Beef: It's Not What's for Dinner at Our House and Why

We are a family of carnivores. We love meat! I’ll never forget the look on the face of a meat salesman who came to my door when I told him we don’t eat beef. We were living in the middle of cattle country and any meat that is processed and sold in that area is Angus. He shook his head and said that’s crazy because everybody eats Angus beef. Well, we don’t because it’s not what’s for dinner at our house. This post is not about the evils of meat, but rather a reason why we don’t eat a certain kind. If we could, we would still be enjoying it.

Beef: It’s Not What’s for Dinner

My husband can’t eat Angus and since it has become such a widely used beef, I stopped buying all beef for fear of it being mixed with another breed of meat. Red meat is a high purine food and for some reason, all it takes is one bite of Angus beef to trigger a gout flare up for my husband.

How we found out about the Angus being a trigger food, we experimented with foods trying to find what triggered the flare-ups. (At that time, our local stores labeled meat that was Angus.) In the end beef was the culprit, and the Angus elevated the flare-ups.

The last time I bought any beef was in 2014 and that year my husband had several flare-ups. I spread those frozen containers throughout the year and each time he was on crutches for at least a week at a time. That is how we knew the meat was Angus beef.

Not being able to eat beef has caused me to look a little further into the ingredient list on packages of foods. Pepperoni, certain brands of turkey/chicken hot dogs, and canned meats all contain either beef or beef broth. It pays to read the ingredients on items because you never know what’s in there. Never assume a product labeled as turkey or chicken is only that; we learned this quickly.

Many of my recipes call for beef or beef broth and those have had to be tweaked to not include it. Ground meat is always ground turkey or ground venison. Any needed broth, I use chicken broth or vegetable broth depending on the recipe.

The recipes I share here on the blog, are recipes I cook without beef or beef broth. Some of them I notate it in the post while others I do not. While my palate has grown accustomed to the chicken broth exchange, I do know beef broth will take the flavors up a notch, that is why I list beef broth in the ingredients.

Any smart cook knows you don’t have to play by the rules when it comes to cooking for one’s family and their needs.

So what kind of meat does this carnivorous family eat? We eat chicken, pork, turkey,  and venison.

Saving Money by Not Buying Beef

For recipes that call for ground meat, I use ground turkey. If there’s ground venison in the freezer, I use that instead. My brother and his wife are the ones who got me to using ground turkey in place of ground beef years ago. They told me you couldn’t even tell a difference once it was cooked. At that time, we were finding ways to tighten the belt on our budget and when I researched the cost difference between the meats; I was surprised that the turkey was cheaper. And the taste, you couldn’t tell a difference.

As I mentioned before, the last time I bought beef was in 2014. At that time, I couldn’t pass up on the deal I was getting in buying beef rather than turkey because it was cheaper. But on the downside, my husband missed days of work because of trying to save money. It’s not worth saving money and compromising my husband’s health and ability to live a normal life. When I buy ground meat, I buy ground turkey in bulk because it does save money.

I’ve seen a couple of recipes lately that normally call for a form of beef that is using boneless chicken breast instead. My husband even tried one of those dishes while at a restaurant and liked it so much, he’s asked me to try to come up with my own version. When I do, I’ll be sure to share it with you.

I have to include a secret here… when my husband is not around; I enjoy a Wendy’s single with cheese now and then. I don’t deprive myself of foods, but I don’t tempt him either.

My husband is a meat and potatoes kind of guy. Nothing fancy shmancy for him, because of this cooking for him is easy. And best of all, we really don’t miss the beef.

Some of our favorite “beefy” meals I’ve shared are:

Tacos

Fajitas

Venison Hash

Inside Out Shepherd’s Pie

Mushroom Gravy Smothered Mini Patties

Sloppy Joes

Don't Break the Bank! Save by Planning Ahead

Save money by planning ahead. All it takes is a little time and determination and you too can watch the money begin to stay where it belongs, in your pocket.I’m a firm believer in meal planning. When I first began planning our meals, I saw how it saved us money. Over the years, I’ve loosened my grip on meal planning but I still plan.

