OT...sort of, gov't shut down.

I know this is not totally on topic, but it isn't totally off topic either.  My husband is Air Force, and will be effected by this shut down as far as his pay.  I'm a teacher, so my pay is fine, but we are also in the middle of moving due to new orders in Alabama (he is going next week, the kids and I are following in June after the school year) so a lot of money is being used right now. 
With this shut down we are trying to cut corners, but in a way I can't when it comes to what I eat.  Thankfully I stocked up on my shakes and vitamins, but I feel so guilty that NOT getting the "expensive" healthy stuff (chicken, steak, etc.) is not an option when we should be cutting down on our grocery bill.  My kids would be thrilled to death if I let them eat only mac and cheese, or chicken nuggets for dinner every night...but in my mind that isn't an option either.

Is anyone else feeling like this?  Or do my feelings make sense?

We are off to run to the store right now, so I will be back in about an hour...post away :)

My husband is Army, I know EXACTLY how you feel. If this happens I will have to cut down on my protein shake consumption, since I won't be able to buy any more powder for the rest of the month.

Jillian,

No worries, if this happens I'll gladly ship you some protein! In a bullet-proof box!!

:Danni

Thanks Danni!

I don't know where you are stationed know but you may be able to get some "Emergency Relief" funds.  They aren't through the military but a separate organization.  When my ex husband was in the Army we switched banks and for some reason it got screwed up so his check didn't deposit on the 1st one month.  We went up there and they cut us a check that day for the things we needed.  They even gave us bags of groceries.  It was humbling but he was an E3 at the time and money was tight. 
These programs look similar to what we used.  I'm pretty certain they are civilian operated so the shut down shouldn't effect them.
http://www.afas.org/About/QA.cfm
http://www.afrtrust.org/

In my opinion the guys in the capital causing this shutdown should have to pay the troops salaries out of pocket.  I'm sure they are still drawing a paycheck.  Why should the men and women who put their lives on the line for our freedom have to sacrifice because they can't agree?

I'm sitting here at work and wondering if I work next week or not.  I work for a Naval hospital as a GS worker. I still don't know if I'm essential or non essential. Hummmm the waiting game.

i cant imagine, having to go through this surgery and not being bale to get the stuff i need .
could you go to a local food bank? foodstamps?? idk im just trying to help out some. 
i am now divorced, so i have a hard time buying anything . so theres always a slight worry when it comes to making sure i have all i need to live on(food).. good luck , just stay healthy and strong.. 

I feel your pain. My husband is a DOD employee. He is considered "mission critical" and will also have to work through the shutdown with no pay until it's over. It makes me angry that Congress can't stop playing politics and get this problem fixed! The Democrats wouldn't pass a budget before last year's elections because they didn't want to hurt themselves even more than they already had at the polls, and now the Republicans won't pass a budget that will get through the Senate because they're trying to set themselves up to win next year's elections. In the meantime, hundreds of thousands of military and government employees are stuck in the middle.

I guess the best we can hope for now is that the shutdown doesn't last very long.

First, let me say ((((HUGS)))). I can't imagine what it's like to sit around and wait for a bunch of politicians to decide the fate of your finances.

Having said that, I spend about $200/month on groceries for me and my two kids and still eat pretty darn well. If you need some tips on still being able to eat well on a budget, holler. I have plenty of them!

I'm not the OP, but I'd LOVE some of your $$ saving tips. I'm nothing but pure fail at a grocery store.