$5 Family Meals | FIVE Quick & Easy Cheap Dinner Recipes Made EASY!

[@elementarystemwithms.crosm5345]

A friend told me that when she and her siblings were getting old enough for college, her family bought a home in a college town for the kids and made them all attend the same college. They lived in the home and were considered local residents, so they didn't have to live on campus or have a meal plan. After all five kids graduated, the family put the home back on the market and sold it for more than they paid for it. 5 kids, no room and board, earned money renting rooms to a few of their friends along the way, and a profit at the end for flipping the house. This is how rich people live.

[@DanaEigsti]

I know some who did that.

[@freeinghumanitynow]

This is a pipe dream for most, unfortunately.

[@connievassilev7911]

We homeschooled our son. He started dual enrollment at the local community college. He completed his first two years of college by the time he graduated high school. He started at the four-year college as a junior. Was still able to live at home during the whole time. It was amazing. And he loved knowing he wasn't "wasting time" finishing high school when he really wanted to pursue college. Also, being homeschooled, he always just assumed that I was "giving" him his straight A's through school. When he graduated from high school and community college at the same time carrying a 4,0 in both places, he knew I wasn't giving him good grades. He earned every one of them

[@Veetribe.]

And it used to be cheaper before they graduated high school.i did this too.. and we're home schooling too.. great info

[@mellymouse72]

That’s awesome!

[@karenchandler8325]

My daughter had her Associates degree before she graduated from High School. She got full tuition for the other 2. She worked part time and lived at home. Very proud mama!

[@a.edwards8318]

I homeschooled my son. Did you know many of the subjects high schoolers take in one school year are the same as a 1 semester college course? (Algebra, English, History, ect). My son, upon finishing a course subject for high school, would go to the local college test center and take a CLEP or DSST exam and get college credit. He tested out of 1.5 years of college while in high school. The cost is super cheap too. Currently (Mar 2024) it costs $121.50 at the local college to take the exams for a 3 credit hour exam (a handful of exams can earn more credit hours btw - i.e.: English lit & American lit). He then attended the local college to complete all his prerequisites for the university he wanted to transfer too. We saved a ton of money for his degrees. After he finished his BA he went on and got a masters.

[@sarahconnor64]

This is pure genius!!!❤

[@GraceOverCake]

I had no idea this was even a thing! Brilliant!

[@rebeccaclinemeservy]

What a great tip!

[@DawnRK3204]

We did the same thing. I did also pay for dual enrollment sometimes for classes I couldn’t teach, like Latin, which counted as high school but also fulfilled his foreign language requirement in his degree.

[@michellejugao4091]

Check your state though, I did CLEP tests in Virginia, then later unexpectedly moved to WA state. I found out WA state doesn’t accept CLEP tests and had to take the classes after all and wasted my money on the tests. 😢

[@lenettasmith-murray2145]

Im doing a 30 day pantry/freezer challenge. Theres only me in my house, but i still think its a great idea 😊

[@wallashakalla]

I did one last year in December, my shopping habits changed afterwards

[@anitakleinman7542]

I have been shopping once a month, taking advantage of coupons, manager's specials, senior discouts, etc. I always save about 50%. Hoever, I am not really aware of how much things "normally" cost. I went to Costco for a case of diet DP and it was 51c a can where a few months ago it was 33c a can. Wow! Eye opener!

[@greg901]

One of my favorites is a sheet pan dinner. I'll cut a russet potato into chunks and toss in a bowl with salt, pepper and granulated garlic. That goes in the middle of the foil lined pan. Then I toss half a bag of frozen broccoli in the residue from the potatoes and put it on one side. Then I add some Greek yogurt and Dijon mustard to the bowl, add chunks of chicken and mix. I'll place the chicken on the other side of the pan, then spoon the leftover yogurt/mustard over the broccoli. The whole thing goes into a 350 oven for 30 minutes, and comes out delicious.

[@BespokeByNellie]

That sounds amazing!!! Thank you for sharing

[@sandiellett1786]

I did this quite recently (sheet pan dinner) for the first time. I also added mushrooms and fresh green beans, because I love them, and they came out great!

[@maineusaMax]

Thanks

[@Amysweightlossjourney]

My daughter also did the dual enrollment and graduated her senior year with a full year of college under her belt. She then was awarded a full four years scholarship to the university of Michigan. She graduated up with a double major because of her high school dual enrollment. She had to be very dedicated to her studies, which she was anyway. It was a full load because she held a job as well, but it paid off. I was, and still am, so very thankful for a child who was self driven and education minded. I never had to remind her to get things done because she came home and homework was first thing. That carried through to college when she was away from home, and still does in her career today. Her hard work has paid off. One of the biggest things for her, and her friends, was to have the emotional support from the adults in their lives. That made a lot of difference on the days when she felt like it was absolutely too much and needed encouragement. We always need to be their biggest fans, and cheerleaders. Our kids are the most important investment we can make. I know from watching your videos that you have that same dynamic with your kids, they know they can count on you. ❤

[@elizabethn.6249]

You could totally do a college kid meals video with mini fridge, microwave & toaster. I asked, mine said micro scrambled eggs & brown & serve sausage, pizza bagles, & cheese salami crackers & apple sauce were go-to's, along with lean cuisines, and pb & j & lunchmeat roll ups.

