The Sweet Life On A Budget

  With inflation on the rise and salaries not increasing, our ability to make ends meet is decreasing. Therefore, we must be more careful with our money. The Frugal Five is a series in which we celebrate the daily or weekly activities that help us live a frugal life.     I am exploring ways to reduce costs during busy weeks. One strategy is to watch the pennies because they add up. Here are some of my tips and tricks.    1- Garden Set Up Continues There is compost available, so I topped my garden bed.   In addition, I planted my onion and garlic sets.  I also started previously saved seeds for my small backyard bed.  Another job done!    2- Free-Bee Alert Meijer’s Perks had Ice Cream available from their coupon selection, so I spent 1500 points for an Ice Cream coupon.    My son will be happy with this decision.           3- Staying Away from Takeout Our family tends to bec...

  NOTE-  1- Click on the picture and get a link to a post sharing the recipe.  2- Although all prices were correct at the time of the blog postings, the current cost of preparation of these dishes may be higher due to inflation and location.      February 2025  USDA Thrifty Food Plan According to this plan, our family would have a budget of $189.30 per week. Since March has 4 weeks, our monthly budget is $757.20.   We elevate our dining experiences by including fresh fruits, vegetables, and higher-quality meats.  Since we have health concerns and are active individuals, we limit our processed food choices.    Grocery Shopping Tip:     I place a pantry meal on the menu plan once a week. In addition, I try to set a reduced weekly grocery budget once per month. I select the low sales week, and shop my pantry and freezer.       Here is what we did this week to make our week easier: ...

With inflation on the rise and salaries not increasing, our ability to make ends meet is decreasing. Therefore, we must be more careful with our money. The Frugal Five is a series in which we celebrate the daily or weekly activities that help us live a frugal life.     I am exploring ways to reduce costs during busy weeks. One strategy is to watch the pennies because they add up. Here are some of my tips and tricks.    1- Garden Set Up The outside seeds have been planted, so my root vegetables, pumpkins, cantaloupes, and peas are ready for the warm rainy weather to come and help them grow.     However, my tomatoes, peppers, kale, basil, rosemary, parsley, and other spring plants needed to be started indoors.     I took some time this week to get them into starter pots and they are headed to the greenhouse.    My friend will care for them until it is time to plant in May.     Another job done!    2-...

  Menu Plan #307 NOTE-  1- Click on the picture and get a link to a post sharing the recipe.  2- Although all prices were correct at the time of the blog postings, the current cost of preparation of these dishes may be higher due to inflation and location.      February 2025  USDA Thrifty Food Plan According to this plan, our family would have a budget of $189.30 per week. Since March has 4 weeks, our monthly budget is $757.20.   We elevate our dining experiences by including fresh fruits, vegetables, and higher-quality meats.  Since we have health concerns and are active individuals, we limit our processed food choices.    Grocery Shopping Tip:     Utilize your grocery store’s loyalty program. This month, my 2 primary grocery stores have provided me with store coupons for bread, Silk milk, jelly candy, frozen vegetables, and Bali coconut water.  Here is what we did this week to make our week easier: ...