How to survive on what’s in the store cupboard (plus a little money)

babyshoes

Just a quick comment on changing over dog (in fact, any pet) food - don't suddenly change it if you can help it, especially if they are not already eating a varied diet. I know dogs tend to be less fussy than cats so you are unlikely to have the problem of them refusing to eat, but a sudden change can upset a sensitive tummy. Get the new food while you still have a week or two of the old one left, then gradually mix in the new one - start with very little (10-20%) of the new, and up it a bit each day over a couple of weeks until it is 100% the new food. That way you will get them used to the taste, and can also spot any allergies/sensitivities early if they are going to show up.

Of course, if you are completely out of the old expensive food and *have* to buy a cheaper food just to keep them fed, then go for it. Unless there is a real problem like an allergy, the worst that is likely to happen is an upset tum for a few days, which is better than not having any food at all!

BlushingRose

Hi all,

Been keeping an eye on spending over December, we're starting a DMP in Jan and have no credit cards or overdraft any more.
We currently have £77 to last us until the 24th Jan, and it's scaring me silly as I can't see how we're going to do it. This is for groceries, petrol and any unexpected nightmares along the way.
We have recently done a shop, and I'll be looking at what we've got in and doing a menu planner for the next few weeks, but I need help, reassurance, or something - how can we make sure this money is going to last?

quintwins

why not list everything you have in then we can help you do a list of meals to last, do you really need desil or can you do without and walk most places?

oldtractor

in a nut shell, dont spend it. Not as silly as it sounds,As a general rule its helpful to,all the time,not just this next month, think most carefully before every purchase including things you think of as essentials. Walk instead of using the car where possible. combine journeys eg shop one a week not twice a week. buy "value" items not branded.use up all food. turn off lights. severely curtail hobbies and entertainment. use what clothes you have for now dont buy any more. The £77 should be quite do-able unless you cannot get to work and need petrol. I think its helpful to think you have only £50 not £77 and see if you can manage with that. Then you have a little in reserve for anything going wonk.

BlushingRose

quintwins wrote: »

why not list everything you have in then we can help you do a list of meals to last, do you really need desil or can you do without and walk most places?

I'll do that when I have the time, but thanks for the offer, it's appreciated.
We have a couple of roasts in the freezer, for example, and tines and whatnot, so I'm sure we'll be ok, if we're careful - but I'm still panicking about it.

Petrol - we put £5 in the car today, we have to use it a little tomorrow, but otherwise not too much. Walking not an option as we're quite a way away from anywhere. Once Mr BR goes back to work he's planning on cycling rather than taking the car.

BlushingRose

oldtractor wrote: »

in a nut shell, dont spend it. Not as silly as it sounds, Think most carefully before every purchase including things you think of as essentials. Walk instead of using the car where possibe. combine journeys eg shop one a week not twice a week. buy "value2 items not branded.use up all food. turn off lights. severely curtail hobbies and entertainment. use what clothes you have for now dont buy any more. The £77 should be quite do-able unless you cannot get to work and need petrol. I think its helpful to think you have only £50 not £77 and see if you can manage with that. Then you have a little in reserve for anything going wonk.

Yeah, we've been keeping an eye on the pennies for a while now, so haven't bought branded stuff for ages, usually get store's own and in some cases the value range.
Hobbies?? Entertainment??? Can't remember what they even are!
Clothes - he never buys anything until it's falling to bits, and I rarely buy things either. A fashion-horse I am not lol

Good idea to think of as £50 - I like that.

oldtractor

you could cook one of the roasts [ fill the oven with other things lie HM cakes at the same time to maximise energy use] then when its cold slice thinly for sandwiches. You will get about a months supply of lunches out of a decent size roast.

quintwins

BlushingRose wrote: »

I'll do that when I have the time, but thanks for the offer, it's appreciated.
We have a couple of roasts in the freezer, for example, and tines and whatnot, so I'm sure we'll be ok, if we're careful - but I'm still panicking about it.

Petrol - we put £5 in the car today, we have to use it a little tomorrow, but otherwise not too much. Walking not an option as we're quite a way away from anywhere. Once Mr BR goes back to work he's planning on cycling rather than taking the car.

assuming you use £5 a week or less (i wish i used that little i also have no choice i have school runs to do) i would set aside £4 for food, if it's just the 2 of you and you have bits and peices that should be do able, that leaves you £5 desil for the next 3 weeks, and a little bit extra if you need it, try not to spend your £40 unless you have to you might be surprised what you have in

Penelope_Penguin

BlushingRose wrote: »

I'll do that when I have the time, but thanks for the offer, it's appreciated.

This is really the best Old Style way forward

Take a look at this older thread on the subject, which will give you some pointers. I'll merge this thread to that one later.

Good luck :beer:

pink_princess

You can do it & when you do you will realise how much money you normally waste. You make one meal out of your store cupboard etc & it creates a left over ready meal at the same time.
Do the cupboard/freezer/fridge inventory asap. It will surprise you how many meals you have in there. Also how many people is this for? Are there any under 5s who need full fat milk etc?
Do you have any nectar points you haven't used? or Tesco ones?