We all need to make choices for our family according to our belief systems, dietary needs, medical issues, and resources. The economy is tough. I am still noticing that certain items are in stock or much higher priced. We are blessed in this country to have other choices if some things are not available or too expensive. I was at the grocery store this mornings, I had coupons I needed to use for things I would use and could donate. My city market had milk for 15 cents a gallon. This doesn't happen often. I purchased 2 gallons. I making yogurt and cheese. Why, when I have goats milk I use for making cheese? I am low on goat milk right now. I have been giving it to a young family that needs it. They just moved here and didn't have a source of goat milk. It takes a village.
I am shocked at the amount of processed foods that people buy. I do notice one thing is people who use food stamps. I think they think are stocking up things that last in the freezer and shelf. They may not have a full kitchen or cooking skills. I volunteer at the food bank. There are people who do not know how to boil rice, and do not have many basic cooking skills. That was one of the reasons I was teaching cooking. One of the best things parents, Aunts, or other family members can do is teach the children and teens basic cooking skills and budgeting. These are life long skills. Our children are responsible for a cooked lunch or dinner every week. They choose the recipes, shop for the ingredients, and prepare the meal. We have a budget that they follow. If they chose to cook from the house stores, they keep the money for their savings account.
This shopping trip I found toothpaste tablets in metal containers. I purchased a year's supply for the household. I spent 1.75 for the entire lot for the year. Toothpaste tablets are hit or miss. I happen to like this brand. It was on clearance, in date, and I had coupons so that was a win. I try to not shop often so I try to buy things ahead when they are a good price and in date.
Frugality is not being cheap or going without. Our preference is to buy we can in all areas for the best price. Bartering, gleaning, and homesteading works for me in a rural area. It may not work for you in your area. We all can do what works for our family in our patch of the earth.
Soup meals once or twice a week can reduce your grocery bill by 20%. A left over night can reduce your budget and food waste. Once a week, I pull out leftovers and serve it buffet style. It is easy on sports nights. It saves picking up pizza or takeout because it is late.
The more you can do for yourself, it is better. You aren't relying on the whims of transportation and inflation.
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