Monthly Grocery Budget Challenge!!

[tasha99]

Costco run:

Bagels $4.49
Hearts of Romaine bag $2.99
Rotisserie Chicken $4.99
Cat Food $10.99
Garbage bags $11.99
Cream cheese $5.49

Total: 40.95

Late night take out last night: 15.00 (up to 55.95 now . . . only $20 more for week )

Menus for week:

Sun: Rotisserie Chicken, mashed potatoes, salad
Mon: Chicken tacos and black bean tacos (basically leftovers)
Tues:
Wed:
Thurs:
Fri:
Sat:

 

[tasha99]

Holding my spot . . .

 

[tasha99]

And here's the last week

 

[SnowWhite607]

Thanks for taking the time to share your grocery lists. No disrespect, but I still see gaps in some of the lists where there is not much food, and on other lists, I see lots of processed food like tater tots with dinner and pop tarts and honey buns for breakfast. Also, I am amazed at the price discrepancies around the country. If I shopped the same list as the pp, I would spend at least $20 more.

Some of the meals are healthy, but sloppy joes, suddenly salad, and hot dogs are not staples I could raise my kids on week in and week out. I shudder to think what kind of "meat" is in the $1.00 package of hotdogs and don't even get me started on the carb overload with the foods, either.

Okay, sorry to be a downer but I could not shop or eat like many of you. I wish I could, but I would not metabolize that food and would be very overweight in due time. Again, not all of the meals were like this, but most are. I see now why my groceries cost a lot more. We just eat differently. Also, we go through 4 or 5 gallons of fat free milk each week. One gallon would last a little over a day.

Well the honey buns are for DH. Since he is 48 years old, I suppose he can eat what he wants. As far as the way we eat, I dont see anything wrong with it. We get protein at each meal and I make sure that DD7 gets all her proper servings of each of the food groups, every day. We do not eat Sloppy Joes and hot dogs daily, I can assure you. But we do not eat organic either. And as far as "carb overload", our entire family is the perfect weight for our heights. I am so proud of DD7 who has aaalllllllllmost made 50 lbs. She has always been tall and thin.

I would love to serve grilled chicken and broccoli every night but my family wont eat that! (especially DH). If I did, he would run out to the store and buy a fast food meal or get $20 of ice cream since he was still hungry and totally blow the budget. So we compromise. Its not like I am feeding them Spam or something.

 

[Tinker'n'Fun]

I updated my weekly budget for this week. I still have not been shopping for my monthly shopping. DD is sick, so hopefully tomorrow.

 

[Mkaz]

I made a late night trip to Price Chopper on Sat. evening, so technically it wasn't June 1st yet. This was a rare trip because it is a 40 min. drive, but we were in the area.

Price Chopper:

4 chickens @ .58 per pound
10 Sobe life waters @ 10/10

Total: 27.25
Less coupons= 7.00
Total= 20.25


Local mom and pop store:

4 propel waters 4.00
2 maltomeal cereals 2.00
Kraft cheese 2.00
buns 1.00
buns 1.00
tomatoes 1.85
1 1lb of deli ham 2.90
2 cucumbers .99
1/2 gal. milk 1.88
sunflower seeds 1.29
crackers 2.00

Total: 20.91
Less coupons 4.00
Total: 16.91

Total for this week: 37.16

Edited for new total:
My husband threw out my 2nd receipt, but I think I can remember most of it:

1/2 gal milk
bananas
muffin mix (for Parent Volunteer breakfast)
yellow cake mix
semi sweet choc. chips
4 bottles propel
wheat bread

Total: 15.65
less coupons 4.00
Total: 11.65


GRAND TOTAL JUNE 1-7: $48.81




This is an off week for us because the kids are finishing school on Friday. I didn't need to buy much for their lunches for this week.

Keep in mind that we don't buy beef because we raise our own. We rarely eat pork. The only pork that we eat is bacon and ham.

 

[IDoDis]

Well the honey buns are for DH. Since he is 48 years old, I suppose he can eat what he wants. As far as the way we eat, I dont see anything wrong with it. We get protein at each meal and I make sure that DD7 gets all her proper servings of each of the food groups, every day. We do not eat Sloppy Joes and hot dogs daily, I can assure you. But we do not eat organic either. And as far as "carb overload", our entire family is the perfect weight for our heights. I am so proud of DD7 who has aaalllllllllmost made 50 lbs. She has always been tall and thin.

