You save a lot of money on groceries because you don't have to buy stuff you don't use. For example, I don't drink milk. I've never liked it much and I eat my cereal dry or with yogurt (I don't even buy cereal, my mom will usually send me home with some). I really think milk is competing with gas to see who can have the higher price per gallon!! So that really saves on my grocery bill.
I also don't buy eggs. I don't have time in the morning to cook omelets and I don't bake (you get too many portions for just one person)-so I don't need them.
I don't buy fresh veggies. I know I shouldn't but I don't eat vegetables enough to use them before they are bad. I buy frozen or canned, something that can last longer.
I don't buy paper towels. I use a towel in the bathroom to dry my hands and after cooking I wipe down the counters with a bleach-wipe. So I honestly don't need them.
Bread-I don't eat it often enough and the loaf goes bad. So I buy fridge biscuits and put them in ziploc bags. They last a longer time and I can bake one or two as needed
These few things save me a lot of money. When I first lived on my own I felt the need to buy all these groceries because that's what you were supposed to have. But if you don't use them---why bother?! I am now able to spend money on stuff I actually use: different cheeses, chicken breasts, fresh fruit and pizza (I have an addiction to take and bake pizza!).
I had to run some errands early today and passed by Goodwill. I really wanted to stop and see if there was anything interesting but the truth is I don't need anything. Since I've been reading some frugal books I guess I can be described as a person who tries to live a more simple life than a frugal one (although I do have frugal tendencies).
I don't buy a newspaper every Sunday for the coupons because I don't need to buy groceries or household supplies every week. And is a deal really a good deal if you don't need it? I completely understand the concept of stocking up. But as a single person I don't eat or use up stuff very fast and so I can't stock up too much or the food goes bad/I run out of space.
In regards to clothing, I dress pretty simple/preppy so most of my clothes don't go out of style. There's no need for me to look at thrift stores for clothes all of the time-I just don't need them.
These are just some of the thoughts I've been having lately on simplicity vs. frugal living.
I love redbox. It's $1 a night rentals. That's its. I love doing things with no small print. I signed up to receive text messages every Monday for a free rental. It's good until midnight!
I spend about $100 a month on food and eating out. I shop at Hariss Teeter, Lowes Food, Wal-Mart and sometimes Aldis. I spend about $50 on actual groceries and the rest goes to eating out. Eating out is entertainment for me (going to dinner with friends, etc), so I'm not exactly frugal with that part of the budget. But it could be worse.
Here's what a typical day of eating is for me:
Monday B- french toast sticks L- applesauce and grilled cheese D- Soup and peaches w/yogurt
When I do eat out its on the weekends. Singles, what's your grocery budget? Or what was your grocery budget when you were single?
Name: Renee Home: United States About Me: I'm 22
I like to read non fiction
I love politics
I like good beer
I pay too much for purses
Being happy is the only goal in my life! See my profile...
posted by Renee at 
