REALISTIC Extreme Budget Family Meal Plan // Weekly Budget Meal Plan

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[@SeeMindyMom]

I'm working on a little printable with my grocery list and meal plan for this video. Feel free to check back later... (Edit) IT'S LATER! LOL! Just a 2 page printable with my grocery list and then listing the meals I made for quick reference: seemindymom.gumroad.com/l/bizmqu

[@keirstyn99c]

Yes please!!! ❤️

[@acromantulus]

That would be awesome 😊

[@wadly312]

Ok yes!

[@annmarieknapp9942]

Yes please! 🎉

[@grannydeb2887]

Yes please!!

[@thefrankperspective4247]

Gov't: "We know what's best. Here's our food budget" Mindy: "Hold my crockpot"

[@emmapatterson2533]

😂😂😂😂😂

[@elizabethcoates6925]

The budget meal videos are great, but this is closer to what my family does each week, so I love to see it.

[@ashleyt6237]

Same

[@courtneyfilner2237]

Agreed! I loved this video and pinned the recipes.

[@jessicabumgarner2689]

Same here!

[@wandamontgomery6030]

I agree. I usually spend $50 a week for myself maybe.

[@carrievanvickle6052]

I’m a family of 4 in Texas. (43,38,12,1). I upped my budget from $100 a week to $110. I shop every two weeks with $220. I’m thankful for a grandmother that thought me how to be frugal and make so much from scratch.

[@southernworkingmamaof2402]

Show us what you buy and cook for your family 😊

[@As-fk1rb]

I wish I knew some secrets.. I'm a family of 6 and I'm pregnant. I have a month budget for $981 but it don't last tall month 3 meals snacks and drinks it's expensive here and I'm getting tiered of being hungry all the time.

[@TheMotherDucker]

Are you thankful you have a home and the time to cook from scratch too? People working 3 jobs and taking the bus for 4 hours a day don't have that privilege.. time.

[@duckandbear]

I grew up with tv dinners 😢

[@keirstyn99c]

I absolutely love these delicious and realistic mid-range budget meal plans!!! Exactly where my family is at right now

[@SeeMindyMom]

Glad I could deliver! Thanks for watching! :)

[@diversekakes]

Yes, many different people watching for sure

[@jmonta21]

I love the midrange too. The extreme dollar tree videos are great for those in a really tight spot, but not realistic for me and my family.

[@lorettawinsor3976]

Hi mindy. A disabled couple and we love ur low budget meal idea videos. U r a down to earth person

[@karengibbs7723]

Hooray for realistic budget meals. Bring on more please.🎉

[@karinakissell9565]

That USDA meal plan is wild...for my family of 4, the moderate plan recommended $281.60 a week....I've had no trouble sticking with my $150/week budget. Including prepackaged snacks, meat, and occasional treats.

[@debra2463]

I really think it would be great to do more of this kind of price point for meals.

[@triciadukes]

Yes! These are the videos I want to see! “Normal” grocery shopping/plan ideas. Thanks Mindy!

[@wadly312]

I loved this video! Would love to see more “modest budget” meal plans/ grocery plans etc. Those govt budget recommendations blew my mind, that is so much! So many families would feel like they were rolling in luxury with such a high grocery budget surely even on the thrifty version 😮

[@EmmaHope88]

That would be nearly $320/month for me. I've never had that much money to spend on food. This doesn't include household items and Co.

[@wadly312]

@@EmmaHope88 yes exactly! Insane!

[@ashleyharlacher9351]

As a family of 5, I cringe when I spend over 200 in a week, and that’s including household items. I would feel like I could buy whatever I wanted on the govt budget 😂

[@juliehelms4901]

The thrifty budget for my mostly grown family of 4 is more than I ever spent to feed 8 ( yes, 6 kids!)! Incredible!

[@stillsimplystephanie]

Those cinnamon rolls look so good! I do like the modest middle ground budget videos. My budget is a range, I try to stay between $30-$50/week (cooking for 1 person), some weeks I go way under and others I go way over if I’m stocking up, but I like seeing these realistic budgets.

[@alyssaskeans1216]

I would love to see more of these mid range budget meal ideas! This is more similar to how my family eats

[@jillautismhomeschoolmama6994]

I just looked up my thrifty cost for my specific family, $1,200. Our budget is $900 per month but that includes dog food, household goods, personal care etc. I do have pantry storage I work through though and I have a “personal allowance…” When I see good deals/stock up prices, I often spend it on that. I don’t do hair dye or hair cuts, and that’s the sort of thing it’s for. I do use it to treat my kids out sometimes though or buy a gift or piece of clothing.

