Experiment: Living on $140 for 24 days

Building a new deck is an expensive project, so Erik and I have decided to pool the cash we have and to only spend it until July 1st- 24 days from today. It should be do-able if I buy in bulk and in discount. On Wednesday, my awesome sister in law is going to take me to Costco and let me buy things and then give her cash for the purchases. I was considering buying a membership, but am not certain it is worth it yet. I will check it out and report back. I worry that I will buy things I don't actually need just because it is a good deal.

Here are the meals I have planned out for the next week (click to enlarge):

6/7/10, I went to the grocery store and spent only $28.74. I was able to buy 5 lbs of potatoes, lettuce, mac and cheese, spaghetti, rice, infant ibuprofen, chips, cheese, pork chops, and bananas. And all the produce and meat was organic, too! Not bad :) We should be able to eat on this until Saturday the 12th when I'll have to buy ingredients for stir fry and a frozen pizza. Luckily, I've got some chicken in the freezer that we can eat on Thursday.

$140.00- $28.74= $111.26

6/8/10, On my way back from Camp Hill I decided to take the Toll Road instead of waiting in traffic with a crying baby another 30 minutes. It was worth the $1.75.

$111.26-$1.75= $109.51

6/9/10, Tomorrow I am heading to Costco with my sister in law and plan to spend around $40. I hope to get some good deals!

I'll keep you updated on how our adventure is going.