‘Mexico on a Budget’
Forgot to mention that I had some fish tacos the other night at a street stand, across from the church. Fantastic. 15 pesos. Camaron. Two of them were a meal for me. Which leads me to finances here in Mexico……Oh, Look! A chicken. Contrary to some people’s opinion, I am not living a champagne life here in Mexico. Those that know me well, might tag me with the adjective….frugal. Not cheap. Ok, some say cheap, but there is a big difference.
Cheap means that you drive all around town spending a dollar to save 10 cents. Frugal means that you know what’s on sale and where, and you plan your trip accordingly, spending and extra 10 cents to save a dollar or $10.
In Mexico, I don’t spend 6 pesos for the bus each way to save 5 pesos on a liter of milk, but I do know the costs of most items that I use to cook at mi casa, and I plan accordingly. That’s frugal. Without a rental car, you can only carry so much in your backpack and if it comes down to milk or wine….got the picture?
I limit my ‘fancy’ restaurants to maybe, just maybe once every 2-3 weeks. (and it depends if guests are in town) Fancy is defined as costing over 240 pesos/person. ($20) I have a budget while in Mexico and for the anal people out there, I track all my costs on a spreadsheet, including bus fares and tips.
When I decide to stretch my culinary skills, I try to shop smart and cook for 4-5 people so I know how to budget for friends and family. And yes I hate to waste any leftovers, so I will eat the dish for 3-4 consecutive nights. Although I would slightly modify it each time.
More on ‘Mexico on a Budget’ in future writings.
Buenos Dias mi amigos.
Cheap means that you drive all around town spending a dollar to save 10 cents. Frugal means that you know what’s on sale and where, and you plan your trip accordingly, spending and extra 10 cents to save a dollar or $10.
In Mexico, I don’t spend 6 pesos for the bus each way to save 5 pesos on a liter of milk, but I do know the costs of most items that I use to cook at mi casa, and I plan accordingly. That’s frugal. Without a rental car, you can only carry so much in your backpack and if it comes down to milk or wine….got the picture?
I limit my ‘fancy’ restaurants to maybe, just maybe once every 2-3 weeks. (and it depends if guests are in town) Fancy is defined as costing over 240 pesos/person. ($20) I have a budget while in Mexico and for the anal people out there, I track all my costs on a spreadsheet, including bus fares and tips.
When I decide to stretch my culinary skills, I try to shop smart and cook for 4-5 people so I know how to budget for friends and family. And yes I hate to waste any leftovers, so I will eat the dish for 3-4 consecutive nights. Although I would slightly modify it each time.
More on ‘Mexico on a Budget’ in future writings.
Buenos Dias mi amigos.
1 comment:
AKA....Tight Ass
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