[@dobycorder3206]

Yes, a college kid cooking vid, please pleas Pul-LEEZ!

[@lynnloehr1566]

An electric skillet is a must. We cooked an entire Thanksgiving dinner in my son's dorm room with an electric skillet, hot pot, and crock pot.

[@carrieprivette3032]

For high school seniors: ask them what type of lifestyle they want, not just what they want to be. Do they want to spend 80hrs weeks in an office, do they want flexibility to start a family, do they want the possibility of remote work, do they want to stay local- limiting the available job fields? Etc. So many people say I want to be *this* but the standard lifestyle of that position is so abhorrent to them that they burn out. Or back themselves into a corner where they have to sacrifice personal lives on the altar of work forever. So ask your kids how they want to live, not just what they want to do. And prepare them for the likelihood of them wanting to shift priorities in their mid twenties or for a family.

[@jamiemartin1465]

I live in Georgia and they call that dual enrollment and it’s free! All my kids took advantage of it and what a blessing it was. I highly recommend it!

[@Hereforthecomments1161]

I store nuts in the freezer. They last much longer.

[@jennifermillan5460]

I had the same thought!!!

[@angrysenior662]

Butter, too!

[@ireneroy8820]

Same with butter and pecans

[@billkelly3679]

We do the same.

[@AutumnLuvsJesus]

Thanks!!!

[@Patrickarmour25]

I absolutely love these videos I’m 19 live on my own my mom died when I was 13 and I am on a budget so this definitely helps

[@SparklingMyLife]

I'm sorry for your loss!😔 Maybe you'll find a job online. I work from home on Upwork. Good luck and have a big hug from a mom of a 21 y old girl.😊

[@nmg1213]

When I make chili, I do half ground beef and half lentils to stretch the ground beef. One of our go-to cheap meals is "bean tacos" - I make homemade refried beans with dry beans (half a bag makes 8 cups of refried beans) and then I just warm up tortillas on the stove, add some cheese and beans and get it all warm + hot sauce. It's not the healthiest but it's super cheap and with plenty of leftovers that can also be used for other meals.

[@dotren1tx933]

You can also add a cup or two of cooked beans to the chili to cut the beef back even more (I'm from Texas, so the beans thing is sacriligious lol -but I like it!)

[@nmg1213]

Oh I always add beans to my chili! ​@@dotren1tx933

[@brentbraten6680]

Years ago, when I was working in the local hospital’s Physical Therapy department there were just two of us and I was the Occupational Therapist. For strokes we had a bag of marbles and a collection of nuts and bolts. I know it sounds silly (and boring) but pick each marble up individually and move them from one pile to the other. Two cereal bowls might be useful here. The nuts and bolts are pretty much self explanatory. Put the nuts on the bolts and then take them off. Beyond this you might want to take up crochet and piano. Another thing is squeezing a nurf ball for bas flexibility and strength. If your occupational therapist has a finger table so much the better. We had one but seldom used it because out here in the country recovery was (and probably still is) centered around helping people relearn practical tasks. Two other exercises you might want to work with are lacing and tying shoes and twirling a chopstick between your fingers. I know it’s a lot of work and it seems boring and tedious but when you can do everything you used to do I think you will agree that putting in the work is actually worth it. In case you are wondering, the reason I was the “occupational therapist” was because I had a little accident back in 1970 that left me all but completely paralyzed on the lef-hand side of my body. I say “all but” because I was able to get most of it back, excluding the functional use of my left hand and I did not want any of our patients to have to deal with the kinds of frustration I had/have been dealing with since that accident. Also please keep in mind that being that I live in a relatively rural environment most of our exercises were centered around things people could do at home after they left the hospital. Take care.

[@monicabarker8888]

Prayer Too

[@taraschmidheini4674]

💕🤗

[@rebekahhansen1112]

Thank you for your story of recovery 🙏 I was a nurse for 35 years . Loved helping others.

[@cece251]

Hi! Thank you for sharing your story & therapeutic/rehab exercises! I'm a COTA working in peds home health. 😊

[@lynnloehr1566]

Silly putty too my mil had to pick beads out of silly putty and it helped a lot with dexterity.

