxed. & you'll have flour to make more. You really dont need much. & you can always buy like fresh veggies to make sauce. Healthier and you can get cheap veggies at like a local farmers market or something.
This is great!! I live by myself, but sometimes have my grandchildren. I have had no money whatsoever coming in since 2014. Just $194.00 in stamps. So being Frugal can really help me. I will be checking out your videos. Thank you so much!!. 💛💙💜💚❤
I spend about $150 a week for a family of 4. 😩
I am trying to reduce our food budget, but have not gotten anywhere near $50,00 every two weeks! You are my hero God bless!
I have no clue how I stumbled upon this video, but this totally makes me embarrassed on my lack of discipline when it comes to spending money in general. You are doing a great job and setting a great example for your kids!! The for sharing!
Thank you! I appreciate your kind words.
Who is giving this a thumbs down? I think she is doing a great job here.
Thank you!
The Fundamental Home I have to take notes
**Tip**
Don't keep bread in the fridge it will go stale.. but if you can't eat it before it goes moldy.. put the entire loaf in the freezer and take out the few slices you need and keep them in a zip lock baggie. =)
Thanks for the tip!
That's what we do, we also freeze loaves in half loaf portions, especially if they had a great offer so we picked up the bread for next week too! I also freeze cheese if I find good offers. A friend thought it was gross to freeze cheese, so I asked "so what about frozen pizza and pasta dishes? Is that not cheese?" It sometimes amazes me what folks will declare "weird" or "gross" without thinking. Although this is the same friend who finds it odd that I'll happily spend an entire weekend cooking soups, curry sauces and pasta sauce etc for the freezer. But then we can easily just grab a bag of sauce, choose a meat to add to it and leave in the fridge for dinner tomorrow. Then tomorrow dinner is 80% done! This worked amazingly when I was in hospital for 3 weeks, even my husband agreed that my prepared meals saved his sanity while I was away ;)
Sebrina Lee Biscardi great tip
Being frugal is commendable. However, if we (the USA) ever run into food shortages in this country, you'll wish you'd stocked up on at least the staples. Things like rice, beans, seasonings, sugar, more canned goods than you have etc. - My best friend said that the Lord impressed upon her to begin storing food abt 2 years ago. It is difficult to buy & spend extra money on food, but just look at what happened in Venezuela, you don't want to be stuck without food. Also I live in Buffalo, NY. You can get snowed in here. Even if u can get out (cuz we've had less snow recently), supermarkets typically only carry 3 days worth of food. If everyone goes to the store at once, (in an emergency) the shelves will quickly go bare.
Food is the one thing I never mind spending money on it's a necessity....
I wouldn't mind either, if I have it
it's not such a necessity as most think. people over indulge. we can eat much less than people think to survive and be healthy.
@@CiaramarieCeCeStarChild20 Eating healthy is medicine as Hippocrates stated "Let food be thy medicine and let medicine be thy food." 400 BC.
I didn't discover your channel until 2017 I believe so I'm happy that things have changed for the better for your family! Nothing but respect for you.
Thank you so much!
My family of three. One being a baby who is breastfed , we spent 110$ on food and house hold products last week. I nearly cried. I am only 21 and try desperately to save. This is inspirational
I am glad to encourage you. You should definitely join our Frugal Family Food Facebook group. You can get lots of help there :)
Ashley God bless you I know it's hard I have a family of four and I also breastfeeding my baby and toddler but I know that there is a light at the end of the tunnel
Ashley Bless you. Household products can be expensive. Do you live near a dollar store? If so, buy the bottle of "cleaning vinegar" & use that - but not on marble or granite. You can buy a pack of washcloths there & use as napkins. Newspaper instead of paper towels or a cloth that doesn't leave marks on cleaning mirrors/glass. I made my own laundry soap with less products than what most recipes say & it cleans really well.
makes me realize how wasteful i am
You are so adorable. Such a good mom. And your daughter is so cute. You have a young face you can pass for your daughters big sis. Very lovely beautiful family
Good job mom!! You're making it work and also showing your kids the value of a dollar!!
