Saving $5000 by Jan 15 2011

[Homebody]

Don't say things like that.

Really that was totally uncalled for.

Ivany89; Go cash only!

[jpg7n16]

You are very lucky to be able to save that much. I can't afford it. Is there anyway you guys can give me a tip to stop handing over the plastic?

Cut up the cards (use scissors).

It's very hard to run the plastic through the machines when it's in a bunch of tiny little pieces.

[nick__45]

Just checked my account, the balance is actually a little over $5000 more today than it was on Oct 15. However, there is a $1250 auto-deduction tomorrow to pay CC and mortgage notes/bills. I only count my SA as a anchor of financial saving, everything else is cash flow or retirement that matter little now and won't be touchable until retirement.

[ThePennyHoarder]

I'm crossing my fingers for you. I've always liked the concept of "No-Spend Days." My partner and I try to do that once or twice a week where we see if we can go the whole day without spending any money. It takes a bit of planning and creativity, but it helps...

[MaxPowers]

I enjoy the challenge of finding cheap good meals. I am single, so it is easy.
Currently for breakfast I eat eggo waffles, toaster strudels, or cereal. Most of the time, I don't eat breakfast. So the cost of my breakfast when I eat it is less than 50c.
Lunch is either skipped or some kind of canned soup or healthy choice meal. $1-$2.50
Dinner has been the healthy choice meals or something similar. They are only $2.50, are delicious, and the portions are just right. I used to eat skillet meals, or some of these other 2-3 portion meals. They were not only more expensive, but I found I was eating the whole thing, which isn't good.
So I spend like $6 on food a day. I try to keep the eating out, or getting takeout to once a week so I don't blow my budget.

[Mr Nice Guy]

I enjoy the challenge of finding cheap good meals. I am single, so it is easy.
Currently for breakfast I eat eggo waffles, toaster strudels, or cereal. Most of the time, I don't eat breakfast. So the cost of my breakfast when I eat it is less than 50c.
Lunch is either skipped or some kind of canned soup or healthy choice meal. $1-$2.50
Dinner has been the healthy choice meals or something similar. They are only $2.50, are delicious, and the portions are just right. I used to eat skillet meals, or some of these other 2-3 portion meals. They were not only more expensive, but I found I was eating the whole thing, which isn't good.
So I spend like $6 on food a day. I try to keep the eating out, or getting takeout to once a week so I don't blow my budget.

I would disagree with your definition of "good." The foods you listed sound like a bunch of frozen goods. You should spend a little more, and buy produce and prepare fresh entrees and soups. Your body deserves the best!

If you are like me (single bachelor who doesn't know how to cook a lot,) one thing I have found that helps give me ideas is go to your deli at the grocery store, find a dish that looks good and try to imitate it. If you have questions, ask the chef on duty how he/she made it and what ingredients to pick up.

[snafu]

The foods you mention are full of chemicals, refined sugar and sodium [salt], not at all healthy. the real food is around the perimeter of the store. It's incredibly easy to bake a potato, open a bagged salad, and cut up rotisserie chicken from the deli section. Heat your fav veggies and a handful of fresh, bagged, mini carrots are a good. cheap, snack. Eat a toasted tomato sandwich for breakfast, it's ok to have non traditional meals so long as there is protein, carbohydrates, and fibre.