[@jesmeyer732]

I just made a dish my family loved Taco pasta 1 box Mac n cheese (gv brand .58) Bush’s side kick taco fiesta black beans (1.54) Can corn (.64 gv brand) -only use 1/2 can Taco seasoning (.47 gv brand) only use like 2 tsp Can green chilis (.84 gv) only used 1 tbsp Grand total was 4.07 and you’re not even going to ALL the ingredients I cooked the noodles in water with taco seasoning to add flavor Once it was cooked I drained it and added the corn drained The whole can of beans The green chilies and the cheese powder packet and mix it together Eat and enjoy

[@melaniesmalling5968]

Dual credit makes so much more sense to me than AP courses for credit! AP courses here are needlessly tough (tougher than 300 level college classes unless you’re at an Ivy League maybe!) and can tank GPA. Dual credits get the same thing accomplished in a more realistic way without making school have to be the only focus of life for high school kids. And yes, super affordable here…our state (maybe it’s our district?) covers 2 courses free! No reason not to if your kid might be headed to college.

[@andrearoose5919]

Dual enrollment with the high schools is incredible!! My daughter knocked out her psychology and sociology requirements.. so good!

[@amybaize5503]

My youngest daughter did the dual credits in high school. Not only did she graduate college early, but she was able to get a second degree at the same time. Highly recommend

[@suziebuckingham9053]

My daughter did the college credit in high school thing. She went to the state college. She entered as a Sophomore, so it also helped the acceptance situation as she was considered a transfer student instead of a Freshman. So also saved on food plan, as we didn’t have the “required” freshman food plan rules, and didn’t have to live on campus.

[@jillgott6567]

I bought a package of 6 chicken thighs for $1.86 they were within best biy date. Last week I bought a package of 2 chicken thighs for just $.74. Again in date. Look for clearance and sale items to add your pantry and freezer. Keep in mind the $650/ month cost of meal plan covers not just food but also staff, electricity, fuel for cooking, water. If, they can do a 2 meal plan and have a microwave or access to a kitchen - we had one in my dorm in the basement that was rarely used, her daughter could save money. Or, if she does not have a kitchen to access or a microwave is nit allowed then a coffee pot to make soup, Mac and Cheese, sandwich items or salad items, hot Cocoa, instant coffee Oatmeal in packets instant, crackers so on

[@katharinedodson9330]

When I was at BYU the meal plan was 1500 a semester. When I moved off campus the next year I literally fed myself for 100 bucks/mo. When I got engaged I make my finances lunches and he came to my house for dinner and I fed the both of us for 50 bucks a week/200 a month. So cheap compared to today.

[@suzanneseaberg5075]

Yes, the cost of meal plans at college is exorbitant. But most make it a requirement to be on a meal plan freshman year. It’s more like eating at a restaurant every meal. The school has to pay for all the food options and pay for all the workers to prepare and serve the food is included. Saved SO much money when they move off-campus and have a kitchen.

[@peggypeters6676]

Going to college is a dam waste!!

[@phronsiekeys]

I think your comparison to a restaurant is apt, as far as staff, menu options and cleanup, and that means that the cost isn't out of line. I can't get a meal at a restaurant for $7.22 per meal, not even breakfast. If the food is good and well-prepared, so that the students will eat it, it's a reasonable deal. Now text books, those are exorbitant!!

[@jazzyj6095]

At my son's college text books are optional for most classes. Most professors utilize online text access.@@phronsiekeys

[@AngelaMastrodonato]

As I said in my main comment, I had some choices with meal plans and didn’t have to get every meal on the plan. However, even when I got an apartment, still on campus, I got the cheapest meal plan for social reasons and the reality is I didn’t know how to cook much back then and there were no KZbin cooking videos or even all recipes (.com). The internet was in its baby years, like IRC chat and “the World Wide Web” on Netscape Navigator was the internet. Anyway I only ended up getting in the apartments as a Junior because my friend was chosen as an RA in the on campus apartments and got to pick all her roommates, bypassing the housing lottery. The on campus apartments were like 90% Seniors because they were first in the lottery. This is relevant because this is why even in an apartment I was on the cheapest meal plan, which allowed like 1 meal a day in the cafeteria because except for my roommates most of my friend group were Juniors and still in the dorms eating in the cafeteria.

[@dawnt5587]

@@peggypeters6676How do you become a nurse, CPA, attorney or even a teacher? You have to go to college.

[@earlglassco9702]

Quick note, there's a CLEP program where ANYONE can take college classes (think free ones available online), pay $100 for the proctor when they take the test, and if they get a passing score, they just got 3 college credits. Colleges usually give a list of CLEP credits they will accept on their websites. There's a book (don't let the title throw you) called Homeschooling High School for College Credit that describes the process. Our oldest is in 10th grade (homeschool), and that's what we're hoping to use to get her some college credits under her belt. (If your child/student doesn't get a high enough score, there is ZERO GPA penalty, and they can re-take the test when they're ready.) BTW, this is Harriet, not my hubby, LOL.

[@TN-xi8rb]

See my reply above about the Modern States FREE classes that then give you a voucher for a free CLEP test. You just pay about a $20 proctor fee.

[@kathym7495]

I went back to college in my 30's and I spent the year before taking CLEP tests. I took 9 of them and was able to get my bachelor's degree in math in 27 months. I graduated in 1989 and I still tell everyone to take the CLEP whenever they can.