[@marywatkins6798]

Yes, more of these please. Plus, we always finish off our leftovers. I grew up that way, and we do not waste food. Baffles me that some people do not.

[@Renewed85]

It breaks my heart to throw away food. Usually happens when someone gets lost in the back of the fridge or accidentally left out and can't be used. Breaks my heart

[@LeahJ_stiches]

love the idea of buying premade bread dough to make hamburger buns and other things!

[@oscarfelix1952]

I loved this. I'm really excited about the frozen dough! I don't have the courage or patience to try to make my own, so this is perfect. A comparable brand in our local store is $7.99/5 loaves which is still cheaper than what I'm paying now. I love the versatility of this product!

[@dwhite-mg8xl5ht9t]

I would love to see some “middle of the road” budgets used at the grocery and/or Walmart hauls!!!

[@AnnesFamilyRecipe]

These numbers are wild! I’m guessing they had to average the cost of groceries from across the US which can vary so greatly… I live in Pennsylvania and have a family of 7. I try to keep our weekly grocery bill around $175. 🙌🏻

[@theopkingdom3433]

I have a family of 8 in PA and I try to stay around $250 (that includes household items as well.)

[@brianaperez8326]

Currently a family of 4 (and pregnant) in NM and I try my best to keep to $110/week for food and household and it can be pretty difficult.

[@mariayelruh]

I think they are using 'fresh' food amounts where there is more waste for skins, etc. They are recommending for the 2 of us around 19 pounds of veggies & 14 pounds of fruit... a week!

[@michaelmeyer8810]

Would also enjoy grocery list and meals.

[@MissTaylorGirl]

I love the middle of the road meal planning videos so I can get some new ideas for average household family dinners

[@murnan11]

Love Rada!! Been using those since I was 18…. I’m 75 now!! ☺️

[@KeliLyn001]

We use that dough and make Stromboli out of them. Let them thaw and split one loaf into two pieces. Roll out and add your favorite pizza toppings. Fold up and seal. Turn over and add a few slits for ventilation. Bake 10-15 minutes at 350. Brush with garlic butter. Dip in pizza sauce. So good!

[@patriciacarter8442]

The Rhodes pre made dough is genius. Thanks Mindy, all great dinner ideas.

[@jesseenixon]

my grocery shopping and spending is absolutley disgusting. I need to change and I have been watching all of your videos. Thank you and these types of videos are just so great to see and helpful

[@deeannfassett2344]

I think that many families don’t really know how to cook. So if everything in a grocery haul had to be convenience meals, the budget would be higher than in a family who knows how to cook foods from scratch or meals using fresh food.

[@ashleystatham9390]

I love that you add in “treats” and some short cuts! It makes it so realistic to do this!

[@nancycarney]

This video is truly realistic and doable. I have tried every budget there is from $30 to $70 a week for 4. My husband like that I saved money but not so excited about the budget meals all the time. This is more the real deal. We typically spend $75 for about 3 weeks and about $150 once a month. You worked hard on this.

[@asweetnspicyginger2443]

I like the middle of the road route. We are not on a budget. But we also dont have an endless supply of money either.

[@ericarandall2692]

I’d love to see more of these types of moderate budget meal plans.

[@deempangazithadlodlo3966]

Oh my word ,I live in South Africa and with a $145 if I heard you correctly, I can buy groceries for a whole month and that feeds a family of 4 ,I guess SA is way cheaper and here we thought we had it rough but you have great ideas for meal preparation and I will use these and probably cut my whole meal budget in half ,thank you, sending love from South Africa ❤️

[@debbyferguson5638]

I like moderate middle of the road planning videos. Please. Thanks. 😊😊😊

[@christeenprice5637]

I have been using Rada knives for years,my favorite

[@debbiebarnes4688]

Those cosmic crisp apples are LIFE.

[@SeeMindyMom]

So good! I just picked up another bag today. They don't last long here.

[@shelzp7272]

The yeast in that bread makes the house smell so great… 🎶

[@lindabyrnes4356]

I think this is more realistic. Many more options. I still love the extreme budgets meals but really enjoyed this. ❤

[@sibs9127]

I love this channel for ideas! I’ve got a 4, 2 & 1 year old so I feel like I’m getting so many ideas as my family of 5 grows 😊

[@francesmoseley3316]

I enjoy all your videos, but this one is great. That is a lot of food for the money! I am a household of one, so all the things you bought would last me a long time. I really like seeing what meals you came up with. Please do more of these. I need all the ideas I can get. Blessings to you and the family

[@wynterwhy4]

I love that not only is your food plan reasonable, its simple on prep.