While I don’t plan breakfasts and lunches, our suppers are always planned. Meal planning has kept me from buying ingredients I already have and it keeps me from flying by the seat of my pants when it comes to supper time.

Another way planning has saved us money is by planning our family trips. We love spur of the moment day trips but sometimes those trips have to be planned. The cost of entrance and parking fees, whether or not pets are allowed, and if we’ll have the option of picnicking helps us know if we need to save up for the trip.

Don’t Break the Bank!
Save Money by Planning Ahead

Sarah from Must Have Mom shares Meal Planning Resources

Along with some neat ideas, there are 28 weeks of meal plans.

Lisa from Retro Housewife Goes Green shares Once a Month Grocery Shopping

I love how once a month shopping causes you to think about what you have, use, and need.

Chris from Campfires and Cleats shares Roadtrip! How to Economically Travel Across Country – 5 Simple Tips

Road trips tend to need planning. With the planning, you’ll see how much money you can save while making memories with your family.

Rachel from Young Adult Money shares 5 Specific Situations Where Planning Ahead Saves You Money

Christmas comes every year, on the same day, just like birthdays. There is no reason for people to go crazy over that holiday “sneaking up” on them. Plan to shop early on.

Liz from Frugalwoods shares How Planning Ahead Saves Us Serious Money

It’s important to plan for the near future but also for the long haul. In the end, it saves you money.

Do you plan ahead to save money? If you have any secret tips on saving money, leave them in the comments.

You can learn more about saving money with these past posts.

Saving Money with Babies and Children

Of all the advice I was given about buying for my new baby, my mom’s advice was perfect. Don’t buy or ask for anything you know you won’t use. That was 19 years ago, and it still rings true when I’m shopping.  No matter what kind of budget you have, you can still save money on babies and children.

5 Tips to help in
Saving Money with Babies and Children

Maura from Happy Deal Happy Day shares 6 Ways to Save Money on Baby Items for First Time Moms

When my son was a baby, we had a bulk diaper discount store in the area. I was thrilled to know I would be able to save money on diapers until several friends of mine told me they were poor quality. They were cheaply made – tabs wouldn’t stick, and they did not absorb anything; there was no moister-proofing on the outer layers. For Christmas that year, when asked what we wanted for our son, we told everyone diapers. Other than a few hard headed people, we received more diapers than you could imagine.

Sarah from Must Have Mom shares 10 Things You DON’T Need To Buy For Your Baby!

We purchased a dresser that had a changing table built into it. Once the changing table days were over, we removed the sides and pad.

Tiffany From Living Sweet Moments shares Saving Money on Baby Clothes

I was asked about hand-me-downs before my son was born by a friend and fellow teacher who had two little boys. I told her yes, I would be happy to take them. I was excited about getting these clothes until a fellow teacher rained on my parade. She told me I didn’t want used clothes for my new baby and that I would only be given cast-offs that were not fit to wear. Because of my sweet friend and the mother of a little girl I taught, my new little fellow had enough clothes for eight months without me even having to buy anything, unless I wanted to.

Katie from Double the Batch shares How to Raise a Family on a Small Budget

Live within your means. You don’t have to not enjoy life living on a small budget. There will be times when you have to get creative or plan ahead to be able to enjoy those extra special things.

Alison from Pint-Sized Treasures shares How We Raise Six Kids on a Tight Budget

Healthy hygiene is so important with children. Washing hands after coming in from places and being around those with colds help keep germs down. Healthy kids keep the budget from being expanded on medical costs.

How do you save money with babies and children?

Have you missed any of my saving money posts? You can find them all HERE.

Save Money by Shopping the Dollar Stores

Dollar stores, there are different types from everything a dollar to more of a discount store. Whichever stores you shop, make sure you’re getting the best value for your dollar.

Save by Shopping the Dollar Stores

TA from The Savvy Age shares Dollar Store Shopping Tips: Save Shop Be Happy!

Since prices range from a $1 up at dollar stores, price comparison is a nice tip along with the quality of the product being bought. Poor quality items are not necessarily a better value.

Sarah from Must Have Mom shares 52 Things You Should Always Buy at the Dollar Store

I normally buy small notebooks for my price book at the Dollar Tree. The last time I bought one was at Walmart and I could have kicked myself for spending more than $2 on it. I also buy my spices there at the dollar store.

