Backtalk Tackles the Recession, Mom-Style

You know youv'e made it when you get to say "I was edited!"

Mom-101 ( http://mom-101.blogspot.com )

Cool Mom Picks.com ( http://coolmompicks.com )

Funny you mention that, Liz.  We are going to be discussing that one one of our upcoming episodes.

A lot is left out during the editing process, unfortunately.  Our points of view did vary more than what was apparent in the sound bite sized clip. 

Chris Notes From the Trenches ( http://www.notesfromthetrenches.com )

after reading Lori's comment- only because we don't submit blogs for discussion unless we like/appreciate what they have to say. As you all know, there's plenty of negativity and even scandal going on in the mom-blogosphere right now, but how does it help anyone to discuss that in a public forum?

I actually submitted most of the deal-saving sites for this episode, simply because saving money has been a personal interest of mine ever since I started staying home with my kids five years ago.

I personally really like 5 Dollar Dinners- but I wasn't offended when Chris and Erin said what they did about prices. To me, it just added an interesting element to the conversation. Even if it's a seven dollar dinner (or a ten dollar dinner, when you're feeding 9 people), the fact remains that it offers great money-saving inspiration.

Anyway, you've all given us lots to think about in future discussions, although I'm pretty sure we'll never make EVERYONE happy. The mom blogger community is just too diverse for that. :)

I always take these videos with a grain of salt - because to me, it's like walking into the middle of a conversation, so much is edited out and often times the context is skewed and choppy. I think it's presumptuous to judge a video by JUST what is seen, there is so much more than has been, or could be said than what is actually taped.

I didn't see anything wrong with the meal conversations. To me, it's like turning to my friends, laughing and lamenting on the fact that I wish I could have gotten such a great deal. I think the point of the conversation has gotten buried behind assumptions: it's about teaching people to look for deals and to stretch our dollars.

This fact was mentioned after the infamous egg comments but interestingly, many missed it and chose to zero in on the perceived slight.

I think the only part that bugged me was the advice about teaching our children the value of shopping for good deals and getting our money's worth. Those are definitely great lessons and should absolutely be taught but I also think it's equally important to teach our children the difference between needs and wants. For example, in the shopping for shoes example; to me, the first lesson that should be taught, or first question that should be asked is, does mommy NEED these shoes before moving on to the importance of comparative shopping and getting the most out of our money. Not being able to differentiate between needs and wants gets a lot of people into trouble.

Just my two cents. Thanks for another entertaining BackTalk ladies - I look forward to future episodes! 

http://writefromkaren.com

The first part of the video was taking our favorite sites and some helpful sites for moms or anyone out there trying to save money. We listed a few of them, highlighted them, and then commented on them. By no stretch of the imagination are we suggesting that they be mocked. Eggs in my area are up to $2 right now. To feed my family of 4 children this week on $5 a day isn't possible without stretching their limits of eating scrambled eggs on a daily basis.

Just to be certain I watched the video again and not one of us mentioned that we aren't having a hard time. I'm not sure where you might have picked that up. In fact, I was really glad to see on your blog that you're ready to take a vacation and have just been to SXSW. That's pretty awesome! I couldn't afford to go. It's quite expensive. If you have some BackTalk to share it would be great to hear how you saved money on that trip as a tip for others trying to go on trips.

Other than saying that "at what cost?" is it to make your own maxi pads I'm standing firm on the fact that our behavior was far from "ridiculous" or in any way poking fun at sites who help others. After weighing the options of making my own maxi-pads and clipping a coupon to purchase them at the store I have no shame in saying AW, HELL NAW to making them. I have neither the time nor the inclination. I'd probably resort to stapling them or using glue that would end up giving me a rash because my patience and the time consuming factor are big turn offs for me.

Maybe you have tips you'd like to share, though? That would be amazing BackTalk.

Mochamomma ( http://www.mochamomma.com )

...but I wonder if the issue is that truly different opinions weren't represented in the video.

I don't agree with Lori that the intent was mean-spirited (let's be honest, making your own maxi pads or washing your hair with baking soda is for a pretty niche audience). But I think because Kelly, Chris and Erin all have similar points of view
on where to draw the line with frugality, the conversation seemed off balance

Now hearing the three of you talk on family size? That should be interesting. 

Also - if anyone can tell me where to get organic milk in Brooklyn for less than $5/half gallon, I'd be much obliged.

Mom-101 ( http://mom-101.blogspot.com )
( http://coolmompicks.com )

Cool Mom Picks.com ( http://coolmompicks.com )

I definitely appreciate the Backtalks because you guys are making an effort to feature different bloggers. 

I tend to hit Wantnot ( http://www.wantnot.net ) (Mir's blog) but then I always buy something. Damn your good sales, Mir!

While we've not been immediately affected by the economy, we've got it in the back of our minds. We're watching our spending and we're making more conscious choices about what we're buying. I think that's good to do anyway, regardless of what's going on with Wall Street.

I think there are tons of blogs out there that offer great info on how to save money. It's hard to round them up into one 5 minute video. Hopefully folks will share more of them in the comments and on twitter.

Just wanted to say that you can buy eggs at $1.29/dozen in CA, at Trader Joe's.

So a lot of those prices are more realistic than was implied in the video even on the coast. Also, frugal shoppers stock up and store foods when they are selling at a loss during store promotions. I personally never buy chicken for more than 69 cents/pound. And I buy a lot when it's at that price. Same with buns or anything else. and have you ever shopped at the 99 cent store for produce? Super cheap.

