photo by troismarteaux

People sometimes question my frugality. Some expect me to be in guerrilla frugality mode 24/7. It’s clear that I’m not the cheapest woman. But I’m not exempt from tough times and watching what I spend. Recently, our family income was cut in half for a few months. If I’ve learned one thing from this experience, it’s that not much in my lifestyle changed with a lower income. I simply kicked my frugality up a notch. For example, I had lapsed in my frugal ways in regards to boxed cereal. It costs $5 a box? And it’s a smaller box than it used to be. One box lasts our family about two days — much less if anyone in my family opts for a big bowl. Five bucks doesn’t seem like a lot, but it adds up quickly. So I’m back to my budget cereal plan. It’s like riding a bike. I realize some of you aren’t concerned about the price of cereal, but judging by the amount of recent e-mails, many readers are concerned about food costs.

Here’s my cereal plan.

STORE BRANDS: I combine store-brand and name-brand cereals. For example, mixing generic cornflakes with Kellogg’s Frosted Corn Flakes is a cheaper alternative, and it’s hard to tell that I’m stretching the cereal. Some would argue that I should just buy the generic and make everyone eat what is set in front of them, but instead of introducing drastic changes to what my family is used to, I prefer smaller changes that aren’t as noticeable. This approach also introduces the healthier alternative without my children complaining.

COUPONS: If you can’t find coupons for your favorite cereals, call the manufacturer and ask whether it offers any or visit its Web site. Some warehouse clubs accept manufacturers’ coupons, too. Combine coupons with sales. Comparison shop your weekly sales fliers, and compare to store-brand prices.

SHOP DISCOUNT STORES: Check discount, salvage and even restaurant-supply stores for cereal deals.

MIX IT UP: I sometimes add fresh fruit to cereals. This means offering smaller portions of cereal for each person while still providing morning nutrition. Another option is to offer yogurt, and top it with cereal or homemade granola. Finally, you can switch things up and offer pancakes, quick breads, waffles, French toast or eggs, instead. The important thing is having your family start their day right without it costing a lot.

MAKE IT YOURSELF: Don’t rely on cold boxed cereals. Take the time to make hot oatmeal or cream of wheat or your own granola. While the upfront cost of making homemade granola seems steep, it provides many servings and is a healthy choice.

Homemade Granola

10 cups rolled oats
1-1/2 cups wheat germ
1-1/2 cups oat bran
1 cup finely chopped almonds
1 cup finely chopped pecans
1 cup finely chopped walnuts
1/2 cup shredded coconut
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup brown sugar
1/4 cup maple syrup
3/4 cup honey
1 cup vegetable oil
1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
1 tablespoon vanilla extract
2 cups raisins or dried fruit, such as cranberry raisins

Preheat the oven to 325 F. Line two large baking sheets with parchment paper. In a large bowl, combine the oats, wheat germ, oat bran, almonds, pecans, walnuts and coconut. In a saucepan, combine salt, brown sugar, maple syrup, honey, oil, cinnamon and vanilla. Stir, and bring to a boil over medium heat. Pour it over the dry ingredients, and stir to coat. Spread the granola evenly on the baking sheets. Bake 10 to 12 minutes, and stir to prevent burning. Continue to bake an additional 10 to 12 minutes until crispy. Cool. Add dried fruit before storing.

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