Maintaining a Budget

Maintaining a budget isn't something we want to do, but it is something we HAVE to do. A budget is extremely important as it helps us get by while getting things we need. Here's a few helpful hints when budgeting and managing household money:

Make a meal plan then a grocery list

Planning your meals out in advance is not only a great way to budget but there is no thinking around when your at the store or making multiple trips. You have your food for the week (or every two) and your done. Prepare them as you wish, but at least they are there.

Keep track of your bills (when they are due and how much)

On bills you have the option to sometimes budget in advance and put money up for them. Especially if they are bills you know you are going to have anyway such as cable, internet, phone, rent, etc.

Keep track of spending

This part can be a little tedious for some (it is for me) but keeping track of what you spend is a huge help on determining where your money is going. I know your probably saying "I know where my money goes" chances are you may not be 100%. Even if your spending it we don't notice that a little here and there can add up to a lot in the end. Keep track of gasoline, grocery spending, out to eat costs, bills, etc. Once you find out where all your money is going you may realize places you can make cuts. 

Prepare your meals

Preparing meals for your family is a huge money saver. You get more with less (and better for everyone also since you know what is going in your food and how it is being prepared). There are so many inexpensive meals that you can make yourself, and by cooking you are getting more for less. Cooking chicken for a family of four with a couple sides is generally cheaper than going to a restaurant and ordering four plates of this or that. And it's healthier for you too.

Explore Generics

If you remember our post awhile back where we compared name brand to store brand this tip will kind of go along with that. Obviously there are some products where the name brand is just better and there's no way around it. However there are a lot of hidden gems in the store brands that you wouldn't even realize. You just have to try them out to find out. At least in the end you know. Buying store brands often saves a lot of money, as I said before a little here and there adds up to quite a bit in the end.

Use coupons and pay attention to sales ads

This one is extremely important. Using coupons can be hassle sometimes especially if you don't have the time to sit and cut them out, organize them, etc. But coupons can save a lot of money. For a quick example: at our last shopping trip I had five coupons for various products. Not many but in total we saved a total of $12.00 in coupons alone. Not including things we got on sale advertised in the store ad.

By paying attention to store ads there are always certain things that are on good deals. It may be something you really like, it may even be a luxury item that you don't necessarily have to have but because it's on sale this time it will fit the budget.

Tip: I often plan our meals AFTER looking at a sales ad. This helps let me know what is on sale and saves money on our shopping trip. On the weeks I do this we are often able to get a few little extras that we couldn't have otherwise fit into the budget.

Research the best prices

You may have a favorite grocery store. You may say you don't need to go to any other store when everything you need is all right there. Why waste the time and energy going to yet another place? Well the answer is simple: you will be saving money.

We usually go to three different stores. Seems like a lot I know, but in reality there have been weeks where we have saved a total of forty or fifty dollars (sometimes more than that when we add up the total savings). It definitely pays for gas to go to those places and we still profit. It's a win win. Paying close attention to normal store prices, researching a bit, paying attention to various ads, and making a detailed grocery list are huge helpers in this.

So if you are tight on money (most of us are these days) there are always ways to cut corners. I could go on and on about ways to save money but I will stop lecturing now. I gave a few good examples and trust me if you keep to them you will see a difference. We for sure do. 

Happy Saving! :)

Affordable Family Fun ~Tori

Sorry I missed last week's post. My kids were battling pink eye and ear infection, and my husband shortly after had some dental work done. As badly as I tried I just could not get the time to get on here and post. Thankfully Priddymomma and Leslie didn't leave you hanging, and as I just today got to read each of their posts I will say they are wonderful!

This week we'll be covering the topic of cheap fun.
When you have kids, budget can get pretty tight, pretty quick. Fortunately there are lots of things to do to have fun, and enjoy family time. Here's a few of the items I can suggest:

1) A picnic (weather permitting of course)

Easy to pack and you can take your family out to enjoy nature some. That rarely happens in today's world. We like to picnic at the park (but not too near play equipment as my kiddos probably wouldn't even want to eat in that case), and enjoy time. We pack some of the kids favorite things, and it's actually a lot of fun.


2) Family movie night

You don't have to go to the movies to have a movie night. Usually we pop our own popcorn, rent a movie from the library (one we all like that is fun for the kids), and enjoy. We have some other snacks, but its right in your own home so it's comfortable. We all usually have a lot of fun with this one, and it's family time also.


3) Board Games

There are probably a million and one board games out there by this time. Seriously new ones are being added daily. There is a board game for kids of all ages to enjoy at this point. And they are pretty affordable considering how much use you can get out of them. Tons of fun, and you will definitely get your monies worth by taking this route.


4) Zoo or Local Museum
These can be not only fun but so educational. When we do activities like this we call it family field trip day. It's nice to get out of the house for awhile with family, and everyone usually learns something new.


5) Pinterest
Pinterest is a website chock full of good ideas. If you don't have an account there yet, get one. I'll wait...
Okay, now as soon as your done reading this post start searching for fun crafts and games for your kiddos. You will find tons! It is an addicting website with tons of good information!


Now I've shared a few ideas for cheap fun with you, I must go. I currently hear running water and silence which is never a good combination when there's kids involved.

Name brand vs. store brand - Leslie

As you know, the topic for the week is store brand versus name brand products.  Honestly guys, my contribution is going to be fairly short and sweet this week.

For me, it's less about store brand versus name brand and more about how I can get the best quality product for the cheapest price.  I'm not necessarily for or against either side.  In fact, a lot of the time the name brand product is the exact same as store brand.  Go ahead.  Check the ingredients.  I can wait...

I think the key is to just keep an open mind about it.  Some people swear by every single name brand and think that every store brand is lower quality.  Sometimes that is absolutely true, but not always.  Sometimes you are just wasting money on a name when the store brand is just as good, or in some cases better.  On the other hand, there are people who won't touch name brands in the name of frugality.  (Perhaps your spaghetti would have tasted less like pasta with water sauce at dinner tonight.)  What is the point of buying a product if it doesn't work or tastes horrible just because it is cheaper?

There are, of course, some things I will only buy name brand.  For example: 

  

 
Over

Coffee is one of those things that people get very opinionated about.  I prefer to drink Folger's over just about any other coffee.  Store brand will do in a pinch, but there is a huge difference in taste, and really?  Just ech. 


More and more I find myself wanting to just make things myself, however.  Breads, pastas, sauces, butter, some cheeses, cereals, laundry detergent, toothpaste, etc.  All can be made yourself.  Perhaps that's too 'crunchy' for some, or just too much work, but I think it can be a great way to save some money and know for sure what your family is using and eating is safe.

Don't be afraid to try something new.  Just because you use something, and always have (always will?), doesn't mean there isn't a product out there that you will like better or that will WORK better for you.

Store Brand vs. Name Brand~priddymomma

Heigh-ho, cheerio!  Heather here!  Thanks for joining us!  This week we’ll be discussing the pros and cons of store brands in relation to name brand products. 

Why store brand?

• Cheaper
• Packaged more intelligently
• Flavors/options not offered in name brand
• Better quality
• More product for same price

Sometimes the reverse is true!  Here are my favorites and least favorites.

Go for It!

 Up&Up brand diapers from Target

Use them if you:

• Want to save money
• Like fewer leaks

Skip them if:

• Your baby has extremely sensitive skin

I prefer these to name brand.

Go for It!

Pampers Sensitive Care Baby Wipes

Use them if:

• You hate when wipes tear coming out of the container
• Your baby has sensitive skin (eczema here!)
• You don’t like that “baby fresh” scent

These can be sort of pricey, but I adore them for eczema care.  I buy them religiously.

Go for It!

Aveeno Eczema Cream

Use if:

• Your kiddo has mild to severe eczema
• Your own skin is on the dry side
• You’ve tried other brands and hated them

There is pretty much nothing bad about this product except its price.  A little goes a long way, though.  It's well worth the money.

Go for It!