[@littlemissbekah9722]

I love how creative you were with the frozen bread dough!! So many great uses! I love homemade baking but this is not the season for it in my life! This makes it more accessible with where I am right now.

[@SeeMindyMom]

Yes, I definitely need to pick those up more often. I don’t know why I didn’t think of it sooner!

[@dianekeating6112]

This was a very realistic grocery haul! Thank you.

[@kristendematte8861]

Love this! But I also miss watching you cook- I have learned so much by watching your play by play cooking. Often you’re video is cooking with me as I’m cooking for my family… play, pause, cook. Play, pause, cook. Etc Thank you for making inspirational videos for us!

[@mommamoore]

holy cow, i just figured mine out for my family of 9, and it's over 2000 a monthly for the thrifty household. I don't even spend that with formula and diapers and non edible items. i also include pet food in my monthly grocery budge.... we usually spend around 2600$ in IN. I guess we are doing pretty well when we look at the chart

[@KateMoranHere]

I really liked this modest budget video. For my family of 4, I try to stick to a monthly spend amount of $550-$600. Would love to see your approach to building a meal plan and shopping list where you're leveraging sales/deals and incorporating any leftover items into the next week's plan. I do an okay job at it, but always learn so much from you!

[@StarWarsFans98]

Same here!

[@EmmaHope88]

I suggest Jessica Wanders' channel. She tends to do this thing about once a year or so where she does a budget meal plan for several weeks and rolls her leftover items into the next week and builds a pantry that way. She's Canadian. She's currently doing a $21 for 21 meals plan and is in week four or so.

[@KateMoranHere]

@@EmmaHope88 I will definitely check that out. Thank you!

[@lizpearson343]

Mind blown about the s’mores shortcut!!! 🤯🤯what a great idea!!

[@Gardeningchristine]

I’m definitely going to go see if that cereal is on sale at my Walmart. That’s cheaper than aldi.

[@trudygreen9487]

Hi mindy I live in England I often go to Aldi for my main shop and also our version of Walmart is called Asda I love your videos I would love to see some in the middle videos. I am a Mum of 2 kids which are grown in now my Daughter has just got married and my son still lives at home , but I am always cooking and looking after them all still the kids my husband the dog friends and family I have cooked baked cleaned all my life it was my mum who learned me how to cook,clean and run a household manage money you are a great inspiration to me all my love to you and your wonderful family keep up with your amazing videos ❤❤❤

[@leannbetters5389]

I absolutely would love to see more videos like this..I also have a family of 5 (41,41,15,12,12) I recently upped my budget to $150 and it worked for now so I would definitely appreciate more videos like this one

[@rachelday9585]

Two weeks of the Thrifty budget is more than my monthly budget!!

[@NOVAFrugalFamily]

Agreed! One week thrifty pricing for my family is my monthly budget of $200 for my family of three. I can’t imagine what I would buy with four times my budget a month. We have a fully stocked freezer and pantry so it isn’t like we are buying week to week.

[@rachelday9585]

@@NOVAFrugalFamily That thrifty budget she shared was for a family of 5, so I'd assume it would be a bit less for a family of 3 but still seems like a lot regardless.

[@NOVAFrugalFamily]

@@rachelday9585 I looked it up for the age and sex of my family members and it was $198.30 per week because they are allowing more for my teenager then they are my husband which probably makes sense but still seems crazy.

[@rachelday9585]

@@NOVAFrugalFamily That still seems crazy to me! Two weeks of that is still more than double my budget for my family of 5 for a month!

[@NOVAFrugalFamily]

@@rachelday9585 Agreed!! I can’t imagine what I would get a month with $800 a month or how I would pay for it 😂

[@lindabeard488]

More videos like this, please. I’d love to see some menus for a family of 2.

[@valeriehilltew8999]

Definitely a fan of this budget range concept. Feels realistic for the average week/month.

[@renoki4540]

Thank you for this video. We recently had to lower our food budget. This is very helpful. I have been trying to cook from my pantry alot recently. I had some extra groceries stored. I am currently trying to meal plan and prep better. So far its going pretty well on cutting the food budget. These videos of yours are extremely useful and I have taken alot of tips from you. Thank you for your hard work. God bless you and your family.

[@marybrown7626]

Loved this video. This is where we are, and most people I know. Somewhere between $500 and $600 a month in groceries. Mostly from scratch and store brands, with some convenience stuff thrown in. The extreme budget meals were great to watch for awhile, but they don't help out for normal every day ideas.

