Need Some Help Saving Money and Not Eating out

[KKB]

Trust me--a new crock pot & the food for one meal will be less than a dinner out for 6!
Key is PLANNING. Each week I sit down, look at our schedule, what is in the freezer & what is on sale & make my menus for the week. That way what I need is on hand & it is in my brain (AND on paper or computer) when I need it. I don't live & die by this, sometimes we punt. BUT I am more likely to cook with a plan.

Crock pot is my GO TO when we have 4 different places to be in an evening--if we cannot sit down together, everyone gets a hot meal.
You can even put FRoZEN chicken breasts in with broth, BBQ, Italian dressing, Chili sauce, cream soups--really, SO many possibilites
Whole chicken with nothing but spices of your choice
Pork loin with a bit of water, spices--also good with BBQ, Italian, Chili sauce, etc.
Roasts, briskets, flank--also great with broth, spices, BBQ, Chili sauce, etc.

We have LOTS of easy fix things as these days it is rare more than 2 of us are home at the same time. That way if I DON'T have a plan, or it falls through (ie I forget to take something out of the freezer), I ALWAYS can pull something together from the freezer/fridge/pantry. (or the kids can themselves)
--baked potatoes in microwave. Top with cheese, canned chili, frozen broc, etc.
--sandwich fixins--PB & J, lunchmeat, grilled cheese
--tortilla chips for nachos
--tortillas for quesadillas, wraps
--canned soup, ravioli, etc.
--boxed mac & cheese
--eggs & bacon or sausage & toast
--cereal or other grab & go breakfast items
--frozen pizza, hot pockets, pizza rolls
--chicken fingers, fish sticks, corn dogs
--apples, banana, in season fruit
--carrots, snow peas, celery, bagged salad
NO KIDDING--these items are in my fridge/freezer/pantry at ALL times--my teens are champions of on the go meals at home. And even these convenience items are the more reasonably priced ones

We practically never do fast food--frankly I find it expensive, generally unhealthy, and not that good. Don't get me wrong, we do in a pinch, but only when we are running from one activity to another. I'd rather spend just a bit more and have a sit down meal at a restaurant.

Good luck!

 

[Princess Disney Mom]

Eggs. Any way. Add almost any leftover veggies and cheese and you have an omelet.

 

[JanaDee]

Replace your crockpot ASAP.

 

[Stephaniesue]

Kraft recipes online has some great, quick low cost foods. I find recipes on there and fit them to what I have on hand, or change things to make it more cost effective.

If you are interested in make ahead meals you should check out onceamonthmom.com. I try to do freezer meals in the winter months, so easy to stock the freezer then just pull one out to thaw before you head to work and pop it in the oven when you get home.

 

[mi*vida*loca]

I agree with the PP who said you don't have to do cheap meals.

I know you said it's mostly fast food but fast food is expensive! So you truly don't have to go the cheap route with dinners. A friend of mine has 4 boys and spends $50-60 at McDonald's easily for 6 people.

Meatloaf, mashed potatoes and sauteed green beans.

Roasted chicken, rice and a veggie.

Spaghetti and meatballs (homemade are easy to make).

Steaks on the grill, baked potatoes. (Basically any meat on the grill)

Italian sausage with some spaghetti sauce, peppers and onions on rolls.


What I do with meatballs and meatloaf is prep them on the weekend or the night before. It literally takes a 15 minutes to prep it, or less. I have it all prepared in the pan, covered and in the fridge. When I get home I turn the oven on and start it. While it's cooking I do homework with the kids and all that fun stuff. Or you could cook it on the weekend and freeze it.

I'm a working mom and there are days I don't like to cook but we really stay away from fast food. I think it's so expensive and crappy. And it messes my stomach up badly.

 

[Eureka]

I'm a working mom and there are days I don't like to cook but we really stay away from fast food. I think it's so expensive and crappy. And it messes my stomach up badly.