[@rosemarydoran9907]

Did anybody else's sound cut out towards the end of the chilli recipe? It came back for the muffin segment.

[@RLDownTheGravelRoad]

Yes. It did for me as well. But not near as long.

[@brendadigiacomandrea547]

Yes

[@annekent7350]

Yep!

[@elizabethbertsch3066]

Yep!

[@sarahconnor64]

Yes

[@azucarnegra9550]

Lady, I am your newest subscriber and I'm so happy to come across your video's. As a current cancer patient still dealing with the shock of the diagnosis while struggling to even make healthy meals that can help someone that is underweight at 113pds @5"6 & recently diagnosed as severely malnourished, only to have my food assistance cut in half when I needed it the most😮. I guess that assistance is only for the illegal immigrants that have never worked a day in this country now. Not for tax paying American's that have been hit with hard times or health problems.😢 Your video's have truly restored my faith in humanity because I was literally sitting here worrying about how Id even afford groceries at this point in my life when I can barely get out of bed. I truly appreciate you more than you know❤

[@twinnish]

Don’t be shy to ask for help from friends or the local food bank, church or to even just go in and make an appeal to social services. They may have other resources that are not as well publicized.

[@Saras_place]

My college kid spends maybe $100 a month 😂 he has mom who helps and friends and local church does free lunch on Tuesday and Thursday he volunteered at.

[@ireneroy8820]

That’s wonderful!!

[@jjohnson9058]

We call the college program as a high schooler, Running Start. Our junior is doing that program full time and he’ll continue in his senior year, graduating with a high school diploma and an AA degree from community college. He knows what he wants to do in college and he’s excited to be ahead starting at a 4 year college. He loves it we love it, recommend!

[@lunatremolsaries8027]

Explain whaa an raus Running Start ?

[@michellecurrie5553]

In Florida it called dual enrollment and it free too all kids who have a GPA of 2.5. It’s the best thing for kids to take in high school who necessarily wouldn’t be able to afford college or have to take out student loans.

[@stephaniesullivan8154]

That’s what I did! Between dual enrollment and scholarships, I never paid for my AA and Bright Futures and lower online tuition got me through UF for a bargain

[@SummerHarrison-uu1hc]

I appreciate when you do this type of video. Family meal ideas/prep while discussing real life issues. Probably interesting to me due to the fact that my kids are in the same age range as yours. You often give random nuggets of advice that are so helpful. Feels like I'm hanging with a good friend. Thanks!

[@Lisa-ik3wt]

Love her

[@alexuni9217]

About the college food thing, I would say its your hint to make a series of affordable and nutritious meals using only a tiny airfryer, a tiny rice cooker (that doubles down as a slow cooker) and maybe a kettle :D So you can combine little sales - once a week clearance grocery or whatever - with cooking for one (which you've definitely done before) plus using no stove or oven :D

[@carolinebrown4249]

My favorite frugal family recipe that feeds my husband and I for at least 2-3 meals is a sheet pan meal! I need to do better on using fresh vegetables (or at least buying them fresh and freezing them myself), but I toss together a bag of frozen broccoli, a bag of frozen peppers and onions, a sliced up sausage (usually turkey or chicken sausage are our favorites but any works) with some olive oil and whatever seasoning you like (we like fajita seasoning). I bake this at ~400 degrees for about 45 minutes, stirring every 10-15 minutes so it doesn’t stick to the pan. I serve with rice, cheese, salsa, etc. We love it!

[@loniivanovskis1239]

UMass at Amherst is $3300 per semester for unlimited meals. (My son ate 4 meals a day) We homeschooled and he graduated with over 2 years of credits by attending community college for both high school and college credit. Massachusetts has a transfer program from community college so we knew he was getting a high quality education. He did go a full 2 years so he could do a semester abroad. He chose Germany which has free tuition, very low-cost housing, and he even got a stipend from the university which covered his food costs. The most expensive thing is the US university charging a fee for the program to transfer his grades. My second son did 2 years of community college during high school as well and went to a private college (I don't even want to talk about the price, but he had to come up with "merit money" scholarships if he wanted to live there; so he did.)

[@globetrotting2628]

My daughter graduated high school with a 2-year associate degree that she then applied towards a 4-year degree at a prestigious college. I'm lucky to live in a state that pays for community college during Jr. and Sr. year of high school as long as the student is getting a high GPA. We only had to pay a $100 admission fee towards this program and about $300-400 worth of books per year. Successful program, for sure!

[@heyheyjessjess]

I had some nasty cuts from my mandoline at home, and when I started cooking professionally I was told to throw out anything that was too small to handle safely. Now when I'm using one at home, I'll cut the last bit with my knife (in addition to using "cut proof" gloves for the mandoline). I still save a lot of time, but I don't risk the injury! I hope your recovery gets easier ♥

[@karibrummet8026]

My eldest daughter also went to a private university. Her cost per semester for the meal plan was similar in price. THANK GOD her tuition was covered by scholarships. She paid for her meal plan by tutoring. I also visited once a week and brought her food/snacks. It was a very expensive educational experience but she came out with 2 bachelors and a masters!

