Thanks Carriann, I appreciate your kind words. I don't let it get me down (well, maybe a little) but we are making it. I create our menus around the discounted meat at our grocery stores. I can usually find some pretty good discounts late on Sunday evening. I shop all of the sales. It takes more time, but I get the weekly ads, circle the items that I am interested in and shop at every store. I buy real rice instead of instant now. I make more things by scratch like pancakes and waffles, biscuits and bread. I have lots of time now. I don't use coupons because they are usually for things that I don't normally buy, but I know many people that save money with them. Good luck, I hope this tips help.