I thought the same thing!

This is a Great amount!

50.00 a week for two People- I think that is Perfect! We do about 150.00 - 200.00 a week for the 6 of us !

I know this may sound odd, but you can cut back on what you spend on baby items. Get a good amount of baby washclothes, and designate them "wipes" you can keep a diaper hamper to put used ones in and then just wash them. I did this with my last two. Also, cloth diapers are still an option if you are staying home. I know they aren't much of an option if your child has to go to daycare. Use botyh if you have to, disposable when you are out and cloth when home. You could at least cut back that way.
Also, look very closely at your list and see what you can make yourself. I have recipes for( and have made myself), choc syrup, coffee mixes, pancake syrup, rice mixes, crackers, "instant biscuits", cookie mixes, cake mixes, whipped topping, yogurt, and even gatorade mix. Some stuff that we think of as staples really are a conveinence. You would be amazed at the amount you will save with very little effort, really.
If you can be diciplined enough to only buy what you need, then coupons are a good way to go. ONLY If the item costs less than homemade. Play your coupons right, and you can save a bundle.

this is about what i used to spend on DH and I, no kids. we do have 2 animals (not comparing, and i know animals done cost any were as much as kids )
but i got thinking about it and i knew i could cut it WAY back, so know we are at $80/month for food, paper, animal supplies, the whole sha-bang. it does take ALOT more planning but it can be done.

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My choices yesterday create my today. My choices today create my tomorrow.

We spend that amount on a family of 6 ~ 2 adults, 4 girls. The only baby items I have left to buy however are diapers (and we are almost done with those). We do have pets though (5 cats & a dog). Different parts of the country are obviously priced different ~ so I can only compare with the upper midwest (as I am in MN).

I used to be a BIG coupon user, however I don't really have access to coupons anymore. Once in awhile I still come across one, but for me it's just easier to stick with the store brand of the items. I do stockpile when I have the opportunity (but don't OVERSTOCKPILE) and ALWAYS shop the store ads. I do have to say though - I am about as slim as I could go.

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I think that your doing a great job on your weekly amounts. We are a family of 4 and spend $150-$175 a week here in Texas. I'm always jealous when I hear people saying they can spend $50 a week because coupons, generics, sales etc. that is just not possible here--I've tried. I make a menu, a list, shop sales, stockpile meat when its on sale etc. I think it also has to do with the way I like to cook too. I like to put a home cooked hearty full meal on the table every night. This week, lasagna, homemade french onion soup, honey mustard chicken, sirloin beef stroganoff, pizza, grilled pork chops etc. I also make a hot lunch daily for kids at home and bake healthy cookies etc for the kids. I also have sides like garlic toast, salad, veggies and fruit every night as well so I don't think that I can get my budget down more than that. I think you are doing a great job and you'll get great ideas here!

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Standard of Living and Quality of life are NOT the same thing.

If they are in your area you could always try Angel Food Ministries. You can order food from a host site once a month and it helps out with the grocery budget and their meat is great. Anyone can order from them regardless of income.

Here is what I am getting for $70 this month but you can order less.

1.25 lb.
Bacon Wrapped Beef Filets (5 x 4 oz)
4 lb.
Individually Frozen Chicken Leg Quarters
2 lb.
Lean Hamburger Steaks (4 x 8oz.)
1.5 lb.
Boneless Pork Roast
1.25 lb.
Meaty Beef Short Ribs
20 oz.
Supreme Pizza
10 oz.
Deli Sliced Turkey Breast
3 lb.
Fresh Apples
35 oz.
Crinkle Cut French Fries
16 oz.
Frozen Green Beans
16 oz.
Onion Rings
14 oz.
Fancy Ketchup
26 oz.
Pasta Sauce
16 oz.
Pasta
16 oz.
Pinto Beans
7.5 oz.
Macaroni and Cheese
Dessert Item
(2 lb. Rib Eye Steaks (4 x 8 oz.), 2 lb. New York Strip Steaks (4 x 8 oz.), 1 lb. Hamburger Beef Steaks (2 x 8 oz.))
10 lb. Chicken Breast Box - $20.00
(10 lb. Individually Quick Frozen Boneless Skinless Chicken Breast )

It is great being able to eat more meat


Also what I use to do is make my list and go to Aldi or Save A Lot. I would get anything from the list that I was not worried about a particular brand at these stores and saved a lot of money.

Jen

$213 a month for food doesn't sound bad to me! We spend about $250 a month for our family of 4.

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Carrie
SAHM Momma to 2 sweet boys and a baby princess

I think you're doing great with your budget. However, if you're really wanting to cut it back some more, I would look for ways to trim the baby and paper supplies some, and then start tweaking the food budget. Cook as much from scratch as you possibly; have 1-2 meatless meals per week; avoid prepackaged convenience foods-they're too expensive, and full of sodium and preservatives. Good luck!!

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~*~ Angie~*~
Wife to Brian
SAHM to Sarah & Andy 2/11/2000

I would cut down on the paper goods. I don't know what brand of diapers and wipes you use but that amount you budgeted for sounds more than reasonable but if you needed it dropped even more you could do a store brand or generic diaper and wipes or buy in bulk at Sams if you have a membership.

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Thanks ladies. I am starting to stockpile better. We ran through our stockpile a few months ago so things got pretty bare. And I'm trying to build it back up. I guess just seeing the dollar amount all in one place shocked me! lol

I do need to get better about using what we have on hand and getting more creative though. Thanks for the support.

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Proud mommy to adorable Kinsley

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