Ashy, you gave a lot of pointers which can definitely be helpful to those who are watching their budgets. As somebody who I consider a friend, I'm also aware that you've likely gotten ideas from other friends who are likewise on very tight budgets. If any readers can think of anything else (and I'll try), let us know.
Another possible idea is "cooking for leftovers." Something like a turkey may be expensive, but it's possible to get a LOT of meals, sandwiches, meat-as-an-ingredient, etc. from one of them. It's actually a very economical way to get meat into one's diet, far less than the going prices of $8 to $15 (or more) per kilogram for most meats. I also think that something like chili can be cooked up in a batch on a reasonable budget, and be sure to include the beans - which provide some protein and are cheap. With the beans in it, it's actually possible to "skimp" somewhat on the meat.
And, yes, salads are a good budget item, besides being healthy. Usually the "weak link" with a salad is the DRESSING - all too many of them are laden with High Fructose Corn Syrup, which I guess is labeled as "glucose-fructose" where you are. That is very unhealthy stuff, but it can be hard to find dressings with natural ingredients, and unfortunately they are likely to cost more as well, because HFCS is "CHEAP" and used in a lot of stuff. Even foods that shouldn't need HFCS at all, such as bread, can be loaded with it...
And some veggies, which can be steamed, are less costly than others. Spinach is usually a very good bargain, and can be steamed or microwaved with other vegetables, but (for example) asparagus is NOT usually an alternative for one who is budgeting tightly. Frozen vegetables are often a very good bargain - green beans, peas, and others can often be bought for less than $2 per pound (or I assume less than $5 per kg). there's something here called "California Blend" which is frozen broccoli, cauliflower, and carrots - I go through a lot of that. And it doesn't cost much at all.
You're in a small town as I'm aware, and I didn't see as many options when I was there. I don't remember if there's a thrift shop there or not? Probably, I'd guess, but I'll add that for MANY years 100% or close to 100% of my clothes wardrobe has come from thrift shops. There is definitely no shame in buying used clothing, and it is often made to last longer than the newer stuff. The only two times I've ever had a pants pocket wear out within five or six wearings, was when I bought pants BRAND NEW - which I will never do again.
Mentioning the recycling was good, too. I wouldn't have thought about it, because I use so VERY few plastic bottles. (No bottled water - instead I refill large jugs - and no sodapop at home...ever...maybe one sodapop per year total in my travels.)
ONE MORE TIGHT-BUDGET TIP: Those who live in a place that is fortunate enough to have an ALDI market, that's a great place to buy groceries. You won't recognize any of the brand names there, but the food is equivalent to what usually costs twice (or more) as much in the super markets. No doubt a lot of the food is made by the big companies such as Campbell and General Mills, but rebranded for ALDI. I'm sure you don't have one of these near you, Ashy, but one of your reasons for starting the thread was to share low-budget tips with any of us who care about it, and ALDI is certainly a worthwhile place. They're a European chain, actually - from Switzerland, I think.
MOST OF US will, at some point, need to figure out what to do with a limited budget.
Believe me, I've tried.
I'm planning on quitting once the holiday seasons are over; Christmas has always been a huge source of stress for me, and this one is shaping up to be no different. I'll use it as a crutch until the shitty parts are over, then I'm quitting. I'm fully confident that I'll be able to; stopping and starting last week seems to have broken the cycle of my addiction.
You can know that I'll be out here cheering for you, and wishing you success on that note. Even ignoring the budget issues, there are a lot of other reasons as well, all of which we're aware. Good luck ap!
Ashely if you are in the states have you looked into food stamps? You may qualify for some amount? The program is there for those in need and you should consider it if you haven't.
He's Canadian, so that specific program doesn't exist. There may be something analogous to it in Canada, but I've never asked about it.
