need help!

kellyk · **need help!**

hi evryone, my name is kelly, and im excited to be here...this is the deal...my husband and i are sick of overspending, and all of your posts have given me some hope...but where to begin? i work a little part time job at an antique store, and would not like to go full time some where we decided if ,for two months, i could foot the whole grocery bill, i could remain at that job, and continue to stay home with the kids...so tell me, how do i get started???? is 300.00 for a family of 4 per month too little? too much?? if this were my budget, i could even save about 200.00 , as i bring home around 500.00 i would love to relieve some stress from my husband but i dont know where to begin...HELP! ps. what does dh stand for...i had some ideas, but they were inappropriate so...HAHA

faerieflr · 01-29-2008, 10:00 PM

Hi! First DH=Dear or Daring Husband

Second-Welcome! This is a great place to learn!

Third- Where to begin....you have to figure out what kind of budget is good for your family. $500 may be good for one and $100 for another! Our budget varies a lot because of different diets. Mostly I jsut try to get the most for my money. I have found it helpful to know what each of the stores I shop price certain staple items. Perhaps you shop at store A and their butter is 2.99 lb and milk is 3.29 but store B might have butter at 3.99 lb and milk at 2.39! It sucks to shop all over, but you really can save. So first advise is a price book for common items. Then get couponing! I know it's a lot of work, esp. if you are working too, but if you coupon a sale....it can be big savings. I have gotten really lucky that way. Some people get free items that way too.

Good luck and it gets easier!

ChickyHip · 01-29-2008, 10:03 PM

Hi Kelly and welcome to mommysavers.

faerieflr has some good tips!

I would also suggest you take a look here http://mommysavers.com/boards/forget...-project-2008/ Kim started this project just this month and it seems like new people are joining every day.

If you have any other questions about the site, I will be glad to help!

SAHMto3boys · 01-29-2008, 10:11 PM

Hi - welcome to mommysavers!

I always read DH as Darling Husband!

Do you know what you spend currently on your groceries in a month? I know there are women on here who spend like $50 a month for groceries and there are others who spend $1800! (I think I remember both of those) Anyway, knowing what you usually spend will help you determine whether $200 is enough or not!

To help with the grocery costs you could always check if there's an Angel Food Ministries site near you. For $30 you can get a laundry basket full of various food! You can also add additional meat packages when you want.

The more meals you eat at home the more you'll save (for the most part).

Meatless meals are cheaper too.

Plan your meals around the weekly ads & ALWAYS shop from a list!

There are tons of tips here... and tons of very helpful women!!! Good luck!

happymommmy · 01-29-2008, 10:28 PM

Welcome Kelly!! Im glad you took the initative to ask for help. Know that we will always be glad to be of assistance!
The above post have great ideas, which i would recommend you follow (including the forget the jonesses project)

As for DH.... depending on the "mood" of your post, you can fill in the "d" for what ever you'd like.

On the grocery shopping, it does vary from family to family and also where you live and how expensive things are there. However, another tip is to USE COUPONS and try to match them up with sales in your store. When you reach 50 posts you can join a coupon train, and you'll receive coupons from other members through the mail and trade the ones you don't need.

Hope this helps.

PS we use alot of abbreviations here... so Check Out This Link if you need any more help with abbreviations.

Welcome aboard!