Frugal month challenge

[Forest Nymph]

One tip from me:
- When you are on a tight budget going to the grocery store can make you feel awful. Having to face the fact that you can't get much anything you want and at the same time witnessing all the other people shopping in there with their carts full of expensive food, that probably anyways goes to waste because they can't possibly eat it all before it expires. In this case I would go to the store only once or twice a month and concentrate my energy on something else and more creative, like reading a good book like for example The Lord of The Rings, drawing, dancing, meditating, walking around, going to the local library to read magazines, socialising with friends and family... what ever I can imagine doing that is completely free of charge.

I agree.

Another mental exercise that helps me is to focus on being lower waste, or refraining from making purchases from less ethical companies.

Like I know if I buy no junk food that I am automatically going to use less packaging. Same for many healthier convenience foods. They may not be junk but they're more expensive and use more packaging (with a few exceptions from some smaller companies or vegan companies that only use recyclable materials and no plastics).

Although some Nabisco products or other big companies make things that are technically vegan or accidentally vegan I feel better about myself when I don't buy Oreos or Lays Potato chips.

It's adding another layer to frugality to be mindful. Like I won't indulge this temptation because of the wasteful packaging or because this big company is questionable.

 

[Emma JC]

One tip from me:
- When you are on a tight budget going to the grocery store can make you feel awful. Having to face the fact that you can't get much anything you want and at the same time witnessing all the other people shopping in there with their carts full of expensive food, that probably anyways goes to waste because they can't possibly eat it all before it expires.

I have posted this before and I think it bears repeating under this topic:

Supermarkets are mostly vegan by default:

• all produce aisles - fresh fruits and vegetables and herbs
• frozen aisles - frozen fruits, vegetables
• bean aisles - canned beans, dried beans, breakfast beans
• canned fruits and vegetables
• pasta aisle - most pastas and sauces, noodles
• condiments aisle - vinegars, olives, pickles, ketchup, soy sauce, hot sauces, mustard, tahini
• snack and bulk aisle - nuts, dried fruits, nutritional yeast, various grains, some potato chips
• cereal aisle - oatmeal, Spoon Size Shredded Wheat, Shredded Wheat etc
• beverage aisle - sparkling water, herbal teas, coffee
• bakery aisle - sprouted breads, pitas, tortillas
• dairy aisle - tofu, plant-based milks

Emma JC

 

[Nekodaiden]

I'm sorry to hear that. It can be stress inducing when forced by circumstances.
Thanks for the tips.

That is kind, thank you. However, I'm not sorry, at least from the food aspect. If I had more of an income, I most likely wouldn't have learned quite a few things I had to learn not having it. I am glad to have had the opportunity to learn how to make my own sauces and meals, sprout grains etc. I have found it both liberating and empowering. I think I would hate to go vegan just to become a different type of slave to the food industry.

 

[Deleted member 3018]

Sorry for being inactive for a while. Life happened.

 

[Deleted member 3018]

Studying is hard work that pays with knowledge. Even if that means going hungry it's worth it all because money can perish but knowledge stays with you forever. You get free food from the campground? If I understand correctly, then that's really awesome. I'm sorry to hear that you have to do this challenge instead of wanting to.

I think I might like TVP better in recipies. It's great in some Loma Linda products. But served with soy sauce or ketchup over rice or quinoa gets old real quick. I got it so I'd have variety other than beans but once I ran out of peanut butter I was like oh Lord what have I done lol.

I can imagine what that was like haha. The seasoning is all.

 

[Deleted member 3018]

@StrangeOtter

I often go to the grocery store with a specific purpose in mind. I never go browsing isles. I always know roughly what I want when I go, so my bill is always within my budget. It's when you see things, and say to yourself "I could use that" or "I like that stuff" and then add it to your cart. Well, I rarely do that. I always plan ahead to shop for specifically what I want. If I am making rice and beans for dinner, and need a few veggies to add to it, I go get exactly what I need for that meal. Having said that, I do live very close to a grocery store.

