Budget Buster - Groceries!

[Trishtack]

We are a family of 5. DH, me, DD (6), and my parents live with us. I work FT, and my DH and parents are home all day. I am spending over $800 a month for groceries. My father eats only a little at a time but eats every hour and needs variety. I work FT and take care of our DD, DH (paraplegic) and both of my parents who are very limited in mobility. I am the only one who cooks, cleans, and shops. DH helps with laundry and dishes. I don't have much time to cook and have very little skill in that area. Everyone wants to eat something different and I don't have a clue. What they are eating mostly is processed frozen foods. I'd appreciate any thoughts on reducing the grocery costs and easy to prepare healthier meals.

 

[goodeats]

To be honest I think $800 for 4 adults and 1 child is pretty decent. We budget (and usually go over!) around $700 for 2 adults and 1 toddler, but we do cook a lot and buy little processed food.

I would start by buying more produce. An apple or celery dipped into peanut or almond butter is a fine filling snack. For meals make chili's or soups which lend itself to a lot of leftovers. We spend a lot at costco since the quality of the meat and produce is high. We also go through a lot of eggs. I find meal planning is a big help. Cooking doesn't have to take a lot of time. Some people hate her, but a lot of Rachel Ray's recipes are great for time saving.

Why are you the only one cooking? Are your parents disabled? I would think enlisting their help would be a good first step. ETA - I just saw about your parents mobility. Honestly, I would start limiting the menu. You can't be a short order cook. If people don't like what you are making this meal then tough.

 

[averysmom]

Honey, your plate is FULL! First thing, you cook what you cook and don't you dare make different meals for different people. They can eat what you cook, and be happy about it! Is your dh in a chair? Where is his fuse? I mean, between the three of them(dh and your 2 parents), can't they help out at all? Even if they just have the vegetables cut up, etc., and ready for you to use for when you get home.

My tricks for putting dinner on the table with a busy schedule:
1. I use my slow cooker once a week - it's sure nice to have dinner almost ready when I get home.

2. I cook a big meal on Sunday nights, which always leaves me leftovers for Monday, so I know I never have to cook (or so much) on Mondays.

3. I make a double batch when I make chili, lasagne, most casseroles to freeze. I find it isn't much more work to make two when I'm already making one, and it's sure nice at those crazy times to pull out something from the freezer, add a veg or salad and be done.

4. Plan ahead. Really, meal planning is my number one trick. If I'm shredding cheese for dinner, and I know that I'll need more shredded cheese later in the week, then I shred it while I have everything out. Same with vegetables, lettuce, etc. - if I'm slicing peppers for stir-fry, and I know I'll need peppers for salad in two days, I just keep slicing and put them in the fridge for later.

5. There is NOTHING wrong with sandwiches and fruit or sandwiches and soup for dinner.

Good luck, and stop putting everything on yourself - you are going to BURN OUT!

 

[Sadie22]

There are lots of websites which discuss batch cooking or once-a-month cooking. If you buy the ingredients on sale at rock-bottom prices, there can be a significant savings in money as well as time by preparing multiple meals on a rest day to enjoy throughout the month.

I prefer to cook once, clean up once, and have six to twelve to more meals. I buy lean ground beef in bulk and cook two big pots of chili with beans at one time. We eat one meal and freeze the rest of the batch in meal-size portions. I also cook up a big batch of taco filling and freeze meal-size portions of that. I will freeze homemade lasagna and manicotti. I also buy boneless chicken breasts on sale and package those into meal-size portions. I will cut it up into pieces for stir-fry or casseroles. I will make big pots of chicken soup. I also make vegetable soup when produce is in season.

When there is a good sale on certain canned or frozen items, I will stock up so that later I can shop my pantry and freezers rather than running out to the store. There's always plenty of food on hand so I can wait for the next stock-up sale.

