I got together with Mrs. HB for a second week in a row and not only did I do all her grocery shopping with her, but hung out at her house one morning to meal prep for the coming week ahead and to make a few freezer meals. Those are the pictures you’ll see when you scroll through this post.
She is giddy at rewiring her brain and stopping to THINK before she spends and it is bringing her peace and happiness. And it’s so fun to witness. We went on a walk last week and since I was on a no spend week, instead of stopping for tea and coffee like we usually do, I brought a thermos and recycled cups and we stopped for cocoa on a bench instead. I said “Hey, we just saved $5!” and you could see the wheels turning in her eyes.
I could go on and on about this I think I’ll let her chime in instead. Below are comments she left on the blog last week and I wanted to make sure everyone saw them all.
Change. It’s a GOOD THING. There’s nothing to be ashamed of. We all have bad habits we’d like to curb. But the bottom line is, it’s your money, your hard, HARD earned money and no one else is going to put food on your table. So watch your dollars. Your older self will thank you in the years to come.
***********************
Monday, January 9th, 2017
Wow, I am over run with emotion as I have read every word that ya’ll have written and it is ALL so supportive and informative and enlightening! I honestly will take all your suggestions to heart and will over time incorporate them into my plan…. Unfortunately it’s just the start of the week and already I have blown my personal spending budget!
Not all on food stuffs but other life stuff. I locked my keys in the car, $80, Blinds needed repair, $53, and during a Boy Scout outing, which we had planned on cooking out, the weather got bad and the troop ended up eating out which was another $53 (I paid for my son’s friend who didn’t bring any extra money). This is hard but, my stars, I am so touched by all the positive feedback.
Quite honestly I expected a lot of negativity, beating myself up that I had let it go this far, too lazy and not disciplined, etc. Just goes to show what wonderful readers Mavis has! It will be an interesting and self reflective journey but I am committed!
Oh did I forget to mention that for 20 years my wonderful husband has been asking me to make a budget for his Christmas or Birthday present? Yes he has and I hate to confess that it took me this long. But better late than never and with Mavis’ help I finally have given him this gift. This is not only for my sanity but for him and a little less anxiety in his life.
Friday, January 13th,
Well I cant believe that I have survived this week but honestly it has been a very liberating week. Tomorrow starts my second week and as of Thursday evening I have $460 in reserve! You cant even imagine my real face emoji that I am feeling right now. And I know exactly what the biggest reason why is….. Cash only!
I have been so scared and apprehensive about this you cant even imagine. Because I am no longer carrying my debit or credit cards with me, I keep thinking what if I NEED money ? At the grocery, whatever. But the strange thing is… I have all but stopped spending on just stuff.
Example: Driving home from work meeting the other night, traffic was HORRIBLE! I knew my in-laws had the kids and my husband was taking Little HB to baseball, so really no real need to get home. Dinner was in frig, if they so chose to eat it. Normally I would stop for a “pee break” and to let traffic die down at a local TJ mAXX or Marshalls, just to vege. I swear it IS retail therapy but in the moment I would spend $100, $200 on stuff I didn’t need. I really enjoyed this time of uforia but then would come the anxiety of the impending bill!
I don’t need this anxiety in my life and I passed the opportunity up. Mainly at this point because I know Mavis is looking over my shoulder! I also passed up a $3.50 ice cream from Ben and Jerry’s! Wait for it …….. IN MY DREAM! I am starting to dream about saving ! Totally bazar! Anyway this week has left me feeling more empowered and light, emotionally, physically and spiritually! What a gift Mavis my friend has giving me!!!! Thank you Mavis!
~Mrs. HB
Note from Mavis: No hater comments okay… We all have bad habits. Energy drinks, soda and bottled water could easily shave $50 off her budget. We all know that. BABY STEPS. Slow and steady wins the race. That’s what I’m talking about. Planning ahead, and relearning how to shop and what your priorities are takes time. And I think my friend is doing an AWESOME job so far. 🙂 Keep on rockin’ Mrs. HB. You’re doing great!
Melissa says
So proud of you Mrs. HB – thank you for sharing your journey as you learn these new skills. Love it that your husband gets a budget and that Mavis is showing you how to do it. I have always found that having a weekly menu is the key – and then you make your shopping list from there. Then when you go to cook you have all of your ingredients. Keep up the good work. Sending you some saving money vibes!!!!