A couple tips I suggest:

- So as I suggested above, stick to your grocery list.

- I'll often carry a calculator when shopping. That will help you stay within your budget. Most produce sections have scales, so you can weigh your produce and guesstimate the price. I try to see how close I can get the amount of the bill.

- If you eat bread, learning to bake your own breads will definitely save you money too.

- Stick to fruits and veggies that are in season. They not only taste better, they're usually much cheaper.

- If you're not afraid to ask for a deal, you can scout out expiry dates that are just about to expire, and ask the clerk if they can mark the item down. Most often clerks will. These are just suggested best before dates, and usually don't affect the quality of the food, unless completely expired and old. Even a small dent in a tin can is enough to have the clerk reduce the price. Having taken food safe, level one and two, this is not a recommended practice, but still, ninety-nine times out of a hundred there's absolutely nothing wrong with the product inside.

- It's always good to check expiry dates anyways. By ensuring that you have a lengthy expiry date, you ensure your purchase will last long enough for you to consume it all, thus not wasting your hard earned money. So always check dates, regardless!



*

That's very informative. Thank you!

 

[Deleted member 3018]

I agree.

Another mental exercise that helps me is to focus on being lower waste, or refraining from making purchases from less ethical companies.

Like I know if I buy no junk food that I am automatically going to use less packaging. Same for many healthier convenience foods. They may not be junk but they're more expensive and use more packaging (with a few exceptions from some smaller companies or vegan companies that only use recyclable materials and no plastics).

Although some Nabisco products or other big companies make things that are technically vegan or accidentally vegan I feel better about myself when I don't buy Oreos or Lays Potato chips.

It's adding another layer to frugality to be mindful. Like I won't indulge this temptation because of the wasteful packaging or because this big company is questionable.

I find this mental exercise very appealing. Making more ethical choices in everyday life is empowering because that means you have a choice and can make a difference.
In fact, frugality is about making more meaningful choices. That makes all the difference between cheap and frugal.

 

[alleycat]

Menu planning is a big saver, planning meals at least a week in advance then check what you need and buy only that. If you like sauces, cordials, making your own from fresh in season produce helps too. If you can invest in a dehydrator or bottling system to preserve fresh food when it's available is helpful too. If you have a network of people local to you that you can start a small co-op. If you grow some of your own produce swapping it with neighbours or your local green grocer might be an option too. I find our local markets are a good place to get good quality, locally grown produce for reasonable prices.

 

[Deleted member 3018]

That is kind, thank you. However, I'm not sorry, at least from the food aspect. If I had more of an income, I most likely wouldn't have learned quite a few things I had to learn not having it. I am glad to have had the opportunity to learn how to make my own sauces and meals, sprout grains etc. I have found it both liberating and empowering. I think I would hate to go vegan just to become a different type of slave to the food industry.

I can deffinitely relate, in some aspects. Do you grow your own food? I don't, but am planning on in the (distant) future.

 

[Nekodaiden]

I can deffinitely relate, in some aspects. Do you grow your own food? I don't, but am planning on in the (distant) future.

Currently I'm only growing lettuce (indoors). It's winter time in Australia right now, and I'm unaware of what can be grown well during this time. The lettuce is going to seed atm, so I'm not getting much out of it, lol.

I sometimes grow potatoes, and have grown quinoa, chia, broccoli and a few other plants that shall remain unnamed

All said and done, I still consider myself a novice at growing. Not completely, but I feel I have much to learn still.

 

[Deleted member 3018]

Menu planning is a big saver, planning meals at least a week in advance then check what you need and buy only that. If you like sauces, cordials, making your own from fresh in season produce helps too. If you can invest in a dehydrator or bottling system to preserve fresh food when it's available is helpful too. If you have a network of people local to you that you can start a small co-op. If you grow some of your own produce swapping it with neighbours or your local green grocer might be an option too. I find our local markets are a good place to get good quality, locally grown produce for reasonable prices.

