I guess it may not be much different than what I do now - but I plan on working it harder.
My plan is to buy just the basics I need each week - remember - I have lots of food here. Basically, all we would need would be milk, eggs, and occasional fresh veggies or fruit. Summer is coming soon (as in gardening), and Farm Markets will be starting in a few weeks, so I will be able to have lots of fresh on hand. We don't eat much that isn't fresh during the summer, so that is a help.
I will be spending my money on stocking up. I should never need to spend more than a few dollars on have to haves and the rest will be stocking up.
As usual, I will be watching markdowns and clearance and making purchases at Aldi (case lots) and odds and ends at the Dollar Tree.
I know this isn't buying all local - I wish I could find all I want locally. It really is hard to do here in the city. I will try my best with farm stands and local farm markets.
There are some items that have to purchased at stores. Toilet paper is one, and pet food, dish soap, health and beauty, peroxide and medical are others. I try to keep plenty of items on hand - but I want to be able to feel totally comfortable, should the worst happen.
I don't really have a grocery budget - never have. I buy what I want and need. As I said, we have plenty here - and when I plan my meals - I go to the pantry and the freezer and get my supplies. I will continue to use our supplies, but I will concentrate on adding to the lauder.
I plan on growing as much as possible and canning/freezing what I can. I plan on watching the farm stands for things I have no luck growing. Stores will fill in the rest.
I am making a concerted effort this summer to fully prepared for anything. I am in no way trying to panic, I just want to be prepared for whatever. I want to feel secure. SECURITY IS EVERYTHING!
I know prices are going to continue to rise for many, many reasons.
Our pantry is kind of like another bank account for us. Sale prices are literally money in the bank.
SO, that's my plan and I am sticking to it!!!!!!
What is your plan this summer?
We upped our grocery budget last month to $500 a month. Hubby can't have dairy and my youngest daughter can't have gluten. There is also myself and my son. Technically 4 adults. That includes all food, household items, cleaning and personal hygiene. The dog is separate.
ReplyDeleteI always shop sales, use coupons and Ibotta, cook at home and eat leftovers. I am working towards 6 months in food supply. I have my garden seeds started inside. I need to start the herbs next. I am hoping to can as much as last year or God willing even more. We will see how the garden does. I am down to my last few pounds of potatoes from last fall so I will need to be getting more of that soon. In the fall I will get another 100 pounds from the local farms.
Good for you. Having special food needs means being prepared like never before.
DeleteI think this is so important for us all.
Our water is going to be turned on tomorrow so we can plant whenever the garden is ready and I can hardly wait. I am like you as far as food supply goes, although I have set a limit for food expense so we can pay off the house early and we do need to use up some of our items and restock.
ReplyDeleteIt will be a while before planting ensues here - but I can't wait.
DeleteYou are very wise to get that house paid off. It is such a blessing and load off the mind. You are truly an inspiration with the way you have worked on your finances!
I keep rotating stock then adding back to it too.
I'm in stocking mode also. I just added peroxide and alcohol to the pantry. I found them at Menards at $0.57 for the peroxide and $0.88 for the alcohol. I'm currently working on health and beauty, along with first aid.
ReplyDeleteDang what a great price! $1 for peroxide is the cheapest I have seen. I have to go to Menards next week and I will sure look. Thanks!
DeleteI am glad to hear you are stocking up. It is important!
I've been in stocking mode for awhile. I do set aside the same amount of money in cash each week for grocery. We could eat what we have stored for at least a year, but probably longer. But, I want to keep stocked and rotated, too. My weekly shop list includes fresh stuff, and then anything on a good sale for stock up purposes. If I'm left with money at the end of the week, I used to save it. But lately I've been feeling like I should spend it. Either on more stock up food, or animal grains stock up.
ReplyDeleteYou are a gal after my heart. Good job. I am the same way - at least a year, maybe more.
DeleteI love your NAME! I think I have an Amish heart - I do so much their way and have many Amish ancestors.
Keep on stocking!
Yours sounds like a very good plan. We are going to buy a moderately priced house this spring. It will probably be July before I can start stocking up.
ReplyDeleteCongrats on getting a house!!!! That is such a wonderful blessing. It is work to get set up - but you will be blessed beyond measure. Hope your stocking goes well.
DeleteI'm going to stock up as much as possible as who knows what's down the road for everyone. Yours sounds like a great plan, Cheryl.
ReplyDeleteI think it is a wise move for sure. I am working diligently on it. You know - it will get eaten - so get while the getting is good!
DeleteI have a dilemma on my mind...I am a stock-up gal, too...BUT hurricane season (I am in South Florida) begins June 1st. And lasts till November 30th. That being said,l I am trying to eat down my upright freezer. Foolishly, I have lost all the contents twice now---first was Wilma, then got complacent for 12 years...then Irma. I vowed to never let that happen again. I took inventory of the freezer and have about 60 meals worth of meats. That means I can use up most of it before June 1st. The rest can go in the smaller top freezer in my garage. I can run that one with a generator if I am home, and not fleeing the state! My loss would be minimal. What's a girl to do??? If there is no "bad one" this year and a situation arises, I will not be prepared, protein wise. You can only eat so much canned ham and tuna. Help! Jane
ReplyDeleteYou make a very good point. Canned meat would be my stocked up for those times. Look at canned chicken and beef as well. Shoot you can even get canned ground beef and sausage through WalMart. May be something to consider.
DeleteAlso keep beans on hand for cooking. I am a fan of keeping a gallon or two (size wise) of protein powder as well. It sure would come in handy during a time with no fresh meat.
If you can - you can can your own meat so that it is shelf stable as well.
Just a few other options to consider.
It is amazing how no one thing works for all parts of the country. Best of luck!
Sounds like a good plan!!
ReplyDeleteI am going to keep adding little by little. Definitely need more toilet paper. Not something I want to run out of...
Meant to tell you that I made the mexican crunch wraps, and my family really enjoyed them. Thanks for the tip.
Yes mam - no TP could be a problem!!!! I try to keep WAY ahead on that!
DeleteGood, glad you guys liked the crunch wraps. You are welcome