My Monthy Budget questions

[disneysteve]

Re: My Monthy Budget questions

I do shop with coupons and sales

Keep in mind that coupons are issued for nationally advertised brands, which are already a lot more expensive than store brands. Many times, even after the coupon discount, the items are still more expensive.

If the name brand item isn't cheaper than the store brand, with or without a coupon, go for the store brand. But don't hesitate to buy the national brand when a really good offer comes along.

Also, watch for good sales on non-perishable items and use the opportunity to stock up.

[sarah]

Re: My Monthy Budget questions

Have you considered a portable washing machine that sits on a table or countertop and hooks up to the sink. Shopko sells them for about 199.00. I used a portable dishwasher like this when I lived in an apartment. It worked fine.

[tabbycat31]

Re: My Monthy Budget questions

I was certified as a babysitter at the age of 13 when I took the Red Cross course on it. I do think that she was taking advantage of you....

However keep this in mind. Many people who babysit (and daycare centers, etc) have deadlines for picking up children, or they charge extra. You probably were taken advantage of in that situation. I'd find someone else who is a little more respectful of you. Another consideration is to provide care on weekend evenings so that the parents could have a date night. Many people will trust an adult to watch thier children more than a teenager.

[project15]

Re: My Monthy Budget questions

Iwas wondering if there wasn't some way I could cut down on the food budget. Does anyone else think it's on the high side. All the non-food items are included with this total. I have two small children, one is so close to being out of diapers (I only put them on at night any more) and one is still very much in diapers. The younger one has transitioned to solid foods now, so that helps some. I AM on WIC now, but am still having to buy at least one can of formula a month and at least a gallon of milk and extra cheese, too. I don't want to try to just start my little one on regular milk too early because my older one had such a problem with it. He wasn't able to start drinking it till he was about 16 mo. old.
At any rate, I do shop with coupons and sales and only buy what's on the list for the majority, but I only seem to be saving about a third of my food bill doing this. I know people that save more though, but don't know how to get mine any lower than it already is.

I don't really think your grocery bill is that high. I've budgeted $350 a month for groceries for just me and my wife in Chicago, we usually only spend around $320. I'd say that in New York, for a family of four, $280 isn't that bad.