Katie says
I’m not hatin’, just appreciatin’. I loved the first post and the update. Great work and kudos to both of you (Mavis for volunteering and Mrs. HB for knocking it out of the park in Week 1). You’ve inspired me to be more intentional with my own purchases this week (and hopefully longer). And I love this series! It’s my favorite thing since Mavis’ chickens!
Lauren says
Mavis, I think I need you looking over my shoulder, too. And Mrs. HB? I can totally relate to the coffee thing.
I have a couple of questions, though. First off, Mrs. HB, you said you are just carrying cash instead of cards. Do you split it up in any way? A certain amount for groceries, another for gas, etc? I’m curious to try this, but worry I would just blow through all of my cash! LOL
Also, a question for everyone… What kind of time management strategies can you suggest to prep food ahead, and techniques to make sure you have it with you? I have a six year old and a baby often find myself away from the house, kids in tow, and it’s too easy to stop somewhere to buy my daughter food, or find a coffee shop to nurse the baby. Anyone have any tips?
Mrs. Hillbilly says
I do split it up , otherwise I am sure it would disappear to someplace it wasn’t supposed to. I also count the main stash frequently to keep me in check. Cash only is best for me but have a friend who shared that she uses one credit card for only grocery and always pays it off. Good idea for points or miles but I am not that strong yet and know I would
Get I to trouble using this method!
Marcia says
Oy I had a 6 year old and a baby at one point (4 years ago).
I would do a few things:
1. Eat and drink before we go anywhere.
2. Pack a snack bag if I even thought we were going to be gone for more than an hour. At a minimum, this was crackers or a banana and water. If there was a potential for being gone longer, string cheese, maybe some raw veg. Or the little applesauce packets.
Yeah, it was kind of weird to pack a diaper bag AND a snack bag, but it was really helpful. When it comes to “prep” don’t think “prep” so much as “food you don’t have to prep”.
I live in CA so I pretty much nursed wherever. Park bench, bus stop, car.
Brianna says
I have kids 7,5, and 2. When I nursed my babies and we were out and about and wanted a private place I would go to my car. It was a nice place to people watch from and my kids could eat their snack or play and I wouldn’t have to worry about them running off or getting into trouble. I always carried dried fruit (raisin boxes, craisins, or leather), trail mix or granola bars, juice boxes and bottled water (my own bottles), crackers and peanut butter packets, etc. in a preschool size backpack. I would grab snap peas or an apple too on my way out the door sometimes. I always overpacked food, but I was often hungry myself as I nursed. I kept the backpack by the door with the car seat and diaper bag and when I replenished the diaper bag I would also do the backpack so I was ready at a moments notice. Just grab and go and have peace of mind. When you hear, “I’m hungry,” from the back seat you will have a few choices for your child and if they don’t want anything just remind them you offered them food for their hunger and you will not be going through the drive thru. If they are truly hungry they will take it. Plus a protein and carb will satisfy their hunger longer.
Lauren says
This is great advice! Thank you!
Marcia says
This was so great to read!! I enjoyed it.
Oh, I remember the diet coke days. I had a 20 year addiction to it. When I was getting frugal, I switched from 2 bottles from the soda machine at work, to buying cases of the cans. Then I switched to 2L bottles. Then I got pregnant and I literally could not stand the taste. I switched to Diet Dr. Pepper, and cut back to one a day. Then I realized I was probably poisoning myself, so when my baby was around 2, I switched to tea. And I drank free work tea!
Then I got hooked on coffee at 40. Started buying good coffee. Then I started drinking work coffee, but started buying fancy creamer. Then I realized I was only drinking coffee to get the creamer. So I switched to milk. Then I realized that I liked the “cheap” Costco brand of coffee (in the can) more than the free work coffee. So now, I drink 1-2 cups of coffee at home (each day) and then free work green tea.
I also developed a soda water habit, so I have a soda stream. Which is, yes, more expensive than plain water, but whatever. I am a huge fan of baby steps but am quite happy with my water/ coffee/tea/ soda water habits right now.
The good thing about regular habits is that an occasional splurge/ emergency dinner out won’t break the bank.
Chelle says
I’m trying to do the same thing. So helpful to follow along with you!