Also, diva cups, way better than homemade pads and tampons. Better for environment, health, and covenience. You can use the same one for years, boil to sterilize, and never need to worry about running to the store for supplies again.

Carrien

She Laughs at the Days ( http://shelaughsatthedays.blogspot.com )

the real food revolution ( http://foodthatnourishes.blogspot.com )

While I wouldn't personally make my own maxi pads, I do know people who do it not to save money but for environmental reasons. Whatever floats their boat! Some people feel the same way about cloth diapering or breastfeeding but for frugaliness and the environment it is the better choice but it is not for everyone. This is probably how they did backin the old days before Tampax & Kotex made us dependent on their product! ha ha!

I think everyone has their own tastes when it comes to saving money during the recession. While some people have to save on groceries because they can't afford to eat otherwise, the time they spend coupon is extremely valuable as it means eating or not eating. Others may want to save money on more luxiourous items. That is why all the blogs out there are great because it gives you many to choose from. Want to save on Gucci - sign up for Shopittome. Want to save on groceries? Check out Dealseekingmom or Mommysnacks.  There is something out there for everyone that is what is awesome about such a diverse group of wonderful bloggers! 

P.S. I find buns for even less than .50/4! :) Usually it is .25/8 ct. with a coupon. I also find Farm Fresh Eggs (Cage Free) from my neighbors for just a $1. But I live in one of those fly over states so my prices are not going to be comparable to someone who lives on the coast. 

I coupon and I believe my time is valuable (at least $20/hr or more). Rookie couponers are going to spend more time getting the hang of the job and it will probably only save $10/hr (your savings for your time). But once you get a good system down, you can save $20 or more a hour for your skill. The more experience, the better "pay." The money I save couponing is probably more than I get paid in my real job!  (My recent trip I spent 6 hours researching, clipping, sorting, and shopping - including driving time & unloading time. Saved $300 - so my time is valuable - $50/hr worth!)

I didn't take personal offense to the video but after watching it I couldn't tell if the panelist were making fun of some of the bloggers....apparently not after reading the comments but from the video it is really hard to tell as I don't really know you ladies personally.;) It was interesting to watch a different perspective and gives me some ideas on new topics I should cover on my own blog for those who don't want to clip coupons!

Briana - Mom of 4 (10, 8, 4, 2)
Bargain Briana ( http://bargainbriana.com )
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I think we all enjoy the sites mentioned in this Backtalk. I'm sorry some of you felt differently. I think our discussion was authentic and we pointed out how our families can't do some of the things mentioned. There was no negativity, just an honest discussion showing off blogs we love.

As always, bloggers have differing opinions and I hope our discussion reflects that. Personally I was thrilled we were able to mention so many great blogs that help you save money.

So did some others.

http://twitter.com/mublogger/statuses/1360706326

I would encourage you to participate and submit video for future backtalks. We'll be discussing our bodies after kids and the size of our families soon. Video upload buttons are on this page.

Politics & News Contributing Editor
Queen of Spain ( http://queenofspainblog.com/ )

I only took issue with the fact that $5 dinners might cost you more than $5 if you had big eaters or teenagers.  Teenage boys eat more food than you can possibly imagine. I still maintain that it is a great site, just beware that the dinners may cost YOUR family more than $5. 

I have blogged about the economic struggle that my family is going through right now, having a house with a mortgage that isn't selling.  A house we are no longer living in because my husband's job brought us to a different state. 

I love ideas that help save money. But I also think it is important to remember that your time is valuable too.

Chris Notes From the Trenches ( http://www.notesfromthetrenches.com )

I would agree with Lori that Erin@$5Dinners is truly trying to help people in this difficult economy as are most bloggers who blog about deals, frugal living, and saving money.

I do think a line was crossed in this video; it's perfectly acceptable to note that prices differ across regions around the country and it's also perfectly acceptable to note that if you are not a couponer, your total cost on making one of Erin's $5 Dinners will be higher.

However, you did not do that, not in a clear and unbiased way.  The opinions expressed in this video about some of the bloggers mentioned are your opinions and not shared by many of us out here.  It would have been more useful if you had backed your opinions with clear facts as to how Erin prices her meals (coupons, deals, sales, regional differences) rather than questioning her integrity regarding her pricing.

Lori, sorry you misunderstood. We listed some of our favorite money saving sites. I personally read Mom Advice on a regular basis, use the tips, and register for free stuff. Like Merchant Ships is on my bookmarked list of favorite blogs, and I've been reading it for years.

At the same time, if some of the ladies looked at 5 Dollar Dinners and felt that some of what they saw costs more than 5 dollars, I appreciate hearing their honest opinions. I don't think it's fair to insinuate that we must not be feeling the effects of the recession simply because we are speaking frankly. In fact, if Chris and Erin can quote you the exact price of eggs and hamburger buns, I'd guess it's probably the other way around.

  I'm sorry but I'm not sure I understand the point of the first part of the video.  Are you just trying to put people down who are trying to save money???  Maybe you girls aren't having a rough time but there are plenty of folks who take money saving tips to heart because they don't have jobs right now and are struggling.  How dare you make fun of people trying to help others.    Absolutely ridiculous behavior towards those sites.
 Lori
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