Those are really great advices. Have you ever started a co-op like that? If so, what kind of experience was it?

 

[Deleted member 3018]

One advice from me is when you have an period of steady income, expect that it won't last and put money aside into your savings account but also make budgeting plan on "future food" and invest some of your money on canned and dried food that you can use up when you are out of job or maybe have decided to go back studying. (This is the case if you don't have the option to can or dry food at your home like Alleycat excellently adviced)
Second advice: I always go to the same store, that's how I can more or less aticipate what the prices are and where I can find what I need so it's predictable, easy and fast.
I know my advices must be too OCD for normal people but that's how I am regarding money haha.

Also, countdown: Six days to the challenge.
To be honest, I have already started in advance because I would favour extreme frugality as an lifestyle for me instead of only month long challenge.

Thank you all for your advices and stories! I really appreciate that.

 

[Deleted member 3018]

Currently I'm only growing lettuce (indoors). It's winter time in Australia right now, and I'm unaware of what can be grown well during this time. The lettuce is going to seed atm, so I'm not getting much out of it, lol.

I sometimes grow potatoes, and have grown quinoa, chia, broccoli and a few other plants that shall remain unnamed

All said and done, I still consider myself a novice at growing. Not completely, but I feel I have much to learn still.

Nevertheless that's awesome. Growing your own food is a hobby that gives back alot.
I have grown some basilica inside my home and two summers ago took care of a garden where we grew black currant, potatoes, onions, mint, strawberries, rhubarb and so on. It was hard work but the vegan rhubab pie was worth it.

 

[hopeful]

As an update on my somewhat frugal eating month, I haven't been getting take out at all (I didn't used to very much, but there was awhile that I did about once a week). I haven't been getting ice tea out either, which helps. I also bought dried fruit to make my own muesli to save money.... but... I ate almost all the dates. Still, my wife and I have been reducing our food bill, which is excellent.

 

[Deleted member 3018]

As an update on my somewhat frugal eating month, I haven't been getting take out at all (I didn't used to very much, but there was awhile that I did about once a week). I haven't been getting ice tea out either, which helps. I also bought dried fruit to make my own muesli to save money.... but... I ate almost all the dates. Still, my wife and I have been reducing our food bill, which is excellent.

Good for you! That's really awesome. Do you feel like you miss out on something or is it going easy?

 

[Deleted member 3018]

One advice is to figure out why to live frugaly.
I don't save money just in means to save money. Instead I keep in mind a future goal.

Accomplishing financial independence and being able to afford own land where to build a tiny house and grow a garden would be a dream come true for me. And unlike most people, I actually enjoy living tiny. At the moment, my home is 24 square meters and I don't have much belongings or furniture so this feels incredibly spacy for a one person.

Some people save money by living in a van or even in a car, being basically homeless. I hope to avoind ending up in an unfortunate situation like that since I enjoy being alone or with someone I know indoors reading books and because I sincerely love my kitchen. Homelessness in reality is very scary, dangerous and makes task that are taken for granted such as getting a shower or going to the bathroom difficult. What is mind-boggling is the fact that homelessness can happen to the regular hard working people and students who have done everything they can to better their situation but still lack the money required to live.

Anywho...
Do you have an future goal?

 

[hopeful]

Good for you! That's really awesome. Do you feel like you miss out on something or is it going easy?

At first, I was worried that I would feel "deprived" or something, but I really don't. I think it's partly because my wife has gotten me some things I really like (especially Fakin' Bacon and bread) and I bought some dates that I enjoyed. But, now those things are gone, and I still don't feel like I'm missing out. I have enjoyed a curry dish I made a few days ago, which has made it easy to have a "go-to" when I am hungry, instead of being tempted by other things or feeling like there's nothing to eat. I need to cook something else again soon, because we just ran out of curry yesterday or the day before.