 

[leadfootlevi]

I would suggest that you make a meal plan for each week. Base your meals on 1) what you already have and 2) what's on sale for the week. If you can, choose crock pot meals and/or meals that can be made on Saturdays or Sundays and frozen for later in the week (chili, lasagna, casseroles, etc). Another good suggestion is to plan a meal using a whole chicken (or roast) then, the next day, plan a meal for using the leftovers.

I always have quick, easy meals on hand (breakfast for dinner, oatmeal, grilled cheese and soup, hot dogs, lots of fresh fruits and veggies to fill in) for those inevitable nights when I don't feel like cooking.

 

[momof3ds]

You have gotten some good tips.

mainly, stop being a short order cook!

Consider buying in bulk if you aren't already. We are BJ's members and have an extra freezer as well.

Nothing wrong with cold cuts and bread for sandwiches.

You can buy pizza dough at most grocery stores. They also freeze well for later use. People can pick and choose their toppings for pizza or you can make stromboli.

Breakfast for dinner is pretty quick and easy. My kids love it. Eggs and bacon on biscuits. French toast with eggs and bacon. Fruit and juice to drink. I usually do this on a night when we have an activity to go to. Pancakes freeze well after they are cooked also.

As others stated, homemade soups, chili, lasagna, baked zitti all freeze well. At thanksgiving (and xmas) time, when turkeys & hams are on sale, we usually get at least 1-2 extra to cook at a later time. Same with roasting chickens. Then you have leftovers for tacos, chicken or turkey salad, sandwiches, ham and eggs, etc.

Maybe have 1-2 nights a month as take out night (or restaraunt if you guys can go out). look for coupons, groupon or living social deals to cut costs. If going out isn't an option, many restaraunts have a to go option where you order ahead and they pack the food for you. We usually order chinese and we order the lunch special and save it for dinner time.

1 night a week is leftovers for dinner. This is a night when you put out all the leftovers and people choose what they want. Cleans out the fridge and things don't go to waste.

 

[ilovemk76]

We are a family of 5. DH, me, DD (6), and my parents live with us. I work FT, and my DH and parents are home all day. I am spending over $800 a month for groceries. My father eats only a little at a time but eats every hour and needs variety. I work FT and take care of our DD, DH (paraplegic) and both of my parents who are very limited in mobility. I am the only one who cooks, cleans, and shops. DH helps with laundry and dishes. I don't have much time to cook and have very little skill in that area. Everyone wants to eat something different and I don't have a clue. What they are eating mostly is processed frozen foods. I'd appreciate any thoughts on reducing the grocery costs and easy to prepare healthier meals.

If you DH can do dishes and laundry than he could cook and help with your DD such as homework.

You cook one meal and everybody either eats that meal, make themselves something else or don't eat. You live in a home not a restaurant.

We spend more per person than you do.

Make meals that are twice what you need so you can freeze the rest for another day.

Spaghetti sauce takes no longer to make in bulk than just for a meal. It freezes great.

 

[Trishtack]

Thanks so much for the suggestions. I am not good at using the quote feature but to answer the questions:

DH is a T11 Incomplete so complete use of arms and fairly good mobility with the exception of standing or walking. He has never cooked, ever. He does take care of our DD from 3-6 each day until I get home and he does all the homework.

My mom could easily cook but doesn't. I've hinted a number of times but no go. My mom won't eat leftovers bc she says leftovers make her sick...

My dad will not eat most of what I fix... In the 14 months since they officially moved in, I've made two dishes that he would eat. Two! The rest of the time I've made him something else.

I really like all the suggestions for chili, soups and making ahead. I think a Sunday mother/daughter cooking hour might be a way to get that done!

I shop at Sam's Club which helps. I need to be more diligent with couponing and learning to make hearty meals.

I just went back and added up what I have spent each month over the last three months and I am averaging $988 including short trips for soda, water, milk etc. And averaging $174 on takeout.

 

[leadfootlevi]

Thanks so much for the suggestions. I am not good at using the quote feature but to answer the questions:

DH is a T11 Incomplete so complete use of arms and fairly good mobility with the exception of standing or walking. He has never cooked, ever. He does take care of our DD from 3-6 each day until I get home and he does all the homework.