[@kristineroehl]

I have two adults that have gotten degrees from WGU all online, a lot cheaper than a traditional school and both have good jobs. One is a CPA & one a network engineer. Think outside the box!!

[@lovelife7343]

It cost us $1100 extra per year for my son to do his college online so much cheaper than attending the school.

[@alonalyons8685]

As a mom.I love my online classes. I am not a driver so it is easier for me to not go on campus every day.

[@jessicakullander8517]

Trick is to get your work study job in the food service/catering department....then you get paid for your shift AND a free meal and can get the reduced meal plan. But it costs so much because basically every meal of the day is an entree, 1-3 alacarte lines, full salad bar, cereal all day, etc.

[@SusanLawless-b2p]

My husband makes a great sloppy joe with only 2 ingredients! The first is the ground beef and the second is a can or two of chicken gumbo soup. It's amazing and so easy. Of course, you can add lentils if you like, but you might be able to add more rice to the gumbo soup so you don't have to eat the lentils.

[@audreyrobles1505]

I am so, so, so sorry for what you're dealing with your finger. You are in my thoughts and prayers for healing and comfort.

[@rh5022]

Try researching depression cooking my family was below poverty level. Potato pancakes, potato soup, mac n cheese hot 🌭 we were poor. This knowledge comes in handy in bad times.

[@aimsreads1493]

Where I went to college, meal plan prices currently are $1909/semester for residents and $2021 for commuters for 3 meals/day.

[@sonyabutler8677]

Here you don't have to pay for college classes while your in highschool your GPA just has to be good enough! Our daughter is in firefighter/EMS classes in highschool she will graduate this year and I already have your EMS certificate and a good job after highschool but she wants to go to college for fire science

[@carol-1-1-1-1]

I am here to prove you can teach an old dog new tricks. I was frugal before but now l am super frugal, prepared and am saving dollars hairs like crazy!❤U

[@sharonyazzie7359]

My Mom shared if you put a couple of slices of apples in dried up brown sugar, it softens. it works! I love watching you and your beautiful family! Thanks for inspirational meals on a budget!

[@Notable2Nikki]

The thing about college meal plan is that friendships are formed in the dining halls. I tried skipping it one semester and it was too much of a hassle. That said, if the college allows for different tiers of meal plans, I would go with a lower tier. A lot of kids end up grabbing a granola bar or whatever for breakfast anyways on their way out the door to class.

[@nancycosgrove4005]

I haven’t had a hand injury - my husband has had 2 mandolin”incidents”- no more Ma Colin in our house🙂 However I dealt with severe plantar fasciitis in both feet- basically out of commission for a year- so frustrating! Then I fell down sone marble stairs and did a huge number on my knee! Again so frustrating and slow I’m sorry for what you are going through- praying for a complete recovery💕

[@andwal13]

Ouch 😢

[@morrisniday2397]

Great conversation about college meal plans. Looking at this next step in life 😮. Can you do a video for dorm food alternative options.

[@iveybellelane8311]

My son started college as a second semester sophomore. Once in college, he was able to graduate college with a TRIPLE major, including a year abroad. Talk about save us some money on tuition it also allowed for his year in Germany.

[@No-sv6mu]

My favorite way to make brussel sproats is cut them in half and crisp the cut side down in an oiled cast iron skillet for 8ish minutes. Then put in oven for 8-10 minutes at 425. Take out and while hot sprinkle on crumbled Greek feta and drizzle on honey. Soooooo good!

[@bodyofhope]

Best!

[@cv7357]

Yummmo! Going to do that tonight - thanks!

[@pamelacallaway3922]

Sounds delicious!

[@cynthiasmith1389]

The university in my town charges $6,470.00 for the 3-meals-a-day (21 meals per week) plan for the academic year. Scholarships, grants, and loans can be used to pay for meal plans. Therefore, it's a pseudo-monopoly.

[@kittyhawk12]

when doing cookies or bars can put a square piece of bread in container to keep them fresh,soft-- got this from my mother in law yrs ago and is great!!!

[@danaschelin3853]

My son starts dual enrollment as a homeschooler in the fall. We're very excited that it's an option since we will be a family with multiple kids in college at the same time.

[@annvogel3347]

Noticed you had same issue with brown sugar I do, someone told me good tip to use the bottom saucer of clean/new terra cotta pot to keep it from clumping so much! Been following you awhile keep up the great work, you're one of my inspiration ambassadors!

[@jmknudsen5357]

Regarding college meal plans: Get the lowest plan available, maybe only 1 meal per day. Most people (especially girls) don't eat 3 full meals per day. 1 big meal, plus yogurt, fruit, etc. in the dorm room and grab a bagel or something when out on campus.

[@amandaribofpalmetto]

For a way to get your credits faster, you can take a Dante's test without having taken the class. For basics like entry level math or ELA its a good way to get credits for only about $50 a class. Where I went to college most classes were 3 credit hours. So 5 of those is basically a semester for only $250! Also, you can view a TON of actual college class lectures for FREE on KZbin.

