Living on Food Stamps

CNN Correspondent Sean Callebs spent the month of February living on a food budget of $176 (roughly $6.28/day), the highest amount that an individual could receive in government assistance if he had no income. He blogged about his experiences trying to make the budget last throughout the month.

His experiences were pretty interesting, and I learned a lot from his blog. I had no idea that over 31 million people in the United States rely on government assistance to feed themselves and their families. I have said before that food expenses are my greatest vice. The amount that I spend on coffee and soda alone probably totals over $176 each month. In fact, we are only one week into the month and I've already spent over that amount. I think that I would struggle not only to budget that money throughout the month, but also to avoid the really expensive items like eating out and lattes.

In his blog, Callebs commented on the social aspect of eating out and how he missed it during his month of eating on food stamps. I think that would be one of the hardest parts. So often, I don't intend to go out to eat, but then a friend calls and I easily give in.

My goal for this week is to pack a lunch every day and to bring my coffee from home. Although it may not be quite the budget that Callebs had, for me it's a good start.

Here's to trying to spend more wisely.

K

Spring is Here!

Today is a beautiful day! I love when I can open the windows again.

Although it's open year round, this nice weather prompted my first trip back to the farmer's market. I felt a little guilty that I didn't make more of an effort to go throughout the winter when I was reminded of how great the prices are. For the amount that I spent on dinner last night at Pei Wei, I got 1 lb of green beans, 1 lb of Brussels sprouts, 4 kiwi, 3 pounds of grapes, 1 lb of potatoes, a basket of tomatoes, and 1 bag of onions. Crazy!

Another exciting thing about spring...tax refunds! My taxes are complete thanks to Turbo Tax online, and I should be receiving my refund in the next few weeks. Some will be used towards paying bills, but some will also go towards fun. In these economic times, we have to find the fun where we can! 

Tis a Gift to Be Simple

I'm approaching a birthday, and received my first gift last week. My mom likes to send me my presents well in advance of my birthday, and she has no problem with the fact that I open them immediately. 

My mom has this knack for keeping birthdays and other celebrations simple but meaningful. She manages to choose cute things, without going over the top. We were never the kids to receive oodles of presents, but we always appreciated the ones that we got. I really appreciate that quality about her, as I see friends' birthdays being overrun with designer bags, jewelry, and other items that just don't seem all that important.

I received two books, one of which I am reading right now. It is called To-Do List: From Buying Milk to Finding a Soul Mate, What Our Lists Reveal About Us by Sasha Cagen. It is a really cool concept, and it reminds me of one of my favorite web sites that also gives us a peak into other people's lives, Post Secret. Com.

I also got a Ralph Lauren Romance Body Wash - something I was a little surprised by, until I found out that it was marked "free." Apparently I am the only one who had not heard that the major department stores were required to give away millions of dollars in cosmetics. My mom, who is not usually one for free stuff, happened to be in Macy's at the time, and scored a free gift. I think the story behind it makes it a much cooler gift. 

I did receive some birthday money, and decided to treat myself to a watch that I'd been eyeing for some time. Although it was more than I would typically spend on a watch, I felt like it was still a fairly practical gift. I'd like to be able to keep time on my wrist, versus checking the time on my cell phone while in meetings. I think it is a good gift to myself, and one that I was able to check off my list of things that I want (when I actually have the money to pay for them). Next on the list: Electronic Monopoly (yes I'm a board game dork).

My actual birthday is still a week away. I'm not one who really likes to celebrate birthdays. I try to keep them simple and/or avoid them all together. No need for a big fuss. 

On a side note...I have done really well packing my meals lately. Over the past two weeks I have consistently eaten what I brought for lunch (either frozen dinners or leftovers). I've also done fairly well eating breakfast at home, although I have been buying plenty of coffees lately. Dinners have been hit or miss, but I'm definitely working to cut back on the money spent on food.

   

Peace,

K