My mom could easily cook but doesn't. I've hinted a number of times but no go. My mom won't eat leftovers bc she says leftovers make her sick...

My dad will not eat most of what I fix... In the 14 months since they officially moved in, I've made two dishes that he would eat. Two! The rest of the time I've made him something else.

I really like all the suggestions for chili, soups and making ahead. I think a Sunday mother/daughter cooking hour might be a way to get that done!

I shop at Sam's Club which helps. I need to be more diligent with couponing and learning to make hearty meals.

I just went back and added up what I have spent each month over the last three months and I am averaging $988 including short trips for soda, water, milk etc. And averaging $174 on takeout.

The family eats what you make or they don't eat, but you DO NOT make them something else instead. Your mom won't eat leftovers? Well, she can make herself something else. I would have cans of soup and some $1 frozen meals on hand for mom and dad when they don't want to eat what you make.

 

[My2CrazyGirls]

The family eats what you make or they don't eat, but you DO NOT make them something else instead. Your mom won't eat leftovers? Well, she can make herself something else. I would have cans of soup and some $1 frozen meals on hand for mom and dad when they don't want to eat what you make.

Girl, what did your parents do for food before they moved in???? It sounds like you are being taken advantage of. I know this is your family and you want to make them happy. But look at your post and make believe someone else wrote it. Wouldn't you tell that person they are doing way too much and not getting help? What is this teaching your daughter? That it is OK to have 1 person be the slave for everyone else? Actually you are teaching your daughter a wonderful lesson in hard work and compassion because you are working so hard for your family and that is awesome. But you are being taken advantage of and I that makes me sad

 

[momof3ds]

Ditto what leadfoot posted.

Maybe this is your parent's way of exerting some control over their situation but don't fall for it.

 

[nunzia]

Thanks so much for the suggestions. I am not good at using the quote feature but to answer the questions:

DH is a T11 Incomplete so complete use of arms and fairly good mobility with the exception of standing or walking. He has never cooked, ever. He does take care of our DD from 3-6 each day until I get home and he does all the homework.

My mom could easily cook but doesn't. I've hinted a number of times but no go. My mom won't eat leftovers bc she says leftovers make her sick...

My dad will not eat most of what I fix... In the 14 months since they officially moved in, I've made two dishes that he would eat. Two! The rest of the time I've made him something else.

I really like all the suggestions for chili, soups and making ahead. I think a Sunday mother/daughter cooking hour might be a way to get that done!

I shop at Sam's Club which helps. I need to be more diligent with couponing and learning to make hearty meals.

I just went back and added up what I have spent each month over the last three months and I am averaging $988 including short trips for soda, water, milk etc. And averaging $174 on takeout.

I just have to say wow..it looks like you are bending over backwards to help your folks and they are ungrateful. Your family unit seems tight and helpful but really, Mom and Dad need to grow up and help out. I agree with everything everyone has said, also, I'd stick to my guns about making ONE meal and if they don't like it or leftovers, then well, tough, they can use their own money and get something delivered or whatever. I'd explain all this to them, and then show them my menu plan weekly, including days where leftovers will come into play, and sugest to them that those are the days they might want something else. Since they can't get around they can then decide if they want you to pick up some things for THEM while you are shopping for YOUR family..and with THEIR money...good grief...

 

[Colleen27]

When I was working full time a typical week was one or two slow-cooker meals, one or two freezer meals, breakfast for dinner one night, and take out one night if I ran short of ideas or time. I don't love to cook even now as a SAHM and really really didn't like to back then. But cooking at home was much cheaper than frozen convenience foods and money was tight back then, so it was something that had to be done.

I'm not a fabulous cook. I just don't have the patience/interest in it except in fits and starts, so even as a SAHM I like low-effort meals. My slow cooker is my best friend in the kitchen. Throw some chicken, pork, or beef in with some spices or a bottled marinate/sauce, simmer all day while you're gone, and all that's left to do after work is add a bag of frozen veggies and boil some rice/noodles/potatoes to serve with it.