I am actually finding that, the less I order takeout, the less I want it. It's nice to get on occasion, but I just haven't wanted it. I have been more motivated to make something, even when I'm really tired, because it saves money AND it's much healthier.

Anyway, this is a really great challenge.

 

[Deleted member 3018]

At first, I was worried that I would feel "deprived" or something, but I really don't. I think it's partly because my wife has gotten me some things I really like (especially Fakin' Bacon and bread) and I bought some dates that I enjoyed. But, now those things are gone, and I still don't feel like I'm missing out. I have enjoyed a curry dish I made a few days ago, which has made it easy to have a "go-to" when I am hungry, instead of being tempted by other things or feeling like there's nothing to eat. I need to cook something else again soon, because we just ran out of curry yesterday or the day before.

I am actually finding that, the less I order takeout, the less I want it. It's nice to get on occasion, but I just haven't wanted it. I have been more motivated to make something, even when I'm really tired, because it saves money AND it's much healthier.

Anyway, this is a really great challenge.

It' truly wonderful that you are getting some well-earned assistance from your loved one. What does your wife think of this challenge? Preparing food that lasts several days is a great idea, I do that also, because it just makes life so much simpler.
I don't know if this is something that happens to others, but talking about the feeling of missing out on some foods, I have noticed that the more I practice frugality the less I get that feeling of missing out because I know that if the food isn't too pricy, I can buy that food the next time I go to the store. I usually run out of oat drink (that I buy one liter per week) withing four days.

I'm really glad that you can enjoy the challenge! And the better if this makes you want to prepare something healthy instead of ordering takeout.

And thank you for sharing your experience, I appreciate it!

 

[Deleted member 3018]

The frugal month challenge begins tomorrow! Have fun losing some weight the healthy way while at the same time saving some money.
I'd love to hear about your progress or setbacks, if you want to share.

Tips thus far:
- Grow your own food during summer months.
- Favor oatmeal over bread for breakfast.
- Eat beans and chickpeas instead of tofu. And, if you have good recipes for it eat TVP.
- DIY. You can craft your homemade bread, hummus, oat drink, seitan etc.
- Know where your money goes by saving all the receipts.
- Have cheapscate activities instead of wallowing in negativity. (I am truly sorry if you find this offensive. Money is a touchy subject and if you don't have enough, it can be beyond depressing. I am very much aware of this. I hope that things get better and you achieve the life you want and deserve.)
- Foodprep. Instead of going to the store or ordering takeout you have to rely on the food you made in advance.
- Buy in bulk. That's usually cheaper.
- Buy frozen veggies if those are cheaper compared to fresh in your area.
- It's good to get to know the prices of the foods that you generally buy and find a way to get a cheaper version of the similar product. OCD price sheets, nothing more fun than that! (I'm not completely serious... perchance.)
- Learn how to cook delicious dishes from simple and cheap ingredients. Sauces and seasoning are important in this matter.
- Figure out what inspires you to live frugal life.

And like Veganite said earlier:

- So as I suggested above, stick to your grocery list.

- I'll often carry a calculator when shopping. That will help you stay within your budget. Most produce sections have scales, so you can weigh your produce and guesstimate the price. I try to see how close I can get the amount of the bill.

- If you eat bread, learning to bake your own breads will definitely save you money too.

- Stick to fruits and veggies that are in season. They not only taste better, they're usually much cheaper.

And Alleycat:

If you can invest in a dehydrator or bottling system to preserve fresh food when it's available is helpful too.

Thank you all once again!
I really enjoyed reading your posts and find your tips most precious.

Frugality isn't the only right way to live, of course. Spend and indulge if that's what you want and can do, after the challenge is done!

 

[gib]

When I'm hard up, I do a no spend week.

Give it a try it's amazing what comes your way.
And best of all it costs nothing.