trying to keep my head above water

[mom2lexscot]

well, like everybody else in these hard times, we are struggling to keep our heads above water, unfortunately, we are quickly sinking. have had very hard times here recently and looks like its just gonna get tougher. i am starting couponing and would very much appreciate ANY advice that i could get on how to get everything cheaper. i can't stockpile. i just need to know how i can make good meals for my family spending little money each week, also, how i can get necessities. i know i need to use sales and coupons, but how do you make cheap MEALS out of it? my budget is extremely low.

[434Teresa]

Just read and learn as much as you can. It takes time which I know you feel like you dont have.

[meggers]

Yes to reading all you can. Check out our stockpiling forum & recipes forum also. Lots of good frugal ideas everywhere.

[joshmamabear]

I know it is hard; I read an article last night how some politicians are grandstanding and trying to live on a FS budget of something like 68.xx per week. If it is true, then they can truly related to what majority of citizens are experiencing these days.

meanwhile, you can always check for loss leader sales in grocery stores. one thing I discovered in my area is that stores put .50 to $1 stickers on perishable items expiring in 1 or 2 days. Like Dole salad blend, I buy those with $1 sticker and use the .75 tearpad to buy them for .25/bag. I got a couple of Tropicana OJ bottles expiring in 2 days for .50 each and without coupons, that is a bargain for me! This is true for a lot of dairy products, with or without coupons, the prices become reasonable/cheap. IF this is not happening in your stores, consider talking to the manager and ask them what they do with nearly expiring perishable food and offer to buy them IF they are going to discard them. They may take your offer and you'll both win

[mom2lexscot]

thanks for all of your help.

[meggers]

That recipes forum also has a stockpile recipe sub-forum. It will show recipes from things couponers often get free & cheap.

[KmmCo]

Look for markdowns in the meat, produce, and dairy departments. Try some "less meat" recipies like stirfrys, casseroles, and soups - you will be heathier and save money at the same time! I can make a pound of meat last for 3 meals for the 3 of us by basing the meal on the "side dishes" and complementing it with just a little meat for flavoring.

My teenage son will even eat vegetables eagerly because he has learned to eat that way since he was young ... Today I even had to stop him from taking all the fresh dinner rolls and corn at lunch so that I could have a little too ....

[wendylv5]

I'm hoping things get better for you and the economy. We can't possible live like this much longer.