Thanks!
This is awesome! I'm a college student and a budget $45 a month for groceries. I always have rice, beans, and potatoes so I never use the entire amount, so I treat myself with fast food or ice cream.
:) Treats are necessary for the soul. Check out my other videos. Maybe you can get some ideas and expand that budget.
Liyah Yisrael 45$?👀
Si, es posible. I go to a few bible studies during the week as well, so I'm able to get 2-3 free home cooked meals each week (plus leftovers! :D)
I think this is important to think about sometimes I spend so much at grocery store and dont even look at the prices then I struggle latter.
Me too I spend about $300 a week on groceries, but we are on the ketogenic diet low carb high fat and protein. It's just expensive to eat healthier. We are fortunate enough to be able to spend that much, but I still like to watch these just in case we weren't some day.
I have a family of 5 and I'm so super excited if I spend less than $1000 a month. To my defense all the kids are teens and eat like crazy!
What about fruits, like apples and oranges for the kids snacks?
I got at least four meals out of a pre-roasted chicken I got on sale for $3.00. I made the chicken with potatoes and veggies, chicken with gravy for lunch, chicken salad, and I made stock with the carcass which will probably be at least 2 more meals when I make it into soup. We are both disabled on limited incomes so money is tight. Our food budget is around $100 or so.
Awesome! A chicken is great to stretch!
lilgiggler35 i made biryani (rice with veg and/or meat cooked in it) with leftover roast chicken fried with onion and garlic, some frozen veg and sone leftover potatoes from the roast-lasted 4 days, really tasty with spices out of the cupboard and cheap!
You could easily write a book/cookbook on this. We EAT way too much in today's society and I feel you got this. We don't need any more than 3 to 4 ounces of protein per day (if that). As far as milk, it is full of hormones etc. so you can get alternative choices.
Thanks! I hope to do that some day
I'm not a pro but one thing I do besides plan is say going to 2 stores this week and I'm going to spend $40 @ each store. It's a mental trick that has worked for a long time.
That's a good plan :)
Lauren Wallace I do that, too! But my limit is $50
I am proud of you. It takes a lot of skill to be able to pull this off. I am glad that your family has you. I hope every now and again you buy something nice for yourself. In my last comment I wasn't trying to boast about the amount of money we have to spend. We are trying to be more frugal but it's expensive. You've shown me some tips in this video, so thank you.:)
I appreciate your kind words. We are doing very well, and we all occasionally get treats as the budget allows.
Hi Amanda!
No pomposity here! I think you're working MAGIC with your wonderful attitude and the obvious joy you take in sharing your strategies for feeding a family that includes a handful of hungry kids for two weeks at a stretch!
It has driven me crazy how the price of all food across the board seems to have tripled over the past 8 years or so, and still continues to climb every month! Even with a budget of $150.00 a month, I haven't been able to do what you've managed to do with the $100.00 a month for your good-sized family. I have slid into a pattern of buying fresh produce, fruits and veggies year round, and as I just saw yesterday, that's simply ridiculous; Red and Orange Bell Peppers were selling for about $4.69 a pound! That's about one large pepper! Who can afford that, realistically? I intend to follow your lead with purchaseing canned/jarred veggies and fruits instead, and go back to shopping in discount stores for bargains. My fear is only for anything originating in China, after melamine in infant formula killed hundreds of Chinese infants, poisons slaughtered many, many family pets in the USA from Chinese pet foods exported to us, and even the scandal when anti-freeze was being added as a sweetener to toothpaste causing untold poisonings. I just learned that most garlic sold in the US is imported from China (I never would have imagined), and has not only been bleached, but is full of pesticides, so check the sources, girl, to safeguard your sweet family! Last thought, as I apologize for suuuuch a long comment; I grew up dealing with clay soil, and it's such a challenge; what about raised beds for your garden? They can absolutely transform your entire gardening experience! Thank you for your generosity of spirit and taking the time to support and uplift all those struggling to have enough to eat!👍🏼
😊🙏💕
she seems like such a nice person
Thank you!