I could have written the above statements. DH does cook a couple days a week when he works from home but more often than not with meetings he has to go in for and the kids' sports, the school year is crazy but we still do eat at home almost every day. I cook and freeze chili, French toast, and keep pita bread on hand for quick pita pizzas for the really hectic days. Also, a couple rotisserie chickens at the supermarket is way less than taking everyone out to eat and healthier. I also keep ham steaks in the freezer, it's not my favorite but the guys like them. There's always pasta. My 13 yr old doesn't like pasta so we either give him a frozen Gortons fish or a leftover from the night or two before. That said there are still some days that just are hard. I called home last night when I was leaving and DH had brought home a bucket of KFC and sides. But that was like $30 versus the the price of us all going to a sit down place. Good luck!

 

[mi*vida*loca]

I could have written the above statements. DH does cook a couple days a week when he works from home but more often than not with meeting he has to go in for and the kids' sports, the school year is crazy but we still do eat at home almost every day. I cook and freeze chili, French toast, and keep pita bread on hand for quick pita pizzas for the really hectic days. Also, a couple rotisserie chickens at the supermarket is way less than taking everyone out to eat and healthier. I also keep ham steaks in the freezer, it's not my favorite but the guys like them. There's always pasta. My 13 yr old doesn't like pasta so we either give him a frozen Gortons fish or a leftover from the night or two before. That said there are still some days that just are hard. I called home last night when I was leaving and DH had brought home a bucket of KFC and sides. But that was like $30 versus the the price of us all going to a sit down place. Good luck!

DD has soccer today and I'm picking up a rotisserie chicken from the grocery store. Only $5. Then I'll make homemade mashed potatoes. Takes 20 minutes for the potatoes to boil. And then a steamer bag of veggies. Under $10 and we enjoy it. I buy an extra chicken and make chicken salad for lunches.

 

[Marionnette]

DD has soccer today and I'm picking up a rotisserie chicken from the grocery store. Only $5. Then I'll make homemade mashed potatoes. Takes 20 minutes for the potatoes to boil. And then a steamer bag of veggies. Under $10 and we enjoy it. I buy an extra chicken and make chicken salad for lunches.

This is exactly what I meant when I said that the OP should ease herself into cooking by taking advantage of convenience foods. If she isn't quite ready to make her own mashed potatoes, she can buy the frozen mashed potato buds, dried mashed potato packages or even the ready-to-eat mashed potatoes in the refrigerated section. None of those options (including the store-bought chicken and frozen veggies) is as healthy as what you can cook from scratch, but they are certainly a step up the nutritional ladder from chicken nuggets and french fries! Plus, it's not going to cost her as much $ per serving.

Once she gets more comfortable with preparing meals in her kitchen, she can graduate to roasting her own chicken and peeling her potatoes for mashing!

 

[dpswift]

Replace your crockpot ASAP.

This many of my most successful at home meals are from a crockpot. Last night I put chicken breasts in the crockpot with cream of chicken soup and chicken broth cooked all day from frozen on low. Came home took out the breasts put in egg noodles. Shreaded the chicken and put it back in the pot. So easy and my family loved it.

Also use it for pulled pork, meat balls and sausage and many other things.

There are threads dedicated to crockpot cooking if you do a search.

 

[DaretoDis]

If you can swing it, one of the new combination pressure cookers/slow cooker is the way to go. You could do that chicken recipe above in about 30 minutes. Brown the chicken in the unit, add other ingredients, pressure cook 20-30 minutes and you're done.

or,

Saute chicken breasts, add can of tomatoes, season with salt, pepper, oregano, and basil. Pressure cook for 20-30 minutes and sprinkle with romano cheese.

Good luck.

 

[tryingfornumber7]

Thanks SO much everyone. I wish there was LIKE button to like every post. All excellent ideas. I really enjoy making quick convenient dinners like most suggested. We do tacos and fajitas a lot. Those are great. And eggs. I just might go to good will tomorrow and see if they might have a cheap crock pot. Thanks everyone!

 

[carymomof3]

Sweet and Sour Meatballs!

Dump a package of frozen precooked meatballs into crockpot. Add whatever veggies you like - I do chopped onion and green peppers. Pour a bottle of sweet and sour sauce over them and let them cook on low all day. 30 minutes before serving, pour a can of pineapple chunks on top.

Serve over rice. I usually do a side salad with it. Seriously, DH would eat this ever week!