[@AllieA7]

I have watched you since before covid. Never thought I’d need an extreme budget but after a freak storm..power outage for 6 days..all perishable food gone. So I need the regular foods plus stocking up again. Thank you for sharing these!!

[@abbyno4917]

The price recommendation is realistic for the entire countrys average food cost. Like LA or NYC etc.... hawaii and alaska

[@SeeMindyMom]

Yes, I thought about adjusting it based on Oklahoma being at 88% the national cost of living. So multiply all the final budgets by .88 and that would be reasonable for me. Which is sort of where I landed on this on anyway.

[@abbyno4917]

@@SeeMindyMom im in oklahoma too but ive lived in NY and the cost of living there is crazy high.

[@andreah4696]

Love this video! You’re right, there is a need for more videos in this price range. I am not interested in extreme budget eating from the dollar tree. I spend about $150-$165 a week for a family of five. I will be buying some Rhodes bread dough next time I shop! Thanks!

[@Mrrngglory3043]

Yes, please, do more like this one. It’s so helpful to see all your variety. Thank you!

[@FrugalLifeThriftyWife]

I love doing extreme budget challenges. They really help me think outside the box to make delicious meals for my family for very little money. Thanks for all the ideas Mindy! ❤

[@sarahferguson0]

I've been really frustrated with some budget meal content as we typically eat quite a lot of fresh produce and both my son and i are trying to eat healthier. A lot of the budget meal videos I've seen are just not the way we eat. I love your ideas and i'm so thankful to have found your channel.

[@jasmynarroyo1267]

My mexican household feeds 7 people and we always have more than enough produce that we get from the food bank and it’s all good

[@pattywilliams788]

Hey there, Mindy! I would love to see more videos like this one because I’m able to take these type hacks and modify it for me. I live alone and I generally shop twice to three times a month. I really like your ideas for shortcuts; one of my favorites is the one where you make a chicken salad or spread by using rotisserie chicken or can chicken and mix it with different kinds of prepared dip from the deli section. I loved the buffalo chicken salad for sandwiches or with crackers that I can have for lunch or dinner over a few days so that I don’t have to think too much about it. Thanks for sharing your ideas and recipes. I really appreciate it.

[@SeeMindyMom]

That’s one of our favorite meals especially in the summer. Thanks for watching!

[@pennylee9115]

Right up my alley. Not a crazy low or high budget. I would just need to tweak for 5 adult eaters. One with diabetes. Thanks!

[@oxymoronassoc]

I believe those budgets (as well as SNAP) also include grocery products like toilet paper, dish soap, etc. Which would easily hit those numbers on the low end.

[@bridgetbuer150]

Hey Mindy perfect timing, I just got back from the food store I spent 275.00 for my family of 4 adults and that is for more then a week. I only shop 2x a month and I did great, have a great day.

[@SeeMindyMom]

That sounds like a great trip for 2 weeks!

[@chasbutturini2674]

Excellent, so simple that a man can comprehend!

[@catherinemccollister2103]

So thankful for the links to the USDA food budget. What they don't say, or I missed is what income is able to afford those budgets? We're a family of 3 and we're right in line with the "extra thrifty" plan. That includes the hubby spending $$ on things he shouldn't... ;) I have also noticed how diff generations shop and or cook. Or don't cook as it may be. I'm wondering if the $$ guidelines account for premade food? We also live in Seattle and costs are different. Anyway, I really appreciate and like your videos. Thank you.

[@newanryland5656]

Just stumbled across this channel. I think this woman is a genius. Love it.

[@jannalang7035]

The Rada tomato slicing knife is wonderful!!!

[@charlenecain6651]

I very much appreciated the middle-of-the-road grocery budget. If you mix them up with some of the "challenges", we win!

[@angelabublitz5912]

I definitely want more videos like this! This moderate budget is where I hang out most of the time, even though the extreme budgets are fun every now and then

[@StarWarsFans98]

I really enjoyed this video! This is EXACTLY what a normal week at my house looks like, both in product type and cost. I definitely gained a few new ideas, especially using the bread dough in such a variety of ways. Thanks!

[@elizabethgregory9549]

Love your videos! I agree there's not many in this price range or frugal but not extreme. Super helpful!

[@brittanym58]

My Rada regular paring knife is the most-used knife I have ever owned.

[@terry5749]

❤yes please!❤ more mid-range budget videos!❤

[@yutashajohnson6988]

Yes, I'd love to see some modest recipe/ budget ideas

[@mrsthrifttymom]

Thank you for this video. I have a family if 6 and I’m spending like $500 a week so this really helps!