Ive gotten down to 80 a month for groceries here in Ontario Canada. the trick here is to look for meat alternatives like beans, eggs etc. Before I go shopping I go to walmart.ca and fill up an online grocery cart (choose what you want then pick up in store) so I always know how much Im spending before I go to the store.
That's a great idea. Plus, it saves you from getting distracted while walking down aisles ;)
MoChiGi do you do all your grocery shopping at Walmart or are there other Canadian stores that you know about that might help me get my grocery bill down? I didn't think it could be done in Canada. Thx from Calgary 😀
Honestly, i am truly amazed at how cheap it is to do groceries while still getting good quality products, here i don't cook and i spend more than $300 a month feeding ONLY myself. I am inspired.
In hard times I use meat almost like a condiment & I don't think my family really notices much.. Rice, pasta, potatoes or beans mixed w/ a little bit of meat: chicken legs (Chicken & dumplings/noodles); those little breakfast pork chops (fried rice); kielbasa sausage (sauerkraut,potatoes & sausage/ Jambalaya/ Red Beans & rice w/sausage;; a $7 chuck roast pulled apart into 4 pieces you can use to flavor things (Beef & Noodles, any kind of soup that would use stew meat) , cube steak (cooked for an hour in either stewed tomatoes or cream of mushroom soup.... Ham steaks cut up into white beans or navy beans....
Also, I'm sure we've all figured out that if you buy 4pounds of hamburger meat for $10 on super-sale, any recipe that calls for a lb of ground beef can be made w/ about .75 lbs. w/ no obvious difference... chili, spaghetti w/ meat sauce. goulash, stroganoff....
also, one chicken breast pounded flat and cut into strips will make enough for all kinds of family stir-fries & even fajitas if there are plenty of beans & other fillings...
Thanks for sharing!
Yes, yes, yes... preach it. You don't have to go meatless, but if you reduce your meat and bulk up your starches and your vegetables, you're going to save. Also make more meals with eggs.
Wow I wish I could be this humble!
Where is the fresh fruit and vegetables
I get asked that so much that I made a video response. You can check it out here- th-cam.com/video/KY163o43USo/w-d-xo.html
No one can afford that
Do you use the bones from chicken for broth? 9 grams of protein and lots of collagen in bone broth serving. A cup with some salt is a healthy snack. We put the bones from everything into a bag in the freezer. When we have a full one or two bags, we boil them for 24 hours in just enough liquid to cover the bones. Then strain. Really delicious and nutritious
Holly Pike good tip, thanks!
Thank you for your video. Getting serious about saving money is where it all begins. Saving for your financial future is smart. And for those who want to save, it means locating the stores in your area that are the cheapest, and buying on sale. People often buy what they want rather than what saves money, then they don't understand why groceries are so expensive. Certain stores, like Walmart, mark their meats down a lot almost every day because they are going to expire. Family packs of meats saves a ton, and you can freeze most of it. Using rice, potatoes and noodles to stretch meals saves a lot. Making soups that last days is a good idea. Walmart has loaves of bread for $1 all the time. If you have a Save-a-Lot and Aldi store in your area, you can run laughing to the bank! If you are in dire need, and have no money, find out where your local food banks are by Googling "food bank (your city).
So true! We do very well with our budget. :) I appreciate you sharing your tips!
That's wonderful that you have the skill and discipline to stay on budget. I think we can all learn and benefit from this, especially considering how much of our salaries go to food. I'll be checking your other videos with my notepad ready to see the wonderful meals you put together. Thank you for sharing.
Thanks! I appreciate your support!
