A Real Life Budget

INTRODUCTION
The Year Started on January 22, 2012

$30 a week is the standard amount given for one person receiving food stamps, which is now called SNAP, Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program.
I have often pointed out on this blog that $30 a week can easily be done, and I have done it on less many times. And here, right now is one of those times: I was laid off on Friday(1-20-12), I have applied for unemployment, however, I'm not sure how much I will be receiving. It was my intention to start a project this week, as it was my birthday yesterday. Since I feel its important to me and I have no problem showing that $30 a week is not only doable but it can be done well, I am going to go a full 52 weeks spending $30 a week. $1560 for the year.

Here's my food situation, my pantry is pretty full right now. I'll probably start off with a quick trip to the market for fresh fruit and vegetables, much less than $30. I will be posting what I buy and spend.
I am doing this realistically, as a person in my own situation. When my job situation changes, I will simply continue on, being open and honest about what I'm spending and how I'm making it work. $30 will be my maximum budget for every week this entire year.

I have some food in my cupboards and I have no job, so realistically, I am going to use what I have. Another thing, when a person receives their SNAP benefits, they receive it as a lump sum for the month, not in weekly increments. So, I may spend $50 one week, if I can, then $40, then $30. The amount will work out to $120 a month. To shop well is to buy on sale or in bulk, I have every intention of doing that. If ground beef is on sale I may get 5lbs and freeze some; if cheese is on sale, I will get one or two extra and freeze some. You're going to see how this can work from a real person's point of view. Being self-reliant is not a sacrifice, it can be a well made choice.

***Please note, initially, I had stated, that would be all homemade food. You will see that I have bought a loaf of bread here and there when it was hot or I was too busy to bake. All in all you will see honest spending and eating habits with as much homemade as is feasible at the time. My priority will always be: Cook as much as possible with whole food ingredients.

Concessions

During week 7, I added these concessions.

1) Work related get-togethers.

2) Coffee. I will not include my coffee spending, but I will include sugar and half and half.

3) Alcohol. I barely drink but a few beers once in a while.

4) If I get asked on a date, maybe, I will go out to dinner.

5) Family gatherings. Like holidays and birthdays. I

Work and family food - I have been keeping a small notebook that I write any work or family related food.

 

Coffee - I keep the receipts out of curiosity.

 

Alcohol - not much - 3 beers in Febuary and 2 in July, 2 in August.

 

Date - LOL pretty much nil as in nothing to write about.