My husband and I try to have varied meals. Some dinners that we’ve had recently are: chili (sour cream, shredded cheddar, and chips included), hamburger helper, breaded tipalia with stir fry vegetables, meatloaf with mashed potatoes and gravy, and pork chops with rice and beans.

Cell phones I believe are a very convenient luxury. If someone was making the income I had in a budget, I’m not feeling that a cell phone should be included. Over here in the Mid- Atlantic, there is a cable, phone, internet deal for a little less than $100/month. A landline is necessary if you can’t afford a cell phone.

Again, having a car loan definitely cuts your budget too tight in my opinion. The first budget without a car loan could accommodate it, but the second is too much. It’s a matter of priorities,. If someone could get a raise or lower their expenses then its doable. Please any suggestions about affordable cell phone plans are welcomed. It’s not easy being a working student.

Your thoughts do give me an idea about Monday’s topic. I’ll share some shopping tips that we use that save us some money. Could you let me know what grocery stores are near you? I’ll try and look up their average prices.

I agree with SavingDiva. $125 for groceries a month is near impossible unless the college student’s living on ramen and other cheap foods, which will then turn into medical issues. A conservative estimate of about $60-70 per week for groceries seems a bit more reasonable. Milk close to $5 a gallon just shows how expensive things have gotten.

Average cell phone plan plus taxes will cost about $50 per month as well. College kids do have to call home every so often (even if it’s just to ask for more money!)

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