Would you stop keeping CY because of money?

amother

Sun, Jan 29 2023, 7:22 pm

Money is very tight. I calculated that we spend at least $150 more a month due to CY costs and I think its a no brainer that it is one of the easiest things to cut out (we have already significantly reduced our protein, limiting how much expensive food like eggs or chicken that we eat, don’t eat any meat, limit how many yogurts we buy, etc). We don’t eat luxurious meals by any standards (a typical supper would be a bean soup and rice ). My husband understands where I am coming from but says he can’t bring himself to do it. I would feel very guilty to make food for myself and the kids that he can’t eat (especially since he is the biggest eater in the family as my kids are little so not sure how much we will save if he still buys for himself).
What would you do?

Highstrung

Sun, Jan 29 2023, 7:26 pm

My DH stopped sticking to CY due to another issue. He had to be matir neder . So keep it in mind incase you do switch. You need to check with your rav whether you need to be matir neder or not.

amother

Darkblue

Sun, Jan 29 2023, 7:26 pm

No, unless it's a health concern for a specific child, I would get for that child. Like if your child needs a specific formula or refuses all other food & would be malnourished otherwise.

Can you reduce dairy in general? I'm assuming $150/ month is way more than just milk.

ShishKabob

Sun, Jan 29 2023, 7:27 pm

First, I just want to sympathize with you. It's really tough when money is tight.
In response to your question.
Never, it has an affect on the way you function. You may have other expenses elsewhere which will leave you no savings. I don't think it's worth it at all.

amother

Offwhite

Sun, Jan 29 2023, 7:32 pm

Just for some perspective: my very maikil rav told me I have to kasher my microwave after a relative heated up cholov stam food in it. Clearly not so simple to eat cholov stam - especially if living in an area where cholov yisroel is easily accessible. Maybe ask if you can use maaser money towards buying cholov yisroel.

I am also on a very tight budget but would never consider not keeping cholov yisroel.

amother

Sun, Jan 29 2023, 7:32 pm

amother Darkblue wrote:

We eat a lot of cereal and milk. Probably go through about $40 a week in milk alone.
We started cutting back on yogurts but still find dinners with cheese to be cheaper than those with chicken.

Highstrung

Sun, Jan 29 2023, 7:34 pm

amother Offwhite wrote:

I have family who eat chalav stam cold in their home only . They do not cook with it or heat up.
For example, milk , yogurts , cereal etc.

Last edited by Highstrung on Sun, Jan 29 2023, 7:34 pm; edited 1 time in total

amother

Sun, Jan 29 2023, 7:34 pm

amother Offwhite wrote:

1- our rav doesn’t hold that we would need to kasher. We use cholov stam formula in our sinks.
2- it’s not so easily accessible. There are times I have to go to 3 stores or go shopping at a specific day and time to get milk. My out of town city isn’t great in this regard. I have considered stopping for that alone (the aggravation and time that it takes to find milk especially at certain times of year).

amother

Sun, Jan 29 2023, 7:35 pm

amother Oleander wrote:

I would sooner cut out dairy. Can you cut down on dairy?

We can’t eat nuts because of allergies , some of my kids don’t like beans, chicken and meat is too expensive, what food does that leave us with?

amother

Sun, Jan 29 2023, 7:36 pm

Highstrung wrote:

My DH stopped sticking to CY due to another issue. He had to be matir neder . So keep it in mind incase you do switch. You need to check with your rav whether you need to be matir neder or not.

We were already matir neder. My husband just can’t bring himself to eat it (after almost 30 years of only eating CY)

Highstrung

Sun, Jan 29 2023, 7:37 pm

amother OP wrote:

We eat a lot of cereal and milk. Probably go through about $40 a week in milk alone.
We started cutting back on yogurts but still find dinners with cheese to be cheaper than those with chicken.

thats A LOT of milk! I’m a family of 7 and we go through $6 of milk a week.
Maybe serve sandwiches rather than cereal.

Highstrung

Sun, Jan 29 2023, 7:38 pm

Highstrung wrote:

thats A LOT of milk! I’m a family of 7 and we go through $6 of milk a week.
Maybe serve sandwiches rather than cereal.

I see now that you mentioned you are OOT. Now I understand the price.

amother

Saddlebrown

Sun, Jan 29 2023, 7:42 pm

I wouldn't go down in a ruchnius area, in order to save money. Call me superstitious but I don't want that money to cost me elsewhere. Like I don't think that reducing your frumkeit can be a source of bracha even if according to the letter of the law it is permissible etc.

amother

Darkblue

Sun, Jan 29 2023, 7:42 pm

amother OP wrote:

This is probably why it's $40 a week.

I'd probably do alot more pb& j sandwiches, Bananas, rice cakes & jam, etc.
Yogurt is completely unnecessary especially if sugary.
How about cooked cereals where you only add some milk on top.