Started tracking annual expenses... Oh boy.

[mrpaseo]

snafu, first of all, AWESOME post, got me thinking. Let me answer all your questions.

Interesting project. Now that you've identified eating out as being more costly than budgeted and not planned, what action will you and other family members take to stop the leakage?

A: The way we tracked this we were able to identify where most of the money was being spent. My wife eats out for lunch almost every day, and a lot of the time I ask her to bring something home for supper on her way home (She works around all the restaurants).

Will family get onboard with the plan?

A: My wife and Daughter are on board.

Will you set a criteria for eating out like Birthdays, Anniversary, Valentine's Day, new career, out-of-town visitors, Father's Day, Mother's day etc?

A: WE have determined that once a week is not excessive, this is our goal.

Do you have a menu plan?

A: Never have but I like the idea with your suggestions below.

It helps to know what will be served and let rote take over when you return from a busy day.

A: Plus, whomever is home first can start the meal. I like it.

What responsibility will you accept?

A: I'm the conductor on this train, thankfully the family is on board. I have taken on more responsibility to buy the groceries and prepare a few meals.


[QUOTE=snafu;316434]Perhaps prep Sunday's meal or make a Pasta entree every Monday?
A: I like this, we need to come up with a plan.

Clear the fridge, leftover dinner each Wednesday?

A: I like this too.

Grocery shop big box store?

A: I also started doing this, I even went so far as to install shelving into a closet to store the bulk items.

Freezer content inventory?

A: Never done...lol. Though we do not keep a lot in the freezer (Probably part of our problem).

Can children prepare one meal per week? Teaches team work, responsibility and 'how to' as preparation for when they go to college.

A: She will cook when asked to, I'll focus on this more over the next few months.

Good luck with the project, I know you more than most, have the determination to carry it through for the year.

A: Thank you