Chelle, It looks like you’re doing a great job on cutting expenses.
One big hurdle with switching to lower cost food is that when you start buying in bulk your first few grocery bills will be high.
As you start using your stockpile your bills will go down & you’ll see your rewards.
Great job on banishing soda.
Not only will you save money, but you may also see your health improve.
Since I’ve switched to healthier drinks, I’ve noticed that drinking soda makes me slow & achy.
As for your kitties, I’d be slow to switch them to cheaper food & litter if they are happy & healthy.
If they hate the new litter, you may find yourself replacing the carpet.
(In fact, we’re doing that now for just that reason.) If the food is so cheap it causes health problems you’ll end up paying more in cash & distress in the long run.
Look for sales & coupons, or use the generic/store brand litter of the same type if you don’t already.
Introduce any changes gradually and pay close attention to the results.
Many blessings on your journey, Carla

Chelle   If you have a local beauty school, consider takiing your kids and yourself there.
The students who style hair are near graduation and they are supervised by instructors.
They need the client time to not only gain experience, but learn the skills to pass the state exam.
Because they aren’t licensed, services are about 50-60% off salon prices.
My local one charges $5 for a haircut, $6 for shampoo and set, and $18 for a color (one all over).
I’m taking my kids there this weekend for their haircuts.
Like regular salons, there are students who are good in one area, but need work in others.
The student who colors my hair is great at coloring, but his cutting skills could be better.
  If you don’t live near a beauty school, find out if someone locally is going to school – sometimes they will do hair outside of class to gain the experience, or someone who is in business for him/herself and has a salon in their home.
My mom’s stylist is a sole operator and her prices are comparable to the beauty schools.    Ann Williamson Abilene, TX

I would like a copy of the pet food list.
(I have both dogs and cats) Thanks

April, did you really read my post? I said I don’t MIND if you want to discuss pets/pet food costs.
I just ask if you would put that in the subject line, so I don’t have to open those emails.
Subject lines are so we can eliminate those that don’t apply to us to save time.
If a subject line said “grocery/food savings” I’d be delighted to read people’s advice.
I wasn’t aiming at you or anyone in particular, just asking nicely for people to change the subject line when needed.
I’m sure others would appreciate this as well.
Kathy Kathy Ann–the Maine-iac! test’; ” test’; “

I don’t think I’ve mentioned this on the lists, so I thought I’d say something about it real quick.
Since meat grosses me out, I don’t fix it, touch it, look at pictures of it, etc.
I can’t make food for the cats because they have to have meat in their diet.
I can make food for the dogs and I can “come up with” food for the rabbit.
I found the easiest way (for us) is to use rice, beans and whatever (dog-safe) veggies are around and mix it with the chow.
They are eating half as much chow as they were, with no change in appetite or the other end! I also sprinkle the mixture with quite a bit of garlic, which is a very effective parasite control.
Ashley [MOD EDIT: URL removed]