I buy food when it's on super discount. Like few days ago 45lbs case of whole chicken for $20 and pork chops were 99¢a lb I fill my freezer chest. With those whole chicken I can either make one or two meals out of them depending on the meal. With a whole chicken I can make chicken salad, rice and chicken, Chinese stir fry, and kind of noodles with chicken with different fresh veggies and or flavoring and soups, gravy. If I make white rice and beans and I have leftovers beans they are saved for the next day. The next day its mix in a pot with rice with seasonings and sofrito which is now considered red beans and rice. Same with benefits buy on discount and make all sorts of meals with it. 70%if my meals are homemade. I hardly eat out or buy take out or even TV dinners. Tomato sauce and bread are even homemade. I've been saving a lot of money which has been used to pay off some debts faster.
I just got a freezer and I am super excited to fill it!
when I first got married in 1980 we spent 40 dollars every 2 week's and had a lot of food left for the next shopping trip how things change over the yrs. it's amazing
Truth!
When my husband and I moved in together (2001) my mom gave us $25 to get food because we spent all of his paycheck on the rent/deposit/utilities. It seems like we had a cart full. In just 16 years things have change soooo much :(
I spend about 300 a month on me and my husband and our toddler. I think it is this high because I do it mostly organic and tons of fresh fruits and veggies, but this video has definitely inspired me too try and spend less on groceries per month. I am not willing to give up and fruits or veggies, but can definitely think of ways to save some money. Am hoping to get us to about 250 or less a month. And by the way, for anyone giving you crap about how healthy or unheathy this is... There's nothing more you can do for your children than to provide for their future and it looks like you're giving them an amazing chance by helping them through college. I ate meals like this growing up and am perfectly healthy. Although I don't shop like this 100%, I definitely see that you're doing an amazing job and it's obvious that your children's nutrition needs are being met.
Thank you for your understanding. This video was intended to show what could be done in extreme circumstances. However, if you look at my other grocery hauls, you will see that we do buy fresh fruits and veggies- just not as much as others. But then again, we don't purchase as much as others do of anything. Our children are happy and healthy, and we are contented with our diet.
Love your spirit and attitude! You guy's are being good stewards of what the Lord has given you!
Thank you!
WOW just today I spent $71.50 and got a VERY few things. I do notice that ALOT of people that shop easy like this usually only use like 1 potato when making meals and stuff. and WOW one leg and thigh for 5 people I use like 1/2 a ten pound bag when I make meal I am REALLY going to cut down ALOT of food and use less and try to hit it to $200 total a month for 3 people (2 adults 1 child) I can easily use up to $400 a month at the grocery store.
Idk how one leg quarter can make a meal for 2 people let alone 5 people!
A serving size of meat is 3-4 ounces for women and 4-5 ounces for men. Making a meal more filling would be adding more of the cheaper filling items like dried beans, rice, pasta or potatoes.
@@Rhonda858 soup
You need to do some comparison shopping. Find where you can get best deals. Even if it means spreading your shopping around. It's worth it to save money. My go to store is WinCo. If you don't have one then look for good alternative. Also, buy store brand or other cheaper brand. I've found store brand is usually just as good or better than name brand and you save money.
It's only my husband, myself and granddaughter. We spend about $900 a month. I'm so ashamed. I just don't know what to fix anymore. We're in our sixties and I'm just tired of trying to think of things to cook. I've been cooking for 40+years.
I totally understand. It is a hard job. Don't beat yourself up
That about 200 dollars per person . 600 hundred a month . We go to cheap store for food .It depends on if you all are big eaters.
Don’t be ashamed. How old is your granddaughter? The fact you are raising her is reason enough to give yourself grace. Perhaps she could help? (my daughter is seven and she can make scrambled eggs and muffins (with help of course), my 5 yr old can wash salad and shell beans☺️). Here on youtube you can find so many ideas for quick and cheap meals, 5 meals in one hour and “dump dinners” in crockpot etc.). All the best to you and your family❤️
Our monthly budget is$300 for a family of 11,just for food.It gets exhausting trying to cook on any budget.
grateful1929 perhaps look into batch cooking, then you only have to face it a few times a month