Kathie S. says
You are off to an awesome start! I too am trying to overhaul my spending. Next month-no extra’s for me, only groceries. Good luck to you 🙂
Sara says
I feel you Mrs. HB…..Diet Coke……UGH…..We all have are NEEDS. Better to spend money on a case then daily at the fast food place. You keep trucking along. you can do this.
Tanya says
GO Mrs. HB GOOOOOO! Starting out slow so you don’t become overwhelmed with all the changes is the way to tackle this. This is my first year attempting to use a budget for all the expenses. I tackled my food budget, started a vacation fund, now to tackle the everyday spending. All that food you have prepped with Mavis looks so yummy, much more appealing than processed cookies or meals in a restaurant, not only in looks but in the wallet!
Sharon says
You are doing great Mrs. HB! You go girl!
Gina says
Mrs. HB, you are doing a great job! I have learned so much from this blog, and you are so lucky to have Mavis right there by your side, in person helping you! I’m so jealous! I’m so happy to hear you report on how fantastic you feel about what you have learned in week one. You rock! I am leaning along the way, too, so keep up the great reports.
Melanie says
Whoo hoo! You go, Mrs. HB! I also have some personal spending goals for 2017, and now that the novelty has worn off, it’s HARD! But I love that Tom Hanks’ quote from A League of Their Own: “It’s supposed to be hard. If it wasn’t hard, everyone would do it. It’s the hard that makes it great.”
Keep at, girl! You CAN do this!
Dawn says
Great job Mrs. HB! You are off to a wonderful start. As for buying things other people might think are frivolous – everyone has their splurge items. Even super penny pinchers could most likely give up something. Who wants to go through life miserable? I have always been a fan of saving in some areas so you can splurge in others. My splurge is organic, fair trade coffee beans.
Em says
Good job!
Denise Beard says
Let me tell you what you have to look forward to! I keep feeling younger and younger the farther away I get from pre-made, commercial foods. At 58 I have been eating better for 8 years, budget, health, all of it shoved me off the edge. I feel 28… I kid you not!
So, hang in there and be sure to watch for a spring in your step…you may just take up dancing! I took up farming, canning, ministry and more!
Sam says
Mrs HB, you are doing a great job!! I have 3 kids and my grocery bill used to be over 1000 dollars a month. I started small just like you 2 years ago and my bill is now half that amount. I felt proud of every baby step along the way and every week I improve. There is always learning to be had! I owe a lot of thanks to Mavis and her website too. Thank you Mavis! Also, the soup in the crockpot looks delicious!! What is it?
Henrietta Yabeny says
I was totally judging the energy drinks/soda/bottled water in the pictures, then I read your Note about hater comments and baby steps. You are so right Mavis, I think most of us have all been there and I’m sure if I showed my Costco purchases, there would be lots of comments and “what are you thinking” questions. I spend around 150-200 a week in groceries and I do most of my shopping at Costco. Lately I’ve become increasingly concerned with the waste I produce by buying packaged items (think plastic apple containers from Costco, plastic salad containers, etc.). I know I can do better. We can all do better. Tell your friend Mrs. H.B. that we are cheering for her and she is inspiring more people than she could imagine.
Linda @ A La Carte says
Good job!! Thinking before we spend is half the battle. Fighting those habits and urges to splurge. I’m doing better myself and following along with you if helpful!!
tia in boise says
awwwww….i had read Mrs. H-B’s comment that she left last week and thought that it was so sweet of her to “join us”. i am so excited for her and with her! who couldn’t be more miserly with Mavis peering over your shoulder? ha ha! keep at it!
Carolina says
I would say frugal, not miserly. Miserly is something else entirely.
Christine says
Love reading about her progress! Looking forward to the next post
Rosaleen says
One angle I haven’t seen yet is the example you set for the rest of your family. I know people who have Keurig coffee makers and little Dunkin Donuts coffe pods, yet still stop to buy coffee. I was horrified when my friend’s son wanted to buy a cold drink, “one for the road,” two minutes after leaving the house. We HAD food and drinks on the car already. It’s a mindset for instant gratification and anything purchased ready-made is better than what one prepares for one’s self. Crazy. If drive in food places depended on my purchases, they’d be bankrupt in a hurry.
Jennifer says
MRS HB…The next time you buy something that you don’t need. Try to calculate the amount of time it would take you at work to earn enough to buy that thing. Doing this will help create the mindset of choice. Everyone has a choice to buy this or that.