[@sharibrown2003]

I accidentally cut tiny bit of my right thumb off years ago from a mandolin. Christine we just purchased special gloves to show and help our kids (old enough to use sharp knives),have not tried them yet. Supposed to help not cut your self (our oldest is bit scared of sharpness). I’m not mentioning this to belittle or make fun,just thought be helpful to you or anyone if they need special gloves for themselves. I apologize if it’s taken wrong way. I’m glad you are healing and you had someone to talk to. 🙏🏻on continues healing journey.

[@revguess9546]

Wow. My 87 year old mom amputated finger end in November. She cleaned a window, after raising and tilting, top window cut it off. Ya'll are amazing and healing perfectly. Know how Jesus retained His scars and allows us to have them? It's a reminder we were healed. Love, rev.

[@jlw7189]

Christine, yes, we're spending that for my daughter's dining plan at a public uni - not a private school! It's not really for the food. Half of it is a "dining fee." Freshman living on campus have to have a dining plan. Beyond that, you do not have to have a dining plan. Daughter is moving into an old on-campus apartment next year and is super excited to start cooking her own meals! She currently has a little electric skillet that she makes noodles and eggs, etc., she uses in her room. BTW, the dorm kitchens are gross!! Nobody's mom lives there. lol

[@themoralmama3883]

Thank you for your input on college! There's so many unnecessary costs, and kids just go to be going sometimes, which adds up quickly!!

[@robinblossom5197]

I love your cooking videos and I think people who didn’t learn as a kid can easily learn lots from you. Love to see some super basics videos for people who don’t know how to make anything.

[@rachelgianoli5117]

Love you and love your content! I have learned so much!

[@Qu33nHUDDY]

College meal plans are a rip off. I was able to eat for roughly $30-$50 a week depending on what I was making. I had a mini fridge with freezer, insta pot, mini hot plate, toaster/toaster oven combo, small microwave, mini personal blender, mini waffle maker, pot, pan, dishes, utensils, cooking utensils, cutting board, knives, and storage containers. I had everything I needed to cook all of my meals. It saved a ton of money! I was able to graduate completely debt free with my scholarships and grants and only needed to pay $400 a semester once I got to my university after community college.

[@lifeafterhomeschoolmom2188]

Yaaaaaasssss to Dual-Enrollment!!! I am a HUGE proponent of this. In my state Dual-Enrollment is FREE for high school juniors and seniors. My daughter graduated high school with 30 college credits, and will go into next school year as a college junior (this was her first year as a full-time college student). I especially recommend DE for homeschool families (which we were) bc it’s a great way for our students to get a taste of a more “traditional” school setting, while still living at home. ❤

[@nanasinthekitchen6016]

In 2019, I cut my left thumb and it would not heal. I ended up with a severe staph infection that went into the bone. I was in the hospital for 11 daysand then had to go back in for 3 days after anaphalytic shock from an allergy to the antibiotics. i had to have 3 surgeries to clean out my thumb. Thankfully i did not need to get it amputated, but i now have limited mobility with that thumb. I was sent home on IV antibiotics for months, wore bandages and splints for months. I had to get a very short haircut because i couldn't care for my hair. I needed help with personal care and getting dressed. I couldn't take care of my grandchild. I couldn't cook meals. The pain from all the nerve damage was excruciating. I spent a lot of time with sleeplessness nights in pain. I remember the first meal i cooked once i could manage macaroni and cheese, smoked sausage links and zucchini. I was so excited to cook again. The injury i had was very debilitating at the time and it took a long time to mentally recover from the trauma.

[@michellefitz4287]

Wow- you’ve been through so much. I can see why that first meal cooking was such an accomplishment. It’s the little things we’re so grateful for. Thanks for sharing. 💕

[@TheKurtzyMusic]

I work in university housing and it’s pretty similar in cost for us. The real money waster is the student who chooses not to attend a meal they’ve already paid for. Most of us don’t have personal chefs preparing 8 different options and all you can eat buffets for our every meal, so it is significantly more than you’d pay in your own house for most people. Any school worth its weight will give your student the option to apply for a full or partial financial exemption from the meal plan, just reach out to the people working in either: housing / residence life, accessibility services or financial aid. Depending on the school and location it can be a pretty fair trade off though when compared to having to purchase a car, pay for insurance, pay for gas, and budget your own groceries. It’s definitely a complex issue but can be resolved by asking for help!

[@lawra89]

Taking classes through community or technical colleges (whether in HS or not) is cheaper than taking them in state colleges and you can usually transfer the credits. A go-to meal prep for me is beans and rice, or beans, rice and canned tomatoes.

[@KarenSpeciale]

Wow, glad you let us know about your finger. Back in 1973 I cut the exact same finger and had to have stitches. Luckily I didn't have any nerve damage but it was such a pain not using my fingers for awhile. Hope it finally stops bothering you! Have loved watching you for years, thank you for all the info with us!!

