Options and How to Grocery Shop

First, I have to share this offer. I have the opportunity to use recently remodeled office space rent free. I can open my own business. Unfortunately, I do not know what to do (using that space). I did come up with other ideas . . .

After speaking with a very smart friend, I decided to share my method of grocery shopping. She hates to shop and I LOVE it. I love almost everything about cooking. She was shopping with coupons and had a hard time seeking brands to satisfy the coupons and was very frustrated with the entire process. Bells went off for me. I can share my tips with you (okay, with my future readers).

First Things First
What do you like to eat? Start with a list of foods you enjoy. Then, supplement that with foods you always want to enjoy at home but, never have the ingredients on hand. I know that list making is tedious but, if you just make a mental list, it helps.

Then, pull out your handy supermarket fliers to see what is on sale. When you look at the list, you will see items needed to make those foods you enjoy. Pick 2 or 3 (or more) of those foods and start your grocery list (this is better written). There are staples you should have on hand like bread, milk, butter, etc. A bowl of cereal or toast and jam makes a great breakfast or dinner. So, think of those things you always want in your fridge (I like milk, juice, butter, jam, eggs). If those items are in the fridge, I can make almost anything (if my pantry is stocked).

Once you have your written list, look at your coupons and check the expiration dates. If the items on your list (or something needed to complete a dish) is contained in those coupons and you will use the item paperclip the coupon to the list and add the item (I add a C beside items for which I have coupons) to the list.

By the simple act of making a list, you will remember most of the items when you get to the store. I forget my lists from time to time but, there is something about writing that list that keeps it in your head.

THE MOST IMPORTANT THING
This is the most important thing to remember, eat first. Do not go to the grocery store hungry. This is when I spend more than $50. Everything looks good and you pick up something to eat in the car . . . by the time you make it home, you can't make a meal. But you can certainly eat all the food while driving!

Here are a list of general items to stock the fridge and pantry:

Milk
Butter
Juice
Eggs
Jam
Peanut Butter
Salt and Pepper
Sugar
Flour (B)
Baking Soda (B)
Baking Powder (B)
Bread
Potatoes
Onions
Cheese
Meat
Veggies
Cereal or Oatmeal

With these items you can feed yourself for a week. Think about it--cereal for breakfast, sandwiches for lunch, apple and peanut butter for snacks, meat and veggies for dinner. If you want to get fancy, you can even make pancakes for breakfast, grilled cheese sandwiches, etc. The items with a (B) after them are intended for those that bake. Notice that I did not add vanilla or other extracts (that is advanced). I did not list a pre-made baking mix because of the additives. It is easy enough to blend the dry ingredients.

Next time, I will tackle my way of using coupons.

Happy Shopping,
Frugal JD

Happy New Year

Well, it is the new year and I still am not working. I am okay with the unemployment.

Bored as heck, but financially sound. I made some moves which removed over $2k from my monthly budget. I was awarded unemployment so, my bills are paid with a bit extra left over each month.

I am still plotting new ways to squeeze the heck out of a dime or make a dollar out of fifteen cents. Right now my F*!& you fund is only down $1000. That was the money spent on unexpected car repairs. For Christmas, I did really well. The kid was happy and spent 2 days in his bedroom playing with his gifts! I think I selected well for him.

I have a few opportunities that look promising but, do not want to settle just for a job. Yes, I really need health insurance but, more importantly, I need mental stimulation. I cannot write as if I am writing to a below average intelligence infant. Nor will I be threatened at every turn. Yes, the California workplace can be brutal. One day I will post a picture of the view that I wake to each day. It is amazing when sunny or cloudy.

Looking for paid mental stimulation,

On the stroll

Found Money is Nice at Christmastime!

Today, when I was bargain shopping, looking for my cheap eats, I found some cash. It was blowing in the wind. I saw about 5 people step over it. We are talking bills, not change.