Shelly from the Frugal Family Home shares Why Shopping the Dollar Store is Keeping You Broke

I had the attitude of it’s only a dollar, for several trips years ago. When my husband pointed out that I had five things on my list and came out with 20, I knew I was in trouble. I blew $15 that could have been put back into our savings or moved over into another part of our budget. Lesson learned!

Crystal from Crystal Carder shares How to Save Money at Dollar Tree Stores

It’s been a while since I’ve been to the Dollar Tree, I didn’t realize they took coupons. They even had a loyalty program called the Value Seekers Club.

We shop Dollar General for many things like coffee, toothpaste, and name brand cleaning supplies. When we lived in Montana, shopping online for those stock up items saved us a bunch. There are things like toilet tissue we still buy at Walmart because we buy them in bulk.

While I love the idea of one-stop shopping, I’ve learned since being back in the middle of convenience, it’s not always the cheapest. So, we’ve started back to shopping around to save money.

Do you shop the dollar stores?

Saving Money Without Clipping Coupons

When people think about saving money, coupons are the first to come to mind. Coupons are NOT the only way to save money all you need to do is look around at what you’re spending money on. Consider the differences between your needs and wants. Are the wants weighing you down? It might be time to cut them loose and start putting that extra money in your pocket. Your budget will be thankful and so will you in the end. With a little creativity and minor sacrificing, you too can start saving money without clipping coupons.

Saving Money Without Clipping Coupons

Lisa from Drugstore Divas shares 3 Ways to Save $3K Without Clipping Coupons

Skip those fancy coffee shops. You know the ones where you spend more than $3 a cup for a coffee drink. The cost of those cups really do add up.

Kim from Frugal Minded Mom shares Being Frugal Without Coupons

A coupon/stockpiling mom shares how she is being frugal without her coupons while getting ready to move. Aldi is mentioned twice.

Maura from Happy Deal Happy Day shares 7 Frugal Habits To Help You Save on Groceries (Using Coupons Is NOT On The List)

Squeezing out those last few drops of dish and laundry detergent is a no-brainer. Adding water to thin it down some makes it last longer.

Tiffany from Tiffany Meiter shares their Playstation Vue Experience

Very similar to the Roku box, but through a gaming system.

Rachel from Smart Mom Smart Ideas shares How to Watch Your Favorite TV Shows Without Cable TV and Save $100’S Every Month

A Roku box and an indoor antenna are all you really need to watch tv and not spend 100’s of dollars a year.

As you see, saving money takes a little creativity. There’s no need to be clipping away at coupons and is very easy to do if you are willing to make a few sacrifices.

How do you save money without using coupons?

Pet Expenses: Four Easy Ways to Save Money

In forty something years, I’ve had many pets. All were outside pets and only my sweet Mikey has been a house member. When I think about those pets who brought happiness to my heart, Mikey is the only one who has had a special bond. I didn’t realize how much he would mean to me when we opened our home to him. Mikey is my baby.

Saving Money on Pet Expenses

Owning a pet is not something to take lightly. They depend on us, so we must be diligent in giving them proper care. Depending on what breed or type of animal you have, saving money will be needed. But you don’t have to break the bank when facing those pet expenses.

Anne from Anne’s Entitled Life shares 10 Ways to Save on Pet Medication

Make sure the vet will write prescriptions so you can purchase them elsewhere to save money. Double check if the prescription has a human equivalency. Both are something I’ve never considered until now.

Jess from You Brew My Tea shares Ways to Save on Pet Supplies

Making pet treats to save money is an awesome idea. Hopefully soon, I’ll be able to start back making my sweet Mikey’s treats again.

Dave Ramsey shares Pricey Pets: 4 Practical Ways to Save on Pet Care

Don’t forget your furry family member when setting up a budget. Including them is just as important.

We save on food by shopping at the feed store. Dog food is crazy! Some cause a dog to eat and poop more than others. When Mikey came home with us, a huge bag of a national brand came too. All I could think was “again?” several times a day. As soon as that bag ran out, we bought a trusted brand we used when raising beagles.