As someone else mentioned, pizza is a great quick/easy meal. We do "make your own" pizza nights often - I portion the dough into smaller balls to make personal-sized pizzas and everyone adds their own toppings before baking.

Breakfast for dinner is great too. I make my own pancake mix to shave a little off the cost, and I buy a ton of blueberries when they're in season to freeze for muffins/pancakes throughout the year. Omelettes are another easy one - everyone can choose what fillings they like and it is still quick, cheap, and easy.

Stir fry is super easy as well - whatever meat is on sale, cut into thin strips, whatever veggies are in season or in the freezer, and sauce or seasonings to taste. Steam a little rice and you're done.

Shake & Bake is a good fallback too on nights when quick and easy matters. If you take some time to play with it you can season your own using plain bread crumbs which is cheaper than the store bought version, but if you watch sales the store bought isn't really expensive either.

 

[DOREEN1779]

Yikes, what a stressful schedule. You should check with senior services in your area and see if your parents qualify for meal on wheels. It will save you money and sanity!

 

[averysmom]

Thanks so much for the suggestions. I am not good at using the quote feature but to answer the questions:

DH is a T11 Incomplete so complete use of arms and fairly good mobility with the exception of standing or walking. He has never cooked, ever. He does take care of our DD from 3-6 each day until I get home and he does all the homework.

My mom could easily cook but doesn't. I've hinted a number of times but no go. My mom won't eat leftovers bc she says leftovers make her sick...

My dad will not eat most of what I fix... In the 14 months since they officially moved in, I've made two dishes that he would eat. Two! The rest of the time I've made him something else.

I really like all the suggestions for chili, soups and making ahead. I think a Sunday mother/daughter cooking hour might be a way to get that done!

I shop at Sam's Club which helps. I need to be more diligent with couponing and learning to make hearty meals.

I just went back and added up what I have spent each month over the last three months and I am averaging $988 including short trips for soda, water, milk etc. And averaging $174 on takeout.

I understand that I don't know what it is like to live in your house, but really, I don't think it is out of line for your dh and your parents to prep dinner for you - again, not cook, but prep. Grate cheese, chop veggies, get everything out for you - so when you come home, you're ready to go. Dinner is a team effort - everyone needs to help out!

 

[JenLanDisney]

Honey, your plate is FULL! First thing, you cook what you cook and don't you dare make different meals for different people. They can eat what you cook, and be happy about it! Is your dh in a chair? Where is his fuse? I mean, between the three of them(dh and your 2 parents), can't they help out at all? Even if they just have the vegetables cut up, etc., and ready for you to use for when you get home.

My tricks for putting dinner on the table with a busy schedule:
1. I use my slow cooker once a week - it's sure nice to have dinner almost ready when I get home.

2. I cook a big meal on Sunday nights, which always leaves me leftovers for Monday, so I know I never have to cook (or so much) on Mondays.

3. I make a double batch when I make chili, lasagne, most casseroles to freeze. I find it isn't much more work to make two when I'm already making one, and it's sure nice at those crazy times to pull out something from the freezer, add a veg or salad and be done.

4. Plan ahead. Really, meal planning is my number one trick. If I'm shredding cheese for dinner, and I know that I'll need more shredded cheese later in the week, then I shred it while I have everything out. Same with vegetables, lettuce, etc. - if I'm slicing peppers for stir-fry, and I know I'll need peppers for salad in two days, I just keep slicing and put them in the fridge for later.

5. There is NOTHING wrong with sandwiches and fruit or sandwiches and soup for dinner.

Good luck, and stop putting everything on yourself - you are going to BURN OUT!

Great post!

 

[BelleBeautyandtheBeast]

You have received plenty of great tips and advice already.