My hubby and I are all about saving and buying only what we need. We in turn are trying to save to ‘buy’ ourselves freedom of choice of having to work or not. We are on target to retire the day our 2nd grader graduates High School.
Andrea D says
Great job! It can be so frustrating when you are starting a savings plan like this and almost right away unexpected things happen- like the keys locked in the car, broken blinds, and dinner plan changes. (Or in my case, a bill from the government saying we didn’t pay enough sales tax on a used car we purchased- 4 years ago. Really?! How can they send me a bill 4 years later? Ugh!) It can be tempting to just give up, but it sounds like you didn’t let it get you down. Thank you Mrs. HB for willingly sharing your struggle with us so we can learn too, in real time.
Missy says
So positive 🙂 Great to see supportive comments. Makes me want to keep watching this blog!
Nancy says
Great job Ms. HB. My own demons are Coke Zero/Diet Coke and I still s**ke. Now with that deep dark secret out. Those are not part of my grocery budget and come out of my personal spending funds. I have cut back on the smoking and am working at quitting.
Cheryl says
Hey Nancy, I started smoking when the packs were a quarter and I was 13. I finally quit 30 years later when they were hovering around $3 bucks a pack. I tried the nicotine patches and finally what did it for me was using EMDR. The hardest part was learning how to deal with anger without lighting up. I used the deep inhalation like you’re sucking in the smoke and then let it out slowly over and over, it really helped. I also married my fork and gained a bit of weight. Good luck!
Nicole says
Way to go Mrs. HB and congratulations on your immediate progress! Your words brought tears to my eyes. Taking control of your spending and seeing the benefits is invigorating. It’s just going to snowball from here, especially with Mavis by your (our) side. You don’t need to go to any extremes, all of the little choices that we make add up to huge savings.
Jenny Young says
I am so very happy for you Mrs HB!!! Just think what you’re doing for your children. Seeing you face your hard thing, seeing you ask for help & struggle….all of that will be so good for them when they face their hard things.
As I age my one big goal is to age well for my child. Seriously, growing old is hard & I want my son to see it done well with love. When I’m the most discouraged I choose to think of my son. He’s my reason to keep trying to do better.
When you want to quit think of your kids. I know we need to do things for ourselves but when it’s really tough, if I think it’s just for me I will quit. If it’s for my family I will fight a lot harder. You can do it too!
Brianna says
Impressive! In regards to the Diet Coke, I wasn’t a huge soda drinker until I moved to Georgia a little over 2 years ago and guess what? Coke is everywhere and it is so cheap! In fact everybody down here in the south seems to buy it. I could not even remember what a good sale price for a 12 pack is, because it is always at a good price here. I’m not sure if you buy it because of nastalgia or because you like the flavor, but I can understand with you mentioning you were from the South how much of a staple it is. I’m a sucker for those coke freestyle machines and every place here has them. My parents live in Montana and $5.29 a 12 pack is the regular price there, here it is always 4/$10 and even cheaper if you bundle it with a rotisserie chicken or other promotion.
In regards to buying the gallons of water, if it is distilled it could be for an indoor fountain or CPAP or coffee maker. There are lots of personal reasons to buy such types of water.
Keep up the good work and I can’t wait for next weeks post. Thank you also for putting yourself out there for learning purposes and spending your time to compile you week summary. I think a lot of people can relate at some point to your grocery spending habits and it is a process to reset to a new and realistic normal.
Jessica says
Great job skipping the *pee break*! It is definitely hard to break every bad habit right away but your being able to realize that one so quick is fabulous!
As for the bulk beverages.. No hating needed. The reality is you would be spending WAY more on those items individually purchased at the quik stop or vending machines. I encourage you to check your receipt and figure out your price per item. How much are you paying per can of Monster/Coke/Water.. then determine if it IS that important to you.. can you get it priced lower and keep those figures in mind! That way the next time you stop to fill the gas tank you are not swayed to grab a quick drink.. when you realize you are paying the equivalent of 2-3 you already have at home, you will wait that 10 minutes to get one at home!
Great job! Good Luck keeping up!
Carole says
What a great post. Hope you share these recipes of things you two are making. Everything looks so good!!