 

[Sandy61]

Replace your crockpot ASAP.

Replace it with a programmable one. In the morning before work, throw in frozen roast, chicken breast, pork, ribs etc. Have easy sides. Veggies with cheese, baked potato in microwave, fresh green beans in steamer bags. Set it to come on at noon.

I sit down and plan a menu a week ahead and then write out grocery list. If you have a pantry, then you can have a lot on hand and only buy when it is on sale.

I also try to cook 2 meals at 1 time...grill as much chicken breast as your grill can hold. First night grilled chicken, then another meal of chicken fajitas, chicken sandwiches. I cook a 2 pound meatloaf and freeze the leftover slices.

 

[crazelion]

I want to add that cooking can be extremely frustrating if you don't have the right tools.

It might sound like I'm talking down to you, but many people who don't cook don't have a well-supplied kitchen. Do you have things like:

• mixing bowls
• measuring cups and spoons
• sharp knives and a cutting board
• good quality skillets and saucepans - with matching lids
• casserole and/or baking dishes
• oven mitts and potholders
• a vegetable peeler
• box grater or microplane
• food processor
• cookie sheets
• citrus juicer
• garlic press
• pasta strainer
• a variety of spices (not just salt & pepper)
• flour and sugar, baking soda, etc
• cooking utensils (slotted spoon, pancake turner, whisk, wooden spoons)

Those things can make a cook's life easier and without them, you're going to get frustrated. Not only that, but it's going to blow the budget if you have to go out and buy a new kitchen gadget or spice every time you want to make a recipe.

I am with you on everything else. But do really need a garlic press and citrus juicier. These two I have no use for in the kitchen. I just use a little bit a garlic powder.

 

[Marionnette]

I am with you on everything else. But do really need a garlic press and citrus juicier. These two I have no use for in the kitchen. I just use a little bit a garlic powder.

If you're a serious cook, the answer would be yes. Garlic powder is a poor substitute for fresh garlic. And getting the most juice from a lemon is much easier with a citrus juicer...not a machine, just a hand tool.

 

[mi*vida*loca]

I am with you on everything else. But do really need a garlic press and citrus juicier. These two I have no use for in the kitchen. I just use a little bit a garlic powder.

I have what we call a pilon in Spanish. I mash fresh garlic for almost everything I cook.

Lately I've been using my ninja to grind it up.

Garlic is a staple in my home.

 

[mombrontrent]

I am with you on everything else. But do really need a garlic press and citrus juicier. These two I have no use for in the kitchen. I just use a little bit a garlic powder.

Both are a MUST for me. I use my garlic press almost everyday, garlic powder is just not the same at all. I also use my citrus juicer several times a week for lemons, limes and oranges. I also use a microplane grater to zest citrus fruits quite often.

 

[Disneyluv111]

• Eat out less
• Stay home more, saves gas
• Don't shop for unneccessary things, just stay home more
• Make coffee at home
• Work overtime
• Sell things around the home on Craigslist.org (super easy to do)
• Look at your bills and see if there's something that can be cut out. Little savings here and there add up
• Some people coupon
• If you still have time, garage sales are your friends! Buy used stuff if necessary
• Old children's clothes can be sold at consignment shops
• work more over time. I know I've said it already but this is a great way to make extra money. A little sacrifice goes a long way! It'll be worth it!
• Don't grocery shop until you have cleared out the pantry and freezer. We did this once and didn't shop for a month! It was nice. We ate what we had.
  

 

[MataHari22]

I swear by my slow cooker. You do not have to do much of anything and you have a good meal when you get home. It's not only good in the winter, but in the summer, too, because you do not have to heat up the kitchen. You can take inexpensive cuts of meat, and they can be delicious cooked low and slow. So many people have them, and never use them. If you don't have one, they are pretty inexpensive, or sometimes, you can get one free from the friend that never uses her's. Lol. My dad ended up getting one from his SIL, she never cooks.

I see others have already mentioned my standbys of chicken soup, chili, spaghetti and meatballs, lasagna, and tacos. These can be made in large batches and frozen. Cook once eat two or three times. So as to try not to repeat, thought I would also throw in some time and money saving tips that work for me.

