A different sort of challege.

[biogeek]

Re: A different sort of challege.

Yeah, the episode was really good and I don't even care for Oprah, but this particular show was fantastic! On the show, she had three couples that took the challenge to change their financial situation around. Each received a financial advisor who helped them sort things out & came up with a game plan. Two of the three made vast improvements. The third ended up further in debt even though they made more money during that year!!

If you're motivated to work up a plan and stick to it, you'll eventually reach your goal! It's a lot like being on a new WOE, eh?

On the 20/20 show, they had a couple that had 7 people in their household. If I remember correctly, their food budget was $250/month, and that also included stuff like paper towels, TP, and other non-food items. How on earth?!?? They had their own website, too. I'll see if I can find it. They're known as the "cheapest family in America" or something along those lines.

[boonie stomper]

Re: A different sort of challege.

Was that $250 per month, each?There's no WAY that could feed & supply a family of 7, short of they were Fregans!

[biogeek]

Re: A different sort of challege.

You're right, it was $350 a month...but still! Here's a link about them!

http://abcnews.go.com/GMA/AmericanFa...C-RSSFeeds0312

Obviously, they are on the extreme when it comes to saving! I like going to the grocery store once a week, not once a month!

[Miss Phode]

Re: A different sort of challege.

Here's what I want to know. How do you find produce that will last a month? Can you freeze Vidalia onions?

[biogeek]

Re: A different sort of challege.

On the show, they purchased a lot of frozen veggies. On fresh veggies, more perishable items are consumed first such as grapes leaving sturdier ones for week 2 and 3.

Onions can keep for a long time in proper storage conditions without freezing them. Think of the settlers with their root cellars. You can freeze onions, but I don't know specifically about Vidalia. I wouldn't see why not.

[Miss Phode]

Re: A different sort of challege.

There's so much I need to learn.

[Grant]

Re: A different sort of challege.

Grant, you made me cry by voting against my poll.

I'm sorry! But if you think about it another way I wasn't voting against your poll I was validating it's existance by being the one to use the second option. If I hadn't done that then there would be no point for a poll!

Really though, it's a great idea. I definately need to do that....sometime.

[boonie stomper]

Re: A different sort of challege.

IMHO more frequent trips to a variety of grocery stores gives you a savings advantage - you are more likely to be there at the time there is a really good markdown, clearance sale, or pricing error in your favor.

The only catch is you have to have the willpower to leave without buying anything you didn't go in to get (besides the super deals) - even if you don't buy anything at all.

This also keeps you sharper on the pricing trends for the items you usually buy, so when you want to get them you'll pick the right store. Of course, this is only useful if you have lots of choices near you.

[Miss Phode]

Re: A different sort of challege.

Yesterday I bought 10 packages of pepperoni because it was 10 for $10. I felt like some sort of freak, but at least I got a deal! lol

The also had kraft crumbles, shredded cheese, and cheese cubes for 10 for $20, but I was to embarassed to buy that much cheese.

[biogeek]

Re: A different sort of challege.

Very true. Their plan's advantage is time saved from making frequent trips to the store. For example, time it takes to drive over, walk around the store, wait in checkout line, drive home. They said that they saved over 8+ hours in a month from just going once to what they were doing before with frequent trips.

I guess you have to decide what's more important, they chose time & money. I'm happy just going once a week, and I try to plan the menu around what's on sale that week. I really can't imagine just going once a month!

IMHO more frequent trips to a variety of grocery stores gives you a savings advantage - you are more likely to be there at the time there is a really good markdown, clearance sale, or pricing error in your favor.

The only catch is you have to have the willpower to leave without buying anything you didn't go in to get (besides the super deals) - even if you don't buy anything at all.

This also keeps you sharper on the pricing trends for the items you usually buy, so when you want to get them you'll pick the right store. Of course, this is only useful if you have lots of choices near you.

[ValidRouge]

Re: A different sort of challege.

I'm in!

[biogeek]

Re: A different sort of challege.

I am NEVER embarassed to buy cheese no matter how much I buy! Cheese rules!

Yesterday I bought 10 packages of pepperoni because it was 10 for $10. I felt like some sort of freak, but at least I got a deal! lol

The also had kraft crumbles, shredded cheese, and cheese cubes for 10 for $20, but I was to embarassed to buy that much cheese.

[boonie stomper]

Re: A different sort of challege.

Walking around the grocery store adds up mileage, too. Go there for exercise instead of the mall. Just don't go in when you're hungry.

I often run in just to check the markdowns on the meat, dented cans bin, and produce specials and then leave. I rarely will pay over $2/pound for anything but seafood.

[sadie147]

Re: A different sort of challege.

I'm sorry! But if you think about it another way I wasn't voting against your poll I was validating it's existance by being the one to use the second option. If I hadn't done that then there would be no point for a poll!

Really though, it's a great idea. I definately need to do that....sometime.

I just figured maybe you were just a millionaire that was rolling around in his money all day and didn't need to budget

The also had kraft crumbles, shredded cheese, and cheese cubes for 10 for $20, but I was to embarassed to buy that much cheese.

I would have bought $40 worth! here a bag of Kraft shredded cheddar is $6+! That could be one thing i could change to save $$, buy $2 cheddar and shred it myself. But i'm lazy. and that's why i'm broke

[Atkid]

Re: A different sort of challege.

That could be one thing i could change to save $$, buy $2 cheddar and shred it myself. But i'm lazy. and that's why i'm broke

I hear you there, between the cheese and buying bagged lettuce over the chore of washing a head I could save big bucks!