Please read the frequently asked questions and their answers below to learn more about this service! You are invited to add your own pressing questions in the comments below.
1. What if I don't like one of the meals?
Well, this is the beauty of five meals. You pick the ones you like! I will try to give as much variety among the five meals as I can, but this service cannot - regrettably - change your palate. It may, however, allow you to try some new things and get out of that dinner rut you've been in for years! If you decide not to use a meal, it is easy to use the color coded menus to remove the matching colored items from your grocery list.
2. What's a stockpile? Are you one of those Hoarders people?
A stockpile according to my personal definition means having enough of an item your family uses regularly (PopTarts, Goldfish, Froot Loops - you didn't know I could see in your pantry, did you?) to last until the item goes on sale the next time, generally 4-6 weeks. This will not require that you invest in a warehouse or turn your guest room into shelving units for your 1500 boxes of pasta that you got for free at Publix. Unless you're into that. Then, whatever floats your boat, my friend.
Am I a Hoarder? Of course not! But, um....if anyone needs any Vitamin D, emory boards or first aid kits, I may or may not be able to hook you up.
3. Why should I pay for this? Why can't I just do it myself?
Sure! You can. Go ahead! But you'll have 3-4 more hours of your life to enjoy each week if you just let me do it. Do you know what you can do with 3-4 hours a week? You can learn a language! Read a book! Get that set of abs you've always wanted! Work on your resume. Spend quality time with your children! Enjoy the outdoors! So, really, you could credit this service with broadened horizons, a stellar physique, and strong family bonds.*
4. How much money do you think I can save, REALLY?
People will have to let me know as they start using the service, but based on the estimates of $150-$200/week grocery bills, I'm going to guess between $30-$75 is what you would save just by cooking more and meal planning by the sales. If you are someone who eats out a lot on the go, you'll be able to factor in those savings as well. You do the math: Spend $5, save $50. WINNING!
5. Do you wear your money saving cape all the time, or just when you're on duty?
Well, I try to save my dress cape for really spectacular savings days, and I wear my everyday cape anytime I'm working - within the privacy of my home, of course. But in my mind? I'm always wearing my savings cape.
6. But my kids won't eat that.
Yeah, mine won't either. I happen to live with Senor Picky Pants II, also known as my three year old son. In case you're curious, Senor Picky Pants the First, is my adorable husband who doesn't believe in vegetables. When I see a recipe that lends itself to a kid friendly option that does not require you to create a separate meal (my personal goal in life), I will be sure to include it.
7. During the school year, my kids' sports schedule is too chaotic to cook this many meals! What do I do?
Let's talk about that. While I do not love the idea of frozen processed food, I recognize that they might have to be a way of life occasionally. Beneath the five meals, I will list any "convenience meals" that happen to be on special for your ease of life. After all, I'd rather see you buy a frozen chicken pot pie that's on a buy one get one free special for $3.49 than spend $18 at McDonald's. There you are. My gift to you. (But try to cook if you can! There's always one or two that are quicker and easier than the other meals!)
8. How many people do these meals serve?
Generally, 4-6 because most will be based on buying a package of chicken breasts or ground turkey/beef. If a product is in a box, I'm counting on you to count the heads in your familiy and judge how many you will need.
9. Can I try it first to see what all the fuss is about?
Sure! Your first week is only $1. Try using the grocery list and cooking from the menus. If you like it, you can continue for $14.99/month for as long as you wish.
10. Do you do any other tricks to save money?
Sadly, yes. I am a bottomless pit of savings, I am. Follow me on Twitter (@commoncentsmeal) or on Facebook for tips and tricks!
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