I try and do all my prep once, at most twice per week. IOW, I buy my veg (or go pick it from the garden) that I need for the week, and cut it all up and put it into bags or containers and use that to cook with for the week. My summer staples are red and green peppers, summer squash and broccoli. Since I am single and cooking for one, I just take a cup of each veg for my dishes as I am cooking. Can be used in stir fry, frittatas, or roasted and tossed with pasta, curries, etc. Same veggie staples, changed up with different proteins and spices. Obviously, you'd be cooking for six, so it would be a lot to chop, but you're only doing it once, and not having to drag out knives and cutting board, etc 5-6 times during the week. It's a big time saver.

Also, try cutting back on proteins 1-2 times a week for meatless meals. Beans are super cheap and very good for you. I love them. (Bean or lentil soup. Love to get a ham and make bean or lentil soup, or even red beans and rice with the leftover ham bone. Cheap and absolutely delicious.) Or, just reduce the amount of meat that you use. I stick to about 4oz portions per person. Saves $$$$$.

Use your store flyer when you shop. I buy the seasonal fruit and veg which is usually cheaper in season and I buy the things that are on sale. When the pasta is .88¢ a pound, I buy a bunch. By paying attention to my flyer and just buying the things I always use with my store card, I saved $34 on my last shopping trip. Not to mention that my store gives me has points and I will save .15¢ per gallon on my next gasoline purchase.

Buy the things you always use in bulk when cheaper. For me, that is oatmeal, rice, pasta, beans, cheese, yogurt, bananas, laundry soap, dishwasher soap, and shampoo & conditioner. For a bigger family, things like potatoes, carrots, celery, onions, and lettuce, may also work.

I like to eat a big breakfast. I like oatmeal, especially with fruit. Very filling and good for you. Keeps you fuller longer, which means I don't have to snack, which saves money. I make three servings of oatmeal at a time and put the rest in the fridge to heat up the next couple of days. I just microwave it with a tiny bit of milk and then add my fruit. You can also make overnight oatmeal in the slow cooker. I've never done it though. If you don't like oatmeal, you can do something like a breakfast casserole where you layer in bread, browned sausage, cheese, and eggs.

This time of year, many people with gardens are often giving away tomatoes, zucchini for free. You can use the tomatoes to make sauce and freeze it. Zucchini bread or muffins and you can freeze them. Potatoes keep well. Friends with gardens are awesome. The stuff we don't grow in our garden, I trade my things for my friends stuff that she grows in her garden. Also will be picking and drying herbs now, always give those away, too!

Good luck and here's some links to recipes and ideas. PS, I typed this on my iPhone, and I can hardly see even with my glasses on, so sorry for any typos.


http://www.bhg.com/recipes/healthy/dinner/cheap-heart-healthy-dinner-ideas/

Congee. Super cheap and super yummy. I am not Asian, but this is total yummy comfort food for me and I cook it in my crock pot. At the end, I always top mine with shredded cabbage in my bowl along with a bit of green onion, soy sauce and a dash sesame oil:
http://www.epicurious.com/recipes/food/views/Chinese-Chicken-and-Rice-Porridge-Congee103051


Chicken & Dumplings
http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/rachael-ray/chicken-and-dumplings-recipe.html

Ham & Bean soup:
http://m.allrecipes.com/recipe/17628/basic-ham-and-bean-soup
Ham and potato soup is good too, if you don't like beans.

Breakfast casserole:
http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/paula-deen/breakfast-casserole-recipe.html

 

[crisi]

Both are a MUST for me. I use my garlic press almost everyday, garlic powder is just not the same at all. I also use my citrus juicer several times a week for lemons, limes and oranges. I also use a microplane grater to zest citrus fruits quite often.

I buy a huge jar of chopped garlic at costco. Lasts practically forever, longer than individual cloves, and works much better than powder. I'll only buy cloves if I need the whole cloves for some reason.

My kids make guac fairly often (whenever there is an avocado in the house), they'd never bother with a press.

Garlic presses drive me nuts. I have several.

I barely use my juicer - rather than have lemons and limes go bad, I buy the juice, but I use my microplane all the time.