Collective Brain Power Required Please

MrsB_2

Thanks for all your ideas so far - keep them coming!!

Trouble is I know that there's NO WAY she'll do some of the most basic and logical things we do - like the meal planning, and BR's right, she'd just plan meals using expensive foods. She sort of understands what I do, and sort of wants to do it too, but she wants to do it without cutting back on anything!!

I think they view food shopping and eating out as an essential and luxurious part of their lives. They have expensive tastes in most things, and I think they feel like they'll be depriving themselves of something hugely important if they tighten their belts.

I'm beginning to wonder whether this is a lifestyle that comes more easily out of necessity? I mean, I HAD to work out how to feed 2 adults and run a house on £25 p/w cos that was literally all I had available. They're not in that position yet, although from the sounds of it they're getting close.

Maybe she's just too firmly wedged in her comfort zone?? Maybe I'm jumping the gun, maybe I need to give her time to conclude that this is absolutely the way she needs to go?? I dont know.

BR - I'm really torn about giving her the site details. She knows I post here, and it wouldnt be hard to figure out who was me iykwim. I think I'd become very self concious and far less comfortable here, and I dont want to lose what I have here. Is that selfish??

Bogof_Babe

Tell her to have a look at Beat the Bailiffs (BBC1, 9.15 a.m.). It is scary stuff and makes you take stock of your own situation before it gets out of control.

beckyw_2

I add extra veg when I make something. For example, when making chilli use same amount of mince but add extra veg - 3 onions not 1 etc. This bulks the meal out and I can freeze half for another day. It's more healthy & is a good way to use left over veg.

Becky

ti1980

I think one of the main things is to take it step by step. You can't change everything in one go otherwise you just end up giving up/thinking it can't be done too easily without giving it a proper go.
I used to only buy branded groceries, but started buying some own brands and you find that some much cheaper items taste better than their branded versions.

Also with alcohol, especially spirits, there are many good 'copies' available. I remember buying a bottle of Irish cream once which I thought tasted better than Baileys but cost about £3.50 as opposed to Baileys which is about £10? I don't know, haven't bought a bottle for ages!

Sweet_Pea_2

An approach no-one has mentioned is to try a different supermarket.
I still haven't got round to meal planning etc myself yet, although I plan to, but luckily I'm in a position where I don't need to (yet) I found I cut my shopping bill down from £80 per week to £55-£60 per week just by shopping at Aldi. If your friend likes certain brands etc she may do as many others do and look down her nose a bit but it is well worth trying.
I have found that we are actually eating better than we did before because I am regularly buying things that I didn't buy before such as salmon for instance. Although it is a "cheaper" store they still sell luxury items and your friend might get a nice suprise!
I know what you mean about telling friends and family about MSE, I used to tell friends all the time (although not a single one has come back to me and mentioned that they have used it, but its their loss) but now I have got into it I like to keep it as my well kept secret because I would too would feel less comfortable.

Bargain_Rzl

MrsB wrote:

BR - I'm really torn about giving her the site details. She knows I post here, and it wouldnt be hard to figure out who was me iykwim. I think I'd become very self concious and far less comfortable here, and I dont want to lose what I have here. Is that selfish??

Yes, of course it's selfish but I totally understand - in fact I'd probably take the same view myself... There's stuff I've talked about on MSE that I wouldn't necessarily want my mum/boyfriend to read!

[Deleted User]

Always use a basket and not a trolley,once it starts to feel heavy,pay for it , then leave the shop
Trolleys encourage spending

melancholly

Bogof_Babe wrote:

Tell her to have a look at Beat the Bailiffs (BBC1, 9.15 a.m.). It is scary stuff and makes you take stock of your own situation before it gets out of control.

I caught that this morning for the first time - the only complaint I have is that it would be really nice to see people on these shows who need more advice than 'don't spend half your income on your social life', and who actually know how much they owe!!

HOLsale

shop online with a list

or buy an organic box scheme delivered each week

keeps you out of the stores and no impulse buying



actually one that they really should be doing is shopping at places like lidl or aldi. if they're spending that much on food each week for so few mouths i'd say they are being food snobs and frankly need to just get over it...harsh but honest.

i find the food quality actually better on many things at lidl than store brands (even sainsbury) and equal to if not better than many major brands

you have to understand that germany has MUCH higher food standards than we do in the uk and that the majority of items sold in lidl are actually name brands in germany (i had a friend that lived in germany confirm this for me) germany has a much lower cost of living as well so it makes sense that their food is cheaper, even here.

doing a huge food inventory of pantry, fridge and freezer is good. they can use that in conjunction with meal planning so that they don't have to buy much for the first few weeks. this will teach them control when shopping and will hopefully become a challenge that gives them a bit of a boost...you know the buzz you get when you DON'T spend a lot of money on groceries and still have a gorgeous meal!

also checking out ethnic markets is good. i buy chicken from my halal butcher for anywhere from 99p/kg to £1.99/kg depending on the cut. i think the most expensive meat they sell is still only £5.29/kg much better than supermarkets and the quality is FAR superior.

get them to scout their area for local green grocers. they aren't always cheaper but they often can be, at least on seasonal items... they could always buy the rest of the stuff with the rest of their shopping

HOLsale

having gone back and read the entire thread... i can now say tell your friend that 'shabby chic' is in style (well it is according to ideal home :rotfl: ) and that gives her an excuse to 'slum it' at lidl :rotfl: