First things I’ll let you know where I’m at. I’m scared stiff. I go about 5 days feeling hopeful, then I have days where I just stare out a given window and freak out inside. That has been the past couple days. I hope to get back on the positive track soon. I don’t tell anyone these freak outs occur, they just happen and eventually I get my head back again.

Hubby is also starting to see some light at the end of the tunnel. Couple interviews and a new client. I just wish things would happen faster. It seems like years since we could just pay a bill and not discuss at length where the money will come from, how long we can keep them at bay, etc.

I started writing this feeling “ok” but I guess in reflecting I’m just overwhelmingly frustrated. On many fronts, not just our financial situation. I get frustrated thinking I can solve the problem if I could do XYZ and it not being possible because it involves some cash outlay – even $100 sinks these ideas. I keep seeing my ideas in someone elses store window (metaphorically speaking). And some have actually created huge companies out of these ideas. Believe it or not – Geeks to Go was an idea I had 15 years ago!

But it is pathetic nowadays to say – hey, I thought of that first – when you didn’t act on it. Sort of lke the iPod. How long have MP3’s existed? A heck of a lot longer then iPods!

That being said, my frustrations can just sit there. I can’t do a darn thing about them, except try to forget them. I try NOT to think of great ideas anymore. What’s the point? I could think of the next telephone – it wouldn’t matter, I can’t make it a reality so I go back to being pathetic again, right?

I know, get investors. No way Jose. I have been around the block a few times and there is no such thing as a “good” investor. Sorry! They all come with strings, 10 commandments, and ways to make your dreams squeeze into the pigeon hole they have in mind for you after talking to you for 30 seconds.

Man – I ran off the path didn’t I? OK – PART 2 already!

How to eat without spending so much money. Here is a list – in no particular order, just what I can remember in my old age!

1. Fast Food Value – even though you are broke, you still want to get out once in a great while. Taco Bell has 89 cent beef burritos that are VERY filling! For $4.50 roughly for a 4 person family (mine is a bit bigger but this is an “average” family!) you can enjoy and evening out. You couldn’t make these at home for much less. There is though the cost of gas to go out – so, the rest are more home-centric.

2. Protein – well, the problem with not having money is getting low on protein. You can supplement using diet drinks. The best way is to buy in bulk a powder. We got this gynormous bag at a club for about $10. It has lasted months. Mix the drink with some dry milk (real if you have it), water or even berry flavored Kool-ade type drink. If you have fruit like banana, it is perfect to add to a chocolate flavored powder. Also you can sprinkle it on Jello, ice cream (again if you have the luxury!), or fruits.

3. Beef – we buy bulk ground beef and use it wisely. We fry it all up right away, and then break it into portions for our family and freeze. In better times we bought a vaccum sealer, but you can achieve similar results by taking a bag and rolling it up and then sealing it tightly. We add this to pasta dishes, good for tacos (in any kind of bread by the way!), sloppy joe, spaghetti sauce, stew/soups, etc.

4. Chicken – you can buy those bulk breasts of chicken but they are expensive. We buy the frozen ready to go kind. Either wings, breast (Terriaki), etc. We find that the frozen also last longer and freeze better since they are meant to. You might see more sodium as a result so be aware of that. But per unit believe it or not, they are cheaper. Also canned chicken is a great alternative. Add it to dishes – not just chicken salad.

5. Rice – this is huge, you can eat rice and not get fat. Wow, a revelation. It is a great supplement to meals that are “light” on protein or veggies when times get tough. We put extra rice in canned soups for instance to add some more builk. Our kids love tomato soup, add some rice and it give them more to fill the belly. We buy in bulk – it is cheap. Add it to a soft taco and you get a burrito! I’ve even seen rice added to salad – it works.

6. Dry MIlk – we get 5 gallons of filtered water for 75 cents. You can’t do much better than that! We use that to make dry milk – which is a fraction of the cost of a gallon of milk. RIght now we do both – the milk we give the kids to drink is not dry, we just cut back. The milk for cooking, cereal, etc. is dry milk. Using filter water as we do – which is cheap – it makes sense – or rather cents! Just make it 24 hours ahead and let it sit in the frig. It will incorporate and taste fine – I had it on cereal and it had not taste difference. If you try to drink it too early it does have an odd flavor.

7. Bread – not many ways out of this expense if you have kids. We’ve tried making our own, buying, etc. The only way to save money that I’ve found is to buy in bulk or look for the day-old rack. You can freeze too when you get a good deal, but sliced bread doesn’t freeze all that well. But in a pinch worth the risk. You can also consider crapes. (sp?) Just mix flour, water, and fry them up with Pam or something light. These would be thicker, more like soft tacos, and work just like bread. Just not as fluffy – but certainly cost effecive. Rolls are another way to make bread that is not bread. My mother-in-law does this. It doesn’t take as long as bread, but is still a rising bread so you get the same impact, it is just round not square.

8. Cereal – kids love cereal but wow, those prices. We go to discount stores and buy them in huge bags. Sometimes the grocery stores have them, but I see it more in the Big Lots kind of stores. The $1 store is also a decent place to find some as well. Other than that just buy a great deal when you see it. I pay about $1 per huge box – anything more is just too much. $5 for a medium box is insanity.

9. Generics – whenever possible go with generics as long as the price is right. Most of the time it will be. Look at the UNIT price, if you don’t you could be comparing apples to oranges. One may appear cheaper, but it has less in the container. We found in the bulk club store that the generic ketchup is 50% less than the leading brand. Reason – they aren’t paying for huge marketing campaigns!

10. Coupon.com – before you go shopping get coupons. If you can’t afford a Sunday paper, go online. There are a million sites, but coupon.com is a good one. Free, you just need a PC and printer. Likely you can go to a library to access this site for free too.

That’s all for now – as I think of them I will keep adding to my thoughts. Of course as some comments there are places like Angel Food (thanks for the tip!!!) and food banks to consider. Do not be embarrassed to go there either. You and your family are important enough to eat for God’s sake. The tips above exclude this since there are many resouces to tell you how to get this assistance.

Also consider going to the stores at a commisary on a military base with a friend. At least ask the friend to pick up some recommended essentials that would save you money. When desperate times come, it calls for desperate measures. I do not feel badly doing this since my father is a Korean War Vet (he saw action) and yet cannot shop at the commisary even as a low income elderly man. This baffles me….

Ok – I’m really tired. Horrible day so I need to rest. My health is deteriorating which is my blog later this week!

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