Marybeth says
Great job Mrs. HB. You are doing wonderful. We all have a vice. Mine is chocolate. Remember to take it day by day. If you fall of the frugal wagon one day just try your best the next. You are doing this for your family so don’t worry about the nay sayers. It always amazes me how hard we can be on ourselves.
Mavis you are a wonderful friend. If you could figure out how to make this a job I think you would make a fortune. So many people need help with these areas. Maybe teach a class at your church or library.
Deborah says
We all need Mavis as our BFF! And Mrs HB, way to go! You are doing so well! I try and keep about $20 in my wallet for emergencies. As long as I can make a call if need be, I’m good. Yes, I have a cell phone, prepaid. It costs about $20-ish for 90 days. I’ve needed it twice so far. A flat tire and a flat spare once. And a service engine light in another vehicle. LOL Both were vans.
Natalie says
Rome wasn’t built in a day! Keep up the good work!
Diane says
I love this series! My grocery bill is also high (although for different reasons) and I am learning along with you, Mrs. HB, how to make step-by-step changes. I appreciate that you wrote this honest and vulnerable post along w/pics. You’re leading the way for me, thank you!
Cass says
Great Job, Mrs HB. (will be following along as a refresher course for my own spending habits)
I wish I had a Mavis in my life just before I spent my family into bankruptcy. Yup, it can happen, to you can be very proud of yourself for taking the bull by the horns and getting your budget in order before your creditors force you to live on a tiny tiny budget. (been there, done that, was NOT a nice way to raise a family)
Stacie says
Great job Mrs. HB!! Your meal prep food looks so yummy!! Having dinner already waiting in the fridge makes it so much easier to not depend on takeout.
Katherine says
Proud of you Mrs. HB! Have you through about keeping an audiobook with you to enjoy when you are alone in the car? Your local library probably has a good selection.
bobbi dougherty says
awww, no hating here. baby steps in everything. habits are HARD to break. 🙁
I think we all are very proud of her AND we get to learn or relearn with her!
Anne says
Awesome job! I’ve been reading for a couple of years, trying now to get a family of 9 budget under $500 per month, without earing dry beans 4 days per week.
Kathy Gardner says
Mrs. HB, you are doing great! I have sort turned in the opposite direction. I was a very frugal person in all matters but in May 2015 I was diagnosed with stage IV pancreatic cancer. Not long after that I started buying any food items I wanted, whether they were on sale or even if I didn’t have a coupon for them. LOL That was totally so not me but I realized that in fighting this cancer I want to be happy and part of my happiness is eating anything I want. I don’t go crazy with it but if I want a big steak, I get a big steak. I do almost all of my own cooking and I am now caregiver for my 84-year-old Daddy and when he wants something to eat, I get it pronto and fix it for him.
I am not saying that anyone should not be careful and frugal but sometimes there is a time in your life when things change. Things changed here real fast. Part of my enjoyment of the rest of my life is eating anything I want and being able to take care of my Daddy and fix anything he wants to eat. For others it might be taking a world cruise or any number of things. We are limited in what we can do because of our illnesses so cooking and eating is benefiting both of us. I have not lost any weight and I have a disease that is considered a wasting disease. Daddy has been able to gain back some of the weight he lost during his long hospitalization for congestive heart failure and pulmonary embolisms.
Keep up the good work! In Mavis you have excellent guidance. Keep it real and make it fun. An indulgence occasionally makes life interesting.
Sheila says
Kathy, your post was inspiring to me the way you are facing your illness with courage and a happy heart. It sounds like you are doing a wonderful job taking care of you Daddy. I hope you continue to be able to eat well and care for both yourself and your father.
Laurie says
Any idea where I can get the best price on the bags for the vaco-sealer??? I have a cheap version.
Practical Parsimony says
I heard the Foodsaver site has a BOGO for the bags. The sale may be off by now. you can check it out.
Claudette says
We got ours at Costco. It was a good price and if we have problems with it in the future, their return policy is awesome.
Jean says
I use cereal bags. They work great!
Debbie N says
You are doing such a wonderful job! To me using a cash only budget really helps because you see the money that spending.
Lesa says
Mrs. HB, you go girl! Just remember, this is your own journey, so make changes at a pace that’s comfortable for you. Not sure where you’re originally from, but hey from Northern Alabama! I loved seeing the word y’all in your post, haha! There are a lot of us out here in a similar situation as you, so I look forward to seeing more of what you and Mavis get up to!
