Q & A: Packing Lunches

I appreciate the questions that I receive. I do my best to answer each question personally, however I may also include them in future blog posts. Please note that these answers are just my opinion. Sometimes my opinion changes with time because of experience or change of life circumstances.

Reader Question: Do you pack your kids school lunch?

Yes. If you could hear my yes, you would hear my non-enthusiastic response. I hate packing lunches. It is one of the things I hate the most about the school week. I don’t know why it is such a thorn in my side. I do not mean to whine. There are many worse things in life. It is simply one of those things I do not enjoy.

I do pack my children’s lunches primarily to save money. I did the math to show what I would spend if I didn’t pack. Of course, this is what I use as my motivation when I just don’t feel like pulling the lunches together.

180 days of school x $1.80 per child’s lunch= $324 per school year per child

I have 3 children attending school this year which would be the equivalent of $972 for lunches for one school year! I do not know what I spend on lunches when I pack, but I can attest that it costs much less than the $972 per year.

photosource: sxc.hu {szazesk2}

Here are 3 things you can do to keep down expenses when packing lunches:

A) Avoid pre-packaged items. Occasionally, I will snag really inexpensive yogurts or granola bars at Amelia’s to throw in lunches. However, typically I package my own items. Rarely is this ever not the most economical solution.

B) Avoid using disposable items (ie. baggies, plasticware). Instead use small containers to wash and reuse.

C) Avoid packing bottled water or boxed juice. Instead use reusable water bottles filled with water or drink of preference.

My kids do love buying lunch. We have instituted that they are allowed to buy every Friday. Happiness abounds everywhere on Friday.

Here is where I want to be clear in communicating to you. I do not want anyone to feel guilty for not packing their kids lunch. I simply am giving the reasons why I believe it is more fiscally prudent for me to pack my kids lunches.

So tell me, do you pack or buy? If you pack your school lunches, please share ways to help alleviate my packing pain.

Do you have a question regarding today's topic or any other? Feel free to leave a comment or email me at frugalflamingo@gmail.com. I will do my best to address it in a future post.

 

linking to Women Living Well

Q & A: Is Sam's Club worth it?

I appreciate your questions. I do my best to answer each question personally, however I may also include them in future blog posts.

Reader question: Just wondering what your thoughts are on SAMS club? Have you ever had a membership there or gone to know what deals are deals?

I hesitate to give my opinion about Sam's Club. I know that many folks love Sam's. Currently, we do not have a membership. We have never had a membership and I do not foresee us buying one in the near future.

I believe the current membership price is $40. I would have to save $40 in food purchases just to break even. Then, I would have to save more money to make it worth my extra time in going there.

I have "researched" some of the prices at Sam's Club. There are some items that are "hands down" a good deal. The price on yeast and cheese is really good. Does it warrant me to buy a membership for these items? For me, no.

I think you need to be cautious when shopping. You can not assume it is "cheaper" because it is in large quantity. They are counting on you to do that!!!

The convenience of Sam's is a whole different ball game. However, from a pure price stand point, I can't justify it.

Please hear me. I am not implying that a Sam's membership is bad for you!! Each family is in a different situation. Maybe you have a membership you get for free!!

Is a Sam's Club membership a way to save money? It is just like anything. You have to do your homework!

Do you have a question regarding today's topic or any other? Feel free to leave a comment or email me at frugalflamingo@gmail.com. I will do my best to address it in a future post.

Reader Q&A: Buying consignment vs. new

I will be starting a new "series" here on the Frugal Flamingo. Once or twice a week, I will answer reader questions.  I try to answer each question personally, but since the questions are good, it is nice to discuss them publically.

So, here is our first Q & A discussion.

Please note that these answers are just my opinion. Sometimes my opinion changes with time because of experience or change of life circumstances. 

Your question: What are your thoughts on consignment stores vs. waiting for sales at a brand name store?

Second hand shopping is a subject near and dear to my heart.  I would be not be exaggerating to say that 85% or more of mine and my children's wardrobes come from second hand shopping.  The 15% that is new is bought on extreme sale.

I began second hand shopping when I was young. My mom would frequent yardsales.  We also accepted "hand me downs".  Not that I was always thrilled with these prospects, but it is what I knew. 

In college, I began to "thrift shop".  I quickly became addicted and never stopped.  Once I had children, I became an avid yardsaler.  Of course, I love a really good store sale too.

The specifics of this question is regarding consignment shops.  There is a huge difference between a consignment shop and a thrift shop.  I tend to be more experienced with thrift shopping.  However, I have done my share of actual consignment shopping.

All consignment shops are not created equal.  I have been to consignment shops that I simply could not afford to buy anything!  I have also been to consignment shops that the prices are as low as a yardsale.  You have to explore them to figure out which ones are best for you.  Of course, if you are partial to a label like Gymboree, consignment shopping is usually the way to go.

Here is my rule of thumb in regards to if I purchase it new.  I set price thresholds.  For my kids, I don't like paying more than $5 for an item.  If it is used I try not to pay more than $3.  Yes, this even includes shoes.  

For myself, my threshold is $10.  Spending $10 feels like a real splurge.  I know this may seem pathetic to some, but it works for me.  This week, I stopped in the mall. I was able to buy 5 tops and 2 jackets for $40 which averages $5.71 an item.  I felt at that price it was definitely worth buying new.

We will explore second hand shopping more on the Frugal Flamingo. However, rule of thumb is to buy ahead.  I constantly shop for my kids from my own "stash".  If they out grow their shoes, usually there is a pair in the basement in their next size.

As time goes along, I will share my system with you.

Second hand  or new?  Set your price thresholds.  If you can buy it new at that price, great!  If not, try finding it second hand

Do you have a question regarding today's topic or any other?  Feel free to leave a comment or email me at flamingo.mama@hotmail.com.  I will do my best to address it in a future post.