Archer Farms 100% Whole Wheat Hamburger/Hot dog buns from Target

Use if:

• You love flavor

Skip if you:

• Don’t care how your buns taste
• Are in the mood to save money

I adore these buns, but they are a bit on the pricey side.  They are full of flavor, though, so I think that’s a fair compromise.

Go for It!

Meijer brand coffee (assorted varieties)

Often times you save minimal money over the name brand.  Sometimes you don’t save any at all, but we much prefer Meijer brand coffee to anything else…except maybe Dunkin’.

Go for It!

Walgreens brand Bear Claw Ice Cream

This is the BEST ice cream on the entire planet!  Dark chocolate ice cream with Danali caramel and chocolate covered cashews!  All Walgreens ice cream is pretty good.  Walgreens used to be a soda fountain back in the day.  Note:  If I go to Walgreens to get my ‘cream and can’t find it because all you lovelies have bought it up, I’ll have to knock some heads!  XD

No Way Will I Compromise

• Peanut butter HAS to be Jiff.  Also in agreement with Tori, here.  No imitation allowed, with one exception.  We like GFS brand creamy peanut butter.  Kroger brand peanut butter is possibly my least favorite product on Earth.

• Toilet paper:  There are some places you can try to save money.  What you wipe with shouldn’t be one.  No one needs that kind of stress.

• Feminine Hygiene Products:  again…why take the risk?

• Really, most regular hygiene products.  No one wants to stink or have their hair fall out.

Doesn’t Matter

• I absolutely agree with Tori that jam/jelly tastes the same regardless of brand name.  My issue is this:  I am clumsy!  No way am I buying a glass jar!  I pay the extra money for a plastic jar every time. 

• Milk

• Eggs

Well, that’s about it for me!  I hope this post gives you some insight and some inspiration to make your own discoveries at your local supermarket. 

If you have special requests for topics, feel free to email us at thecaseofthemissingcheerios@gmail.com, or leave a comment and let us know.  

We'd love to hear from you!  What are some of your favorite brands? 

Store Brand vs. Name Brand with Tori

Hello again, it's Tori here today.
This week we are going to be talking about::

When I was a new mom I wanted the best for my baby. I obsessed over it actually. I would only use brand name diapers, only brand name wipes, brand name bottles, etc. My husband and I wanted only the best, from brands we had heard about a lot over the years and felt we could trust. And let me tell you something, it got pretty expensive. 

After months and months of buying only what we felt was the best (and paying outrageous for the simplest of things) we decided to try a few of the store brands. After all it couldn't hurt. And slowly we started finding certain store brands that were just as good as some of the name brands, if not better. Slowly as we found the products we liked best we also started saving money! We went from weeks being strapped on cash to have an extra ten or twenty dollars! It may not seem like a lot, but those little savings add up! And you can never add up too much cash when you have little ones because as lovable as they are, they are pretty expensive.

And it doesn't stop there! Don't just buy some of the store brand baby items, there are other good items that you can buy for your household that is cheaper and just as good. Everything from jelly, paper towels, hand soap, etc. 

Not to mention that if you really take a look at the ingredients on store brands compared with name brands you will be surprised to see that the ingredients are either identical or almost identical. 

Being a mom is so very rewarding, but it can be a bit overwhelming if you let it. As soon as you start telling people your pregnant their questions (and yours) start coming out in a rush. Here's some statistics that may surprise you:

• *Baby-related advertisements strike an emotional chord with moms – nearly one in four feel overwhelmed (23%) and one in five feel anxious (20%) or confused (20%) 
• *53% of moms admit thoughts of their baby product budget plague them on a daily basis 
• *37% of moms feel guilty if they cannot afford a specific product for their babies 

Don't let it get to you, the brand doesn't matter. What matters is fitting your babies needs! Example: If a store brand diaper holds up just as good as a name brand diaper, why spend more when you can spend less? Your baby isn't lacking any special feature so why should you stretch your budget?