Carla says
Great job! we have to have soda d/t my husband can only take his med with soda and someoit eases my migraines. Plus sometimes I just want some! Do you garden or thinking about it ? For me, it’s relaxing. Keep up the good work!!
Cynthia says
Really enjoy the blog, your writing, your methods, etc. However, being an Appalachian American (aka Hill Billy or redneck in some circles) I thought you could have found a better moniker for your client. Just saying.
Mrs. Hillbilky says
Nice to hear from another southerner . Born and raised In the the south , I tend to take my heritage and these words a little personal . I feel I am often taking up for the south. I like to think that represent what I know is true not what society has deemed true . what I know is that both of these terms are of Scottish origin. A red neck is a hard working person . One that has worked hours in the hot sun and has developed a “red neck” . A hillbilly is a comrade from the hills. I would be honored to be called either since I am a hard worker and consider myself a comrade to many. I don’t want to make this an issue but knew it might come up . I take no offensive to others calling me either and feel that if others were strong enough not to be so sensitive we all might learn a little more from each other instead of being on pins a needles that we may offend others all the time . I teach my little hillbillys to be proud of their heritage and not to succumb to perceived shame just by a label. We can perceive it how we choose. Thanks for sharing and helping me explain plus Mrs. Hillbilly rolls off the tongue really well. 🙂
Crystal says
Yes! Such a great explanation! Love this!
Lisa says
Being friends, if Mrs HB had a problem with the name Mavis gave her, I’m sure she would have said something. It probably fits Mrs HB to a T and she wears it proudly. She even referred to Little HB herself in her part of the post!
Amy says
Awesome first week, Mrs HB!!!!!! You’re doing GREAT!
Libby says
I also am loving this series. Very motivating and real.
My AAA membership is $59 a year and covers getting the car unlocked when the keys are inside 🙂 I drive an 11 year old car so this is also an “insurance” policy in case I break down.
Wish the food photos were labeled telling us what they are – everything looks delish!
Peggy says
Oh my gosh, you’ve got that right! For years, and I mean YEARS, I rationalized buying Diet Mt. Dew, a 2 liter bottle a day habit, and I was shopping frugally, but I found the need to buy it. One day a few years ago I quit cold turkey, then went to lemonade, homemade, but still sugary, now water. I splurge on some water bottles which really isn’t a splurge because I always look for them on sale, but my point (an yes, I know a long one, an Irishman can never tell a short story, at least that’s what my mom always told me and my dad was an ‘off the boat Irishman’, so I’ve go the gift of gab) is these things take time and a new look at ourselves. Great for Mrs. Hillbilly on working on a budget!!! That’s better than most of us. Have a great week! 🙂
Melissa says
I love diet soda too and I often take a can to work for my lunch so I don’t buy it at the convenience store. I drink a lot of black tea at home but I also make my own lemonade when I want something tasty but without caffeine. I put a splash of bottled lime juice and some stevia in the water and it’s a refreshing drink that doesn’t have calories or caffeine. It helps me stay hydrated to have something a little bit more yummy than water.
Andrea says
So great to see a follow up! Go Miss HB – you’ve got a great coach and we can all learn a thing or 2 from both Mavis and Miss HB.
suzanne says
love this series and you laying it on the table. How I used to love the carbonation in a soda, sigh. I have to buy filtered water. Costco has a delivery system. it’s $1.oo cheaper per 5 gallons then buying at a big box store and they hump it up 12 steps and put it on my front porch. You may also want to check out the Berkey water filtration system. It’s like a Brita on steroids. That and a nalene/thermos bottle and your good to go. Good luck! Wish I could get my HH to stop buying americanos out.
Wendy says
Congrats on baby steps. Every little one of them helps in the end. Question, what is in the picture above? Looks like a quinoa cake from Whole Foods, aka Whole Paycheck (from my hubby). They make awesome quinoa cakes/patties with sweet potatoes & cranberries. I would love the recipe, please:)
Mavis Butterfield says
Salmon patties.
Tracy says
Whoooo hooo!, Mrs. HB. You go, girl! Remember, “perfect” is fiction. Just do better this year then you did last year. And next year, do better still, and the year after…well, you get the idea. In just a few years, you’ll have some great sums saved.