[@lisaward3890]

I think i would make use of a crock pot or instant pot/baking pot.These small appliances would fit so well in a dorm room. There are many easy recipes that could help a college student get their meals. An instant pot would help the student meal prep on the weekends or on their day off. Love your video a wealth of ideas! An air fryer may also be a great dorm appliance for a dorm if having an appliance in the dorm is allowed. You are doing a great job in spite of your injury.

[@nikkiswails151]

What discount grocery store do you shop at? I am new to your channel but I love a good discount grocery store!!

[@mjl6749]

I’d love to know this too, please!

[@kimberlylholt]

My mother cut off the end of finger,many years years ago. The nail grew back over where she had to have stitches. She had problems for several years. Dont give up. It does get better.😊

[@heatherruble3177]

I teach at a high school in Iowa and our district offers FREE concurrent enrollment classes through our community college in town. I teach 2 of those courses in the health science pathway. My oldest daughter graduated from high school with 38 college credits that she got for free. (Many of them transferred as electives because she went to a nursing school that required students to take their nursing classes.) I do not think our students understand how fortunate they are to have that opportunity here.

[@clairemack2750]

Just chiming in here on the concurrent enrollment - My kiddo finished her AA in high school with no high school requirements or senior project. It was a huge win for us, financially.

[@sylviaseri4235]

My twins were always high achievers. My son is a corporate controller, my daughter is a physician. The college costs almost killed us, plus they both took out loans. The meal plan was ridiculous. They only had to have it freshman yr. They had a microwave, toaster oven and electric frying pan. They cooked for themselves and saved a lot of money!

[@catherinemchugh5762]

Taking college courses in high school works really well. My granddaughter did it and she got about 1' 1/2 years of credit towards college and also enrolled in an accelerated program where she graduated with a master's degree. It saved her parents quite a bit of money.

[@dagnolia6004]

regarding "kids that know what they want to do": most colleges/universities have requirements that are the same no matter what the major is, basic english, math, science, history/social studies..... if they can take these in a more frugal manner and save their college experience for "what they want to study" more power to them!

[@zzzz759]

There is a little terracota bakery stone I put in the brown sugar. Keeps it nice and soft

[@threejaystravel]

My middle son is a senior this year. For the past 2 years, he’s been doing duel credit. It’s so much cheaper! I believe we pay about $80 a class. He’s likely going to go to college as a sophomore. He knows exactly what he wants to do, so he’s definitely going to save a lot by doing this. Our oldest is still trying to figure out what he wants to do, so he never did this. He decided to go to community college to get his prerequisites out of the way before spending more on a university. Either way, I’m proud of them for the choices they’ve made.

[@Claire-Rita]

My oldest son is almost 42 and he graduated HS with over 45 college credits. He was part of a pilot program in our area where he attended a junior college part of his junior year and all of his senior year of high school. Best decision ever, for him; our second child went the traditional way which worked better for him.

[@ellis7796]

Yeah, college meal plans are such a scam. Plus, there were no kitchens in my dorm, so it's not like I really had much of a choice. Would highly recommend renting a mini-fridge/microwave combo for the dorm room tho! Worth the price, very convenient and gives the student a bit of flexibility so they aren't 100% reliant on the dining halls

[@michellemaddox9038]

Best thing we did after freshman year for both our sons was to make them room off campus together. We paid rent and they were responsible for their food (using summer job money). Taught them how to eat on a budget and they became awesome cooks to boot!

[@amywert8088]

I have a fellow homeschool family that is doing some kind of dual enrollment college credit program. My children are all done with that now but two of them took college classes online for free and while they didn't receive any credit for them they sure learned a ton! My oldest went on to monitor classes at the local college which is also free and again, learned a ton! If you don't know what you have in mind, definitely do all the free things!

[@melissajohnson7887]

Good luck on your injury. Tip try the frozen chopped onions, I get them at Kroger. They are great for cooking, obviously they wouldn't be good in place of a fresh but in chili, soup, casserole etc they are great.

[@susanwenger8448]

It's not just the food. It's the staff, the fuel, washing and dishes pots and pans, waste, building running, maintaining.

[@callahangralton4208]

When I was in college from 2012-2014, I did a plan option where you get 1 visit a day to the cafeteria. I would stuff their to-go containers as much as possible and eat leftovers for dinner. Also had a mini fridge, microwave, toaster, and crockpot! If I really needed an oven to make cookies, there was a communal oven that no one ever used. I’m sure my meal plan was MUCH cheaper than $2600 that’s insane!!!

[@tenthz]

Dorm-dwellers often have to have a meal plan, however, I went into college with credits from my time in HS, sooooo I wasn't considered a freshman! I still lived in the dorms & was required to have a meal plan, but because I didn't have freshman status, I had the choice of different meal plan options. I went with a plan that was fewer meals in the dining hall and included "debit dollars" to use in the different on-campus eateries. It was great and worked out well for my class schedule because there were definitely days where my meal plan would have gone to waste because I didn't have time for a meal in the designated dining hall. If you're kiddos are not technically "freshman" make sure you check what your options are!