[@ElleLitJP]

Yes! Finally! Love this “moderate” budget meal plan/grocery shop! More please ❤ when you’re ready

[@Sheskis]

I love the middle ground meal plans. Realistic for most weeks for me.

[@kristinestone9893]

The numbers on those charts are insane!! The only time I've maybe spent even the thrifty/low cost amounts were when I was doing a lot of rebate shopping (Ibotta, Fetch, etc.). But then I was getting that money back so I still wasn't spending that much. My budget is around $100/wk for my family of 4 - me, my husband and 2 16 year old boys. Right now I'm trying to clean out my pantry and freezers so I'm spending closer to $50/wk. I'm in Southern California.

[@amyperkins4349]

i LOVE that you are working with Rada! They are phenomenal! I have some products that I have had since BEFORE I got married 16 years ago!

[@amyperkins4349]

Hands down my favorite knife is the Cooks Utility knife!!! I use it every day! I have 3 now I think. haha

[@darlawilson7019]

Love the realistic budget. My husband and I have a few dietary restrictions. This type of budget allows me to make a few substitutions and stay in budget. Enjoy all of you content.

[@SeeMindyMom]

Thanks, Darla!

[@joycescott-vp1xm]

This budget meal is great , this is more what we could use.

[@jennifermills313]

My favorite Rada product is their tomato slicer that I found at a Mennonite store.

[@JHelynG]

The Granny Knife is FANTASTIC for cutting peaches or other stone fruit that has pits.

[@timbo2709]

I'm going to have to see if I can find those bread dough thingies, they would take up less space in the freezer too. Love these realistic budget videos. Sometimes you feel guilty on the splurges despite still being on the low side because you see what can be done on the extreme low end

[@Goonky100]

I love that you highlighted the USDA Food Costs at Home - it's totally possible to spend less than those plans. Jay over at @thriftyfoodplan has been beating the Thrifty Plan every month and she has such a healthy diet. Thanks for these ideas - you always come up with great ideas.

[@comiketiger]

Fantastic video and presentation! You are a pro! Quick note for all here. Yiu can make a biscuit dough cinnamon roll also. When you roll out the dough just make it thinner and precede as above! Just be sure to use enough cinnamon, butter, brown sugar and icing! 🤗🤗🤗🤗😀😀😀😀 God bless all here.

[@Bethanncompnotta]

Made the slow cooker shrimp boil for dinner over rice. My kids loved it! Great idea!

[@SeeMindyMom]

I’m so glad, Beth! Thanks for letting me know! I love to hear that! 😊

[@yvonnepalmquist8676]

I am interested in middle/modest budget videos, yes.

[@lauriemarquis4887]

I love this price range of food.

[@rachelhero3413]

I love the extreme budget videos, but I love these too. This is still giving me great ideas for budget friendly meals, without feeling guilty for spending more than $5 a meal

[@pandapoof8798]

I loved this moderate type of video. It's realistic, and it gives a bit more room to introduce new recipes or meal ideas. What I'm wondering is who can I talk to at the USDA? I'm curious as to how they get these prices. That's a huge budget.

[@JoyceVuiller]

Love ❤ the smore shortcut especially with the chocolate and graham cracker prices 🎉 win

[@lizpearson343]

I loved this video. We are also a family of 5. I have three teenage boys and I can’t cook fast enough for them. My weekly budget is around 300.00. At least I try to keep it there. We live in NJ. This week I was at 360.00. 😮 great video for those of us that are in the middle.

[@SeeMindyMom]

Judging by the way my 9yo boy eats, I can say with confidence $145 would not be enough with 3 teenage boys! :) Hats off to you, Liz! I'll bet you do an amazing job!

[@jennifernorton5885]

I enjoyed this video. Even though I live in Australia and some items we don’t have here I really appreciated how realistic it was for modern times. Utilising some convenience items plus fresh produce was great. And yes there is definitely a gap in the market for this middle of the road stance. Many thanks

[@snownurse]

I have rada knives from my parents...I can remember using them as a teen at home..Im now 56..so these knives are at least 50 yrs old and still going strong...Ive bought more along the way of course, their knife sharpener is unbeatable, a couple swipes and sharp as brand new..

[@ryandonnelly9382]

Yes! More reasonable average meal plan videos please! Loved this! Thank you!

[@mrs.c3523]

I'd love to see more middle of the road budget meal plans. I try to spend between $150-$200/ week for my family of 4.

[@crystalscastle6836]

I have a Rada paring knife that my grandmother bought before I was born. I'm 49, and it's still perfect. I use it everyday. I've bought several more knives over the years. They're all I use.