Mrs. M says
Hi Mrs. HB,
We have a 30 minute drive to almost everything we do… shopping, kids’ sports, guitar lessons, etc. We check-out audio books (free from the library) to listen to while we’re on the road. It is something to look forward to while we’re in the car, it doesn’t cost us a penny, and it makes the time to by faster.
Perhaps you could use audio books to make your commute a mini-break from your day— right in your own vehicle. 🙂
You’re doing great! Thanks for being brave and letting Mavis share your journey with us!
Tracy L. says
YAY YAY YAY!!! You’re doing great Mrs. HB & Mavis!! I am LOVING and APPRECIATE this new journey you’re on, and for taking us along. I think a lot of us would LOVE to be Mavis. And, maybe some day we will be, or at least closer! Life is full of challenges and learning opportunities. Happy to be sharing this road with you. Oh, and btw, Diet Pepsi. 3-6 or more cans A DAY. I know,……terrible. It used to be Tab, then Tab got to be to expensive and I could buy Diet Pepsi in bulk. I LOVE it, its a problem.
Aunt G says
Proud of you Mrs HB! Whether you know this or not, you’re changing your family tree for the better. I encourage you to talk with your kids about this journey. I have my kids look at what’s on sale for the week and give menu input, sometimes they have to do the whole menu and shop for the week all on the cash I give them. I want them to learn it now before they are on their own. Here’s to starting new–healthy family traditions! Thrilled for your future!
Practical Parsimony says
I am a Southerner, too, born and raised in the South. I was born in Mississippi, reared in Tennessee, and live in Alabama. However, I consider myself neither a redneck or hillbilly.
In this town, we have several places where a can of Coke is two quarters. I was indulging way too much for my budget. I started buying cases on sale, and, yes, they are always on sale. I actually drink less Cokes now and pay 22 cents each when bought in the 12 pack.
When buying bottled water in the store from their machines, I justified it by saying it was better for me. I am supposed to drink lots of water, so buying water was for my health in two ways. Besides, I was “against” buying water in plastic bottles. Finally, I started buying cases of Dasani and taking one with me to the store. I fill one from the kitchen faucet and use it about a week before tossing it. Yes, I should just bring my own bottle that I DO have. Oh, I always wait until Dasani is $3.99 or less for a 24-pack.
None of us are perfect. By the way, who makes those rules for perfection?
Jillbert says
Go, Mrs. Hillbilly! I loved reading this! And I’m cheering for you, Mrs. H.
Paige says
What all do you do with the food saver? We just got one from my mother-in-law that she bought and never used. Im just not sure what all to use it for other than leftovers.
Susan says
I re-package all meat into FoodSaver bags. I freeze some things (like hamburgers) on a cookie sheet and then package them. Same with berries or anything you don’t want “clumped” together.
I have a large garden and freeze my veggies , too. They stay beautiful for at least 2 years. No freezer burn or ice crystals. I found 3 bags of Heirloom Tomatoes from 2014 just a few days ago, and made homemade spaghetti sauce with them.
I make Beef Jerky and always package into FoodSaver bags.
You can make any size bag, and I know some people package tiny bags of spices – even matches- for camping.
I even read somewhere that boaters seal their phone/keys into the bags to keep them dry and if they drop them overboard – they float!!
Tammy says
Love this! Looks like even with the set-backs/life happening, you’re still on the right track.
Good for you for going cash only! It really helps me with my budgeting and grocery shopping, for sure! If you don’t have the money in your wallet, it’s hard to spend it! So much easier with a debit/credit card to not pay attention to what you’re spending.
I really liked the idea of audio books for your commute. You might also see if Dave Ramsey is on during your commute. It’s so encouraging to listen to money advice and hear people getting out of debt, etc.
Water bottles: if you have some bottles (glass, even plastic) around, perhaps try filling those before you head out the door. My sister buys bottled water too, and I was just encouraging her to stop buying the bottles and fill up her own bottles before she leaves out the door. If it’s something you grab on your way out the door for work, perhaps fill a bottle and stick it in the fridge at night so it is ready in the morning.
Keep up the GREAT work!
Mavis, I’d really like recipes!!! 😀
Beth says
I really love this series! It really inspires me to think about things before I buy them, a very good lesson in self control! My credit union has a savings app where it will “sweep” any change to a savings account every day, and you can even choose to save money when you don’t buy things like a meal out, or coffee, pretty much anything! Perhaps your bank or credit union has something similar? My savings goal is $500, and when I hit it, I’m planning on spending it on myself! Reward will be worth it!