[@aprilbarton7483]

I am my high school teacher. We offer dual enrollment classes. Students take the class at the high school with one of the high school teachers. They sign up for dual enrollment through the local community college. There is a small fee through the local community college. When they finish high school they get a transcript from that college. It’s a easy way to get college credit really cheap. This is great for kids who still want to experience high school and get some of the basic college classes out of the way. My school will also cover the fee for any student who can show need.

[@krishenderson5499]

Our son did the concurrent enrollment his senior year of HS. Finished his Associates at the community college and transferred to a Big 10 school for his bachelors. Lived at home to save money.

[@ashleyterry6424]

5 years ago, i worked or had classes off campus during all the hours that the cafeteria was open so i could only use the meal plan for 3 days of the week. I emailed someone about not being able to use it and was able to get a cheaper meal plan for about half the cost. Highly recommend it.

[@dizziemom867]

My daughter went to early college high school and graduated with a associates degree. It didn’t cost us anything. It’s saved us so much money.

[@aleysechapin3440]

MN offers a program called PSEO (post secondary education option), and it covers the college classes completely. I did online stuff through one college my junior year, and then my senior year I switched to another college and just went there for all my classes.

[@joellenvohlken4924]

I know most people won’t agree, but I don’t think the meal plan cost is out of line. 1. Dorm room hot pot meals aren’t always the most nutritious. Food service will offer better choices for each meal. 2. While you can eat breakfast much cheaper in your dorm, food service will offer options that can be more expensive (breakfast meats). There are usually several options and that carrys a price to cover loss. 3. College students struggle with time management. Food service eliminates the need for them to shop and prepare. There is a cost for preparation. 4. If I could afford the cost of a private university, i don’t think I would be as concerned with the cost of the meal plan. I hope I don’t sound snarky. I’ve just been on the business side of food service.

[@BallroomJenni]

School counselor here, who also did concurrent enrollment... if you know what college you want to go to and will not complete your AA, then you want to make sure that the college courses will transfer well to the other college and not just as electives. If that does not make sense let me know and I will explain it better! But I do truly and highly endorse concurrent because of the cost, and I think it helps prepare you to go from HS to college and makes that transition much smoother!

[@Rachelmarie5272]

My niece did the dual enrollment while in high school and when she graduated HS she also graduated with a 2 year degree. It’s an amazing opportunity and saves so much money. I wanted my son to do it but we were lucky he barely graduated HS.

[@ElisabethGrace22]

My daughter went to a small private university and she always used the smallest meal plan available. She got a smaller fridge with freezer for her dorm room. She lived in the dorms, single room after freshman year, for all of college. There was a shared kitchen, but she didn't use it too often. She found things she could have for breakfast in her dorm room (yogurt, instant oatmeal with add-ins like fruit & nuts) and she made salads for quick lunches &/or dinners. She definitely used her dining dollars at the cafeteria and got plenty of food there for the money on the smallest meal plan.

[@Bieberlova4eva98]

Whenever I’m trying to save money/clean out my pantry I always make veggie soup. I almost always have cans of veggies in my pantry or freezer. Add some ground beef and you can make a big pot of soup for pretty cheap!

[@juliasmissen9973]

Yes, Christine! My son is also a junior and will end high school with a year of college completed at the time of high school graduation! We are loving AP classes and concurrent enrollment. We’ve also decided he will attend the regional all access university who accepts the concurrent enrollment classes most liberally so no credit is wasted. Other private universities cost more and limit college credit even for 4’s and 5’s on AP tests. 3 years at the local state school will cost about $30k total ( not extra fees) but my son will also qualify for local scholarships from our school district foundations. We figure about $12-15K for the three years he will be in college as our family contribution. In this day and age, that is amazing for college expenses! Of course it goes without saying he will live at home and commute to school/college! Woo hoo!

[@stephaniemiller4107]

my sons college you can buy different levels of meal plans...depending on how many times you swipe your card you can be as low as $2150 or as high as $2800.

[@veronicamorrison3144]

In college they usually have a microwave you can use (sometimes you can bring your own) and a mini fridge. I got creative. Rice cooker was allowed or crockpot for 1 person. I learned to cook ALMOST anything in those. This brought my meal expenses down by a lot

[@shadow109781]

Sending healing vibes hun, I went through this with my son 7 years ago now.. My biggest recommendation is do everything your therapist says and on the timeline they are giving you, no matter the frustration level do not push past what they are okaying. My son now has very limited use in his index and middle finger, because at 13 years old its hard not to play video games when your friends are...

[@kimber-leighdomiano901]

My daughter pays $1800 unlimited food as a freshman. Includes 12 bonus meals in the library cafe. This doesn't include the $40 plus she spends a month on protein powder, fruit & greek yogurt.