Even if your pet is on a special diet, price-check your favorite brand; you may save money shopping elsewhere. Don’t forget you can treat your little furry friend with fruits and vegetables.

Grooming and nail clipping is something I do for Mikey to save money. When we lived in Montana, I didn’t have to groom him as often as I do here. While it would be easier to send him to someone to deal with his little emotional issues of nail clipping, I just can’t do it. It’s cheaper for me to deal with his quirkiness.

These are just a few ways you can save money on your pets. Do you have any money saving secrets you’d be willing to share?

If you’ve missed them, you can find more ways we are saving money.

5 Ways to Save Money While Homeschooling

Budgeting and finances are not the most enjoyable things to think on, but we must or end up in a mess. For most families walking the road of home education saving money is important. Did you know 8 out of 10 families I questioned are on an extremely tight budget for their school?

These are the average middle class families just like mine who are working to keep all bills paid while buying curriculum for their children. Two of those eight are taking advantage of their state’s tax credit for homeschooling. While it's something we would never do (if we were offered), more and more families are accepting the help. It's never too late to save money while homeschooling.

When my son was ready for kindergarten, I bought all of our books with a portion of my last paycheck. Yikes! I had no clue what I caused for the following year. I did not realize how much we would be sucking in our budget waistline for a belt to fit. Thankfully, I was able to sell just about all of the two kits to help in buying for the new year.

Ways to save money while Homeschooling

Set a budget – a budget set in place keeps from over spending. It’s hard especially when you see all that is out there for home education. But if you know ahead of time what you want to use (are going to use), the budgeting is not so bad.

Buy Used – don’t let the thought of used materials scare you away. Over the years, I’ve become more open to buying used for certain items. The only thing I don’t consider buying used is our Math since it is a computer disc method of learning. I’d rather buy new and have the availability of returning it if something goes wrong. Sometimes, buying used you do get burned with a seller not describing mishaps with books. I had this happen with our 8th grade Science. The seller said, “lovingly used”. When I questioned writing and highlighting in the book, she said there was minimum. Yeah, each page was covered in doodling and highlighting. If you’re leary when buying through a sale group, ask the seller to take pictures of the problem areas. If they are not willing to, don’t buy from them.

Non Consumable Books - when schooling a family of more than one, consider the cost of throw away workbooks. You can turn consumable books into non consumable - place the worksheets into a page protector and use dry erase markers to work the page. When finished, wipe clean and store in a three ring binder for the next child.

Wait for Newly Published Curriculum – several years ago, I mention I don’t like reading reviews of curricula by people who did not spend their money on it. I was told by another mom who works for a curriculum company I wasn’t being fair. I was being fair and still am. While I know those who receive items in return for an honest opinion are great for certain things. A newly published curriculum is not. I want to hear from someone who has spent their money and six months to a year working through the curriculum. Those who are writing reviews in return for curriculum are not allowed that length of time. I recently read the reviews of a curriculum I dearly wanted to use when it first came out. I’m glad I waited because there are lots of things several reviews (from buyers) mentioned that I would have been frustrated with. Just because it is all the rage with reviewers, remember they are allotted a short amount of time to work with a portion of the curriculum before their review is due.

Sell Old and Unused Items - I mentioned selling the kindergarten kits. If you have books and related items that are not being used and you know they never will be– sell them. In the past, I use to sell on Ebay, but with their added fees along with Paypal fees, it’s not worth it anymore for me. I hit the Facebook selling groups with good results. Use that money for next year’s books or set it aside for things like a microscope and slides – pricey for decent items.

Just remember:

Investing -  the key behind homeschooling. You’re making an investment in your children. Determine what you are willing to invest in. Investing less in one subject opens the door to invest more into another subject. For our school, our biggest investments are in Math and Science. While they take up a good portion of the budget, I don’t let this keep me from investing in the importance of them.

These are some of the Facebook sell groups where I am a member:

Teaching Textbooks Swap and Sell

Teaching Textbooks Buy/Sell/Trade

Abeka Used Homeschool Items

Used Homeschool Curriculum and Books

What are some ways you save money while homeschooling?

Don't forget my post about Saving Money with the Library.