Claudette says
Thanks so much for “going public” with your journey, Mrs HB! I think a lot of us plan to go the journey with you. I have a family of 3–me, my husband, and a 10-year old daughter–and we spend well over $1000 at the grocery store a month. I know some of that is because we buy a lot of organics and glute-free food. Also, we buy our toiletries there. Still, there must be a way to cut that bill down!! Thanks for helping all of us. 🙂
Linda says
Great job, Mrs. HB!!! and Mavis, too!
I’ve locked my keys in the car before- always at the worst possible moment. I carry a book with me in the car now for those moments when I’ve got to get out of traffic, or have to wait at the doctor’s. Amazing how much reading one can get done that way…
It looks like you are sealing meatloaf and pan together for your freezer(???). I haven’t got that many baking pans, so I put my meatloaf mix into cupcake pans, freeze til solid, they then pop easily out of the pan, and freeze the individual servings together in a gallon bag. Great for when you only need a serving or two, rather than the whole meatloaf. They thaw quickly, can even be popped in the toaster oven frozen, and work well for our two person retired family. One is just the right size for a hearty sandwich, too!
Keep up the good work.
Mrs HB says
That’s a great idea plus great portion control! Thanks
Alison R says
I was raised in the South and now reside in the South. A lot of us here from the South!
Rock on Mrs. HB, Rock on!!!!!
How sweet of Mavis to be your Coach!!
Loving this series! <3
Helen in Meridian says
You go Mrs. HB. Don’t worry, I checked our TJ Maxx and More and Marshalls for you yesterday. Nothing new, no Valentine or Easter or Spring brightness out yet. My down fall this week was finding Xmas at Dillards $2.99 for everything. Got my Lenox xmas plates and even $200 + items for $2.99, then found my Christopher Radko and Polish Pottery xmas at Tuesday morning for 70% off.. Then I found last year’s mens shorts and exercise sports type clothes 80% -90% (Nike included) at Kohls and used my 30% off on top of that. You might pick up an extra Charmin or two this month. I remember last year it was a 4 month of coupons books without Charmin on sale at Costco. I mastered my food budget, it is the great clearance that is my downfall.
Mrs HB says
I have that problem too! Mavis doesn’t know this yet but took HB girl to 4h last night and had two hours to waste . Hadn’t read the book idea yet , will put one in car tonight , so what do I do ? …go browse Home Goods and Marshalls looking for a discounted Christmas pic frame. Every year we take pics of kids and put in frame . Anyway didn’t find any but….. found a lot of deep discounted candles ! My downfall! Picked up 3 got in line put one down . I am still headed towards resister and I paused. Took a deep breath and put the other two down and ran ! Like Forest Gump to get out of that place . Whew I didn’t buy anything last night! One day at a time !
Karin says
Awesome job Mrs HB! You can totally do this! And Mavis, I think it’s great that you’re helping her out like this.
Thrifty Mom In Boise says
I think Mrs. HB is doing great. Hey! She may not know this but if she has roadside assistance with her auto insurance they cover the locksmith when you lock your keys in the car. She should call her insurance company to see if it is covered and she’ll probably get her $80 back! Worth a shot.
Lynne says
Don’t be too hard on yourself for the emergencies; they happen whether you are on a budget or not. And if you are on a budget, it’s less stressful to find the $ to pay for them.
Laurie says
In 2013 my average monthly grocery bill was $1200. I started using coupons and using a list. Since then I added digital coupons, sticking to my list, and modified menu planning. Modified meaning that on work days, I plan quick prep meals and leave the more time consuming meals for non-work days. I also utilize my crock pot at least 1-2 times per week. At the end of 2016, my monthly grocery spending was down to $523 per month! My goal for 2017 is to get it below $500 each month. My grocery spending includes food, toiletries, paper goods and OTC medicines. Take your time, Mrs. HB, and let each habit become ingrained and settled in your mind. I expect we’ll hear you have met and even exceeded your goal!
Jacki says
Good Luck Mrs. HB! You can do this! I say that and I am the one that needs to be on a budget. However, I am getting some great ideas from Mavis helping you!! I really enjoy reading your progress!!!