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Groceries...being cheap or frugal

8 Responses to “Groceries...being cheap or frugal”

1. creditcardfree Says:
   August 28th, 2012 at 08:25 pm 1346185503
   1346185503
   I would definitely look in your pantry and see if there are ingredients to make a meal, two or more. Why buy more if you have it already on hand? I try to do this each week before I shop. So instead of buying groceries for the week, you may only need to buy for a partial week. I call it frugal, not cheap!

2. rachel021406 Says:
   August 28th, 2012 at 08:42 pm 1346186578
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   I always grew up with the mentality that you always have food on hand. Plenty of canned goods, stuff in the freezer, and snacks. So when I don't buy food, I feel like I am going to eat all of our "stock" or "backup." So its hard to NOT go to the store.

3. ceejay74 Says:
   August 28th, 2012 at 09:19 pm 1346188777
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   I did that last week. Our grocery bill was $28 and was mostly bread products and fruits! Once in a while it's a good boost to the grocery budget to just eat through the pantry. Plus, it makes sure you buy fresh staples once you use up the ones on hand.
   
   This week I know we'll have to buy more since we ate down a ton of our stored food, but I still think we can find a few things from the pantry to use up.

4. Beawealthywarrior Says:
   August 28th, 2012 at 10:22 pm 1346192566
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   I definitely say cook what you have before buying more.

5. rob62521 Says:
   August 28th, 2012 at 11:51 pm 1346197889
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   I have to agree with rachel...I was brought up to have some food in reserve. However, check what you have so you make sure you don't let stuff go past the use by date. Or, just buy a few things to add to your supply.

6. snafu Says:
   August 29th, 2012 at 01:09 am 1346202584
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   It's been so hot this summer my meal plan fell to the way side as family were only interested in smoothies or cold cereal for bkfst., stuffed pita or salad supported with strips of beef, fish or chicken with jello or fruit for dessert & snacks.
   
   We will be eating food on hand in deep freeze, pantry and supply cupboard. I''ve par boiled and frozen the boxes of fruit bought during our recent holiday in the beautiful Okanagan to enjoy old fashioned cobblers, crisps, grunts and buckles evoking memories of mom & grandma.
   
   I'll only buy fresh produce and dairy as needed, ready to stock up on the loss leaders that we use like chicken.
   

7. marvholly Says:
   August 29th, 2012 at 11:47 am 1346240843
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   I do NOT understand why so many post all or nothing scenarios wheather it is food or money related (all in to max 401K vs. saving for house).
   
   Why not do a meal plan with several days of in house stock and several of fresh buys?

8. CB in the City Says:
   August 29th, 2012 at 02:10 pm 1346249443
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   It is never "cheap" to use your pantry items instead of buying more. Pretty smart, I'd say. Is there a reason you need a stockpile -- like, are you in a hurricane zone or facing a possible job loss? Or in a rural area? Otherwise, I'd keep the pantry stock limited to basic items you will always need. If you like to cook, you will find you are always adding to the pantry, anyway, with surplus ingredients.
   
   A culinary challenge with what you have on hand is fun! I do it a lot.

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