tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5749131256347327667.post4564905879289223234..comments2022-03-25T11:21:57.223-04:00Comments on Hilltop Farm: Budget: belt-tightening just a bit moreMary Ghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17295815960754677983noreply@blogger.comBlogger3125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5749131256347327667.post-53343117517198226722010-02-01T15:02:43.220-05:002010-02-01T15:02:43.220-05:00Mary, I love posts about budgeting. Even when I d...Mary, I love posts about budgeting. Even when I don't necessarily have to tighten my belt, I'm very conscious about what we're spending. We've been on the Dave Ramsey plan for years and it has really disciplined us. We use the envelope system for the big things like groceries, gas, entertainment etc. We set amounts for each envelope and put in cash on payday twice a month. I'm really careful now about what books I buy as well. I used to buy way too many books, but for the past 4-5 years, I've relied heavily on my library and I "audition" books (especially cook books and knitting books) before I buy. We also re-sell a lot of our unused stuff on Craig's List. I like keeping a simple home and that means not buying too much and always being vigilant about what we're not using. I like your idea about grocery shopping only every two weeks. I really dislike going to the grocery store and this is a great idea. I don't know why it's never occurred to meCarmenhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09738678691810050461noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5749131256347327667.post-26350438720073513212010-01-30T16:35:58.609-05:002010-01-30T16:35:58.609-05:00Paula -- I really like this idea ... I've neve...Paula -- I really like this idea ... I've never been good at making/keeping a menu but it sounds like it helps with the budget and may be worth a shot.<br /><br />THANKS and blessings to you and yours!Mary Ghttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17295815960754677983noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5749131256347327667.post-39288802265634269192010-01-30T09:04:02.834-05:002010-01-30T09:04:02.834-05:00The one budget-tightening thing I did was to go th...The one budget-tightening thing I did was to go through our pantry, our three freezers and our cookbooks. I then sat down with my husband and kids and we discussed our favorite meals. Together we came up with a weekly menu based on favorites coupled with food on hand. I've been able to pare my grocery list down to just staples, which we purchase on a monthly basis.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com