When I was little, my brother and I found around $100 blowing in the snow. We got off of a warm city bus (remember when it was safe to ride the bus?) and ran for a block to pick up a bunch of $20 bills blowing in the snow. We gladly waited in the snow until a friend picked us up.

So, when I find money, I get all warm inside and remember the fun I had when I found money with my brother. So, it is only $7 but, it is more than I had before! At least I have 'earned' money this month!

On the stroll

P.S. By the way, I did try to find the owner but, I was the only person there when I picked it up and I did not see it fall from a pocket or purse. I only saw people step over it.

Cyber Monday, Where?

I heard all weekend about these fabulous deals for online shoppers that would be available on Monday only. Well, I did not see any new deals. It was the same old line that was fed to shoppers on Friday.

I checked my ING Direct account and was very happy. I wanted to buy something that I would need. I need a hair dryer. My blow dryer is missing the vent cover . . . I would like to dry my hair without worrying about electrocuting myself because something flew into the wrong end of the dryer. I was hoping that Ulta or Sally would have something . . . nothing.

I ended up buying a CD that I have wanted since last summer. It was cheaper on eBay than using the 40% off discount at Borders. I keep checking for jobs but, I am patient and know that He will provide.

Enjoy Cyber Monday!

On the stroll

Still unemployed.

Since it has been a week, I will fax deferrals for my student loans. Besides rent, they are my highest expense each month and without a steady income, I cannot afford it. Okay, without any income.

I have applied everywhere and am just waiting to get callbacks next week. I started reading What Color is Your Parachute? I have never read it and am hoping to get a bit of direction. If I could test hair and beauty products for $100K per year, I would do it. However, law school did not prepare me for that.

Anyway, on to saving money. I am about to cash my final check and add it to my ingdirect account. That should allow me to gain some interest.

I did something different this year for the Thanksgiving meal. I bought the meat and my friend (a regular at holiday meals) bought everything else. I spent less than $25 for a turkey breast and 8 pound ham. So, I think I had the better end of the deal. He bought the potatoes, green bean casserole ingredients, mac n cheese, bread, etc. However, since this is a man, we only had one can of cranberry sauce. We LOVE cranberry sauce so, that did not work well.

Today, I am having a no buy day. I'm still in my nightgown and just did not need anything. I have a couple of gifts for my son and he wants one other thing; dominoes. This fit into my monthly budget so, I bought 2 of the 3 things he wanted already. Should be a very good Christmas.

On the stroll

Great time of the year

Well, I lost my job the other day. I'm not sure what happened and the issue will be resolved in litigation (or mediation). The sad thing is that I had an interview scheduled with another department today and we kept the interview. I guess that is all I should say about the situation until it is resolved.

The good part in all of this is that I have a plan to get me through the next few months. My F - U fund is not fully funded but, if nothing else, I can quickly get a retail gig to provide us with the basics.

Thanks to an ownership interest in an apartment building, I have a couple of places to move into at a minimal cost. I may try an alternative living arrangement like the one suggested by the simple dollar. I know someone that is having a HUGE financial crunch and by moving in, I can assist. Between that and deferring my largest school loan, I will save over $2k per month.

By the way, I need to send a shout out to my girl, she passed both the NY and NJ Bar! If we were the drinking kind, I would buy her a few rounds!

On the stroll

Planning

First, I must say thank you to all Veterans! My freedom is very important and I am so happy that you enlisted and served this wonderful country!

Because of my poor planning, I paid for lunch with plastic. I get paid on the 15th.

I know that I have major billage between the 1-15th of the month. Somehow, I added money to my ing account. Forgot to put it back into the checking account. Checking account is dry (at least my bills are paid). I transferred the money late so, I am waiting for the transfer to hit my account.

I guess this budgeting thing requires more planning than clipping coupons!

The best part is that I have money to transfer.

Plan these transfers so that you can take money out of the atm!

On the stroll