I found the best way for us to save money is similar to what others have posted, plan, plan, plan. I have 3 grocery stores that are all right near each other and I can hit all 3 pretty quickly on the same day and stock up on sale items. If it isn't on sale, I'm not buying it. I take the sale items and make a menu for the next week. If the kids don't like what I am cooking they have cheap frozen dinners ($1) in the freezer to munch on.

I love, love, love my slow cooker. I have found many great recipes on food.com
http://www.food.com/recipes/crock-pot-slow-cooker/popular

 

[figment3258]

We live in a house with my mil, bil, dh and dd's 9,5,0 I've learned that my mil will not eat a lot of what I make. I enjoy moist flavorful food she likes over cooked bland food she is so picky I used to stress out about it but now I have learned that I make one meal for everyone if they don't like it don't eat. I do ask her what she would like at the grocery store , but even then she is picky no store brands and things like that. I try to buy mostly unprocessed food but I still budget in for her junk food ( she eats ice cream and chips every day) it's a hard act to balance but planning ahead is key. Post a menu for the week that way they know what's coming.

 

[Taja]

Yikes! Whatever you do, make some time for yourself every day. Even if it's only 10 or 15 minutes!

I don't have children, but I did have my parents and uncle for 15 years. My father had Alzheimer's and a degenerative spinal condition, so most of my mother's time and energy were devoted to him (and she had a heart condition!). My uncle was self-sufficient during most of the time my father's condition was deteriorating (12 years at home) and helped me with things around the house and took my parents to many of their medical appointments, but he definitely was no cook! *LOL*

Since I worked 50 to 60 hours weekly, I became a batch cook. I usually cooked two or three weekends per month and froze meal-size portions so I could assemble meals quickly during the week. I rarely made it home before 6:30 p.m., so we were lucky if dinner was ready by 7:00 p.m.!

Not everyone loved everything, believe me! My mother loved fairly spicey food, my father liked it bland, and my uncle was somewhere in between! I learned to make it bland and spice it up during the daily prep. And if they really didn't want what I made, there always was bread, cheese, tuna, eggs...you get the idea. Even my father would take a slice or two of cheese or some prepped veggies out of the refrigerator if he was hungry (when he was no longer able to cook or handle utensils well enough to make sandwiches)!

And one weekend a month, I did not cook. I prepped produce and made dinner from previously frozen food, but I did not cook. Period.

OP, you are wonderful for caring for your family, but they really need to take some responsibility for themselves. You can make carrot and celery sticks (or prep other favourite veggies) that everyone can eat for snacks during the week, portion canned fruit or apple sauce (worked great for us!) and other things into individual containers with lids that everyone can help themselves to throughout the day to lighten your load. Obviously, you and your DH will guide your DD's eating habits, but your parents should be a bit more self-sufficient.

Try not to feel guilty as you transition everyone--including yourself--into new patterns. There may be some bumpy roads ahead, but everyone will benefit in the end!

 

[hereyago]

Holy Moly! OP seriously, as other posters have written find ways to take care of YOU!!! You will burn out if you are not close to it all ready.


Are your parents elderly? Sometimes, picky people stay picky. Sometimes, elderly their taste buds change and what USED to taste good to them no longer do, sometimes you have to "play" around with different tastes and textures.

And another thing: whatever they are capable of doing, they need to do it, no matter how small it is to contribute, if they don't use it they will loose it. There is no debate, they are living with YOU. It's YOUR HOUSE, YOUR RULES!

For those who are like, if they don't want it then they don't eat-you know, if the person is elderly, you honestly can't do that for a long extended time, you can try to "call their bluff" and hope they give in, but if they don't:

They will lose weight, they will not get the nutrients they need to keep their body strong and help fight infection. And then guess what? YOU get to be the one to take them to the doctor and they will be asking why the losing weight and I dare you to say : well they wouldn't eat what I fix and I wasn't going to be a short order cook, so if they don't like what I fix, they don't eat.

I second the meals on wheels thing. Your local center on Aging should have some good information, as well as the posters here have written helpful posts.

Once again: TAKE CARE OF YOU!!!!

Good luck.