Monday, February 9, 2009

A new way of thinking for 2009

Some have asked me whatever happened to the Frugal $400 and the deal finding, coupon clipping me. Well, the $400 part hasn't changed, but my strategy has. I was challenged in my thinking a while ago about the time and energy that being frugal can cost. My goal is to stay within the $400 limit for our household/grocery needs for the month. My goal is not to see how much I can buy for $400 and end up with a lot of "stuff" that is of no use to us and makes me stressed out trying to organize and maintain it.

So my goal is the same, but my strategy is different. Of course, buy on sale, do good research, use coupons when they are easily accessible. But now I'm free from having to snag the latest deal that's been published or going to four different stores. I'd like to start making our cleaning products from scratch this year as well as being more proficient at using with grains.

This new mindset has sent me on a mission through the house getting rid of the many things we have cluttering up our lives. It's quite a chore that I can't wait to finish. Hopefully, by the end of February it will be done.

I'm also going to be freezer cooking each month this year. This does take up the majority of my budget, but planning this far in advance has so far allowed us to stay with budget thus far. Want to see what we're having this month?


Southfork Chili
White Chili
Make Ahead Burritos
Ranch Chicken Strips
Chicken, Broccoli and Rice Casserole
Lettuce Wraps
Chicken Stir Fry
Green Beans, Sausage and Potatoes
Sausage Calzones
Quiche
Turkey Tetrazzini
Spaghetti and Meatballs
Meatball Stroganoff and Noodles
Sausage Lentil Soup


4 comments:

Saralyn said...

Oh, Monica, I so glad to hear that I'm not the only one who hasn't been able to keep up with the pace of super shopping! I haven't been deal chasing since way before Christmas and I'm thinking it's time to drop the newspaper subscription because I rarely even file the coupons anymore. I'm just too tired and, as you said it, overwhelmed by the "stuff." It does have a way of becoming mental clutter, something none of us need!

Cindy-Still His Girl said...

Sounds like a good plan, my friend. Time IS money! :) Tell me how you do your ranch chicken strips. Is it like the one I do with corn flakes?

Monica said...

Wow, so much I could say about this, I may blog and link to your post.
Thank you for sharing.
The freezer cooking...what a blessing for your family...great job!! I look forward to hearing more about that!

Missy @ finding bright spots said...

I love this post and would love to hear more about ways you're still being frugal without jumping through hoops. Also, I'd love to read more about your freezer cooking endeavors...maybe you've written more about that on your other blog - I'll have to check there. That's one thing I've always been interested in, but just haven't done. I did throw some of our leftover soup in the freezer today, though. Hopefully we can get one extra meal from the freezer!

And as far as deal searching goes - I'm all for simple this year. I just want to spend my time on the important things (i.e. people) and not on the urgent (have to get to the store before the free razors are gone). Not that my deal catching days are done - just not as much of a focus. Yet, there's no way I can let go of being so frugal. It's just IN me. I think it will kill me if I ever have to pay for toothpaste again. : )