Now I'm not saying throw out all your name brands and start with all store brands, because there are some name brands I'm still pretty loyal too. The thing about finding what fits you best is doing some experimenting. There may be some weeks you have a little extra cash to spend, or you need to save a little extra one week regardless. Maybe that's the week you'll try out the Target baby diapers, kroger grape jelly, and viva paper towels. And once you find what fits your baby and/or family best, then you can re-calculate your budget and start saving.

Here's a few of the products I choose and why::

Diapers::

When my babes were born I used Pampers because I loved the way the swaddlers fit them, and when they seemed comfy in them I just stuck to them for awhile. I used the Pampers brand until they were in size 3's. Once you started getting less in a box per size (it's so annoying they do that), I decided it was time to get more bang for less buck. When they hit size 3's I would switch to the Target brand of diapers. I LOVE the up&up diapers. As a matter of fact I have less leaks with them than I do with the Pampers, or the Huggies. I have tried other store brands of diapers, but I haven't had much success to be honest. Once I tried the Target diapers I was sold. They hold up great, provide great protection, and are inexpensive. I can get a box for under fifteen dollars compared to paying around twenty dollars a box.

You can also go the cloth diapering route. It can also save a lot of money but doesn't work for everyone. I tried the cloth diapering route and while I didn't always mind it, it didn't become practical for our sometimes hectic "on-the-go" schedule. I prefer to just use the disposable and throw them away when used. But I do applaud any who go the cloth diapering route and sticking with it so don't get me wrong on that front.

Cheese::

For sliced cheese I pretty much stick to Kraft. I've found that other store brands we have tried don't hold up as "cheesy" as the craft. It's really one of the things that we don't budge on.

However, some shredded cheeses we will buy the store brands. Especially the kroger version of the sharp cheddar sliced cheese:

I have found that for some reason the shredded cheese just tastes so much "cheesier" than the sliced. It works great in cooking or as a topping.

Baby Lotion::

For lotion I will only use Johnson's Baby Lotion brands. They are much less greasy than other lotions (store brands and other leading brands). I trust the brand since it's been around for years, and I love the scents.

I have tried other lotions and they just don't work as well as Johnson's. 

However, there is one other lotion that I will use before any other. BUT this also comes as a particular skin need. Both my kids suffer from eczema breakouts from time to time. I have used many lotions, creams, etc. Even as far as asking our pediatrician to prescribe something especially for eczema (which got even more expensive). The problem is that eczema isn't just cured. It can only be momentarily treated, so when my kids have outbreaks we have found the best thing for us is:

Other items::

Store brands of children's vitamins are often used around our home as they have the same amount of each ingredient as the leading children's vitamins brands. Jellies we usually buy whatever store brand is on sale, or whatever is cheaper to save money. To be honest all jellies pretty much taste the same and if you closed your eyes and tried Smuckers vs. Kroger you may find yourself surprised. I won't use the same treatment for peanut butter though. Even though the kids don't eat peanut butter yet me and hubs will only buy Jiff. That is due to all the salmonella/listeria outbreaks in other brands of peanut butter. Jiff is a much more trusted brand for us.

Breads don't really matter either to a point. On especially tight weeks we will buy whatever is on sale, on budget friendly weeks we will usually buy Sunbeam bread. You get more per loaf and it tastes better. We prefer wheat to white, but sometimes will get either one or the other.

Either way you look at it, there are many store brands out there that may just surprise you. Many of them hold up just as well to the name brands, and it's just finding that right product that fits you best. Some of the products I mentioned may not work as well for others, everyone is different. I did however feel the need to show and explain my personal differences and views as an example. 

Later on in the week you will be hearing Heather and Leslie's personal thoughts and takes on this issue so be sure to check back. Here's our schedule:

Tuesdays- Tori

Thursdays- Heather

Saturdays- Leslie

And if you have any topics you would like discussed on this blog feel free to email them to:   thecaseofthemissingcheerios(at)gmail.com or leave them in a comment below. We look forward to hearing from you/meeting you, and please remember to keep things clean and respectful in the comments section.

Until we meet again next time...