I have a grand total of £17.40 to last for 3 people and 2 dogs until a week on Saturday. I am going shopping today please give me some tips!!

[DustyTv]

I do have bits and bobs in, but need things like milk and bread, I also need wipes.

DH wants meat We do not have enough in the freezer to last us meat wise. DD and I do not eat much meat and TBH would be veggie if it was just us two.

So today I have to go to the market/supermarket/anywhere to get cheap food, enough for 2 adults, 1 gannet of a DD and 2 dogs.

Where do I start??

Take DP shopping with you so he can see what things cost. Don't let him put anything in the trolley tho'.

Try and get your family invited to supper at friend's this week, tell them you'll repay the favour sometime.

You need to downgrade and economise across the board if this happens to you often...

PlumBumMum (love the name) My dogs also eat rice and pasta lol. I like the idea of having a pot to save all left overs and then giving them to the dogs.

It doesn't happen often as usually I get essentials like this out of the tax credits but we need the tax credit to pay an unexpected bill this week so are having to use every penny even more wisely than normal.

can't comment on food decision, can't think what to add, except campbells' condensed soup makes a good meal, add tuna and rice and veggies, or chicken or bacon or whatever takes your fancy. eat with pasta or rice.

plus for the wipes, how about cotton wool and baby lotion?

don't forget lentils are great...

Our dogs get everything!

Gnocci, mostly just flour and potatoes, with some tinned toms and basil.

I have a bag or mixed dried lentils in the cupboard, but I have never ever used them before. What do they go in?

try this

if you look on mumsnet recipes i am sure there are plenty for lentils, lentils with spaghetti, lentil shepherds pie. dahl, etc., etc.,

Thank you SBF.

and they are great for soups,

I really can't bear these big baby men who won't eat veg. What age is he, five? Divorce the bugger and your budget will go further.