I would love to serve grilled chicken and broccoli every night but my family wont eat that! (especially DH). If I did, he would run out to the store and buy a fast food meal or get $20 of ice cream since he was still hungry and totally blow the budget. So we compromise. Its not like I am feeding them Spam or something.

Again,
No disrespect. We all make life choices based on our needs and wants. I will point out that many kids are thin, but that changes as we age. If you don't believe me, just do an "observation" homework assignment the next time you are at the grocery store. Count the first 50 adults you see shopping. 75% of them will be overweight at the unhealthy stage. They are shortening their lives and health in later years by doing this. When I go to the track in the morning, I wave at an 82 year old man each morning who jogs better than I do, and is lean and healthy. I've learned a lot from my conversations with him and want to be like him when I'm 82. That doesn't mean I won't have a treat now and then, but consistency with eating healthy is the key.

I don't want to change the thread because I find it very interesting what other people eat and I'm sure I can learn some tips along the way. Kudos to those of you who are posting your lists.

 

[SnowWhite607]

I think we should respectfully agree to disagree about what my family eats and move on with the thread....back to your regularly scheduled program.

 

[bartleby1]

Again,
No disrespect. We all make life choices based on our needs and wants. I will point out that many kids are thin, but that changes as we age. If you don't believe me, just do an "observation" homework assignment the next time you are at the grocery store. Count the first 50 adults you see shopping. 75% of them will be overweight at the unhealthy stage. They are shortening their lives and health in later years by doing this. When I go to the track in the morning, I wave at an 82 year old man each morning who jogs better than I do, and is lean and healthy. I've learned a lot from my conversations with him and want to be like him when I'm 82. That doesn't mean I won't have a treat now and then, but consistency with eating healthy is the key.

I don't want to change the thread because I find it very interesting what other people eat and I'm sure I can learn some tips along the way. Kudos to those of you who are posting your lists.

I do agree with you to a point, however, by planning meals around sales eating healthy can be done cheaper also. I'm not saying cheap, cheap but it can be made cheaper. Also, I think many people aren't even aware of how much they spend on health and beauty aids, medications, cleaning supplies, paper products, etc, which eats up a good portion of their grocery budget. Many of those items can be free with coupons/rebates or extremely cheap which frees up more money to spend on actual food.

Now, milk prices are a huge problem for families who consume a lot of milk. I absolutely agree with that. But, you can still try to shop around for milk and freeze it when you find it cheaper. For example, the A&P around the corner from me charges $4.29 per gallon. However, shoprite often has the 'milk of the week' for $2.99-$3.19. Bj's sells it for $3.11. I believe Costco is $2.99. The catch is, that shoprite, bj's, and costco are 10 miles away from me but they are located right by the mall. So, when I hit the mall I will pick up milk on the way home. I try really hard not to run out and get stuck paying the A&P prices. Obviously, with gas prices the way they are, it doesn't pay to drive 20 miles round trip to get cheaper milk, so I combine trips or have DH stop on the way home from work. He also stops at target quite often for yoplait yogurt that my kids devour. Again, A&P sells them for $1.09 where target sells them for 59 cents. I go through around 20 a week so that adds up in a hurry.

I'm enjoying reading along with everyone's shopping habits. I'd love to see your shopping habits also IDoDis to compare some healthier habits vs less healthier and the cost differences. Maybe someone in your area might be able to give some hints on sale prices or other stores that offer better deals in your area to help you out too? I have to admit, although we try to eat healthy, we do eat quite a few unhealthy meals too. I'd love to see some healthier options for us as well!

 

[stahshee]

I made a late night trip to Price Chopper on Sat. evening, so technically it wasn't June 1st yet. This was a rare trip because it is a 40 min. drive, but we were in the area.

Price Chopper:

4 chickens @ .58 per pound
10 Sobe life waters @ 10/10

Total: 27.25
Less coupons= 7.00
Total= 20.25


Local mom and pop store:

4 propel waters 4.00
2 maltomeal cereals 2.00
Kraft cheese 2.00
buns 1.00
buns 1.00
tomatoes 1.85
1 1lb of deli ham 2.90
2 cucumbers .99
1/2 gal. milk 1.88
sunflower seeds 1.29
crackers 2.00

Total: 20.91
Less coupons 4.00
Total: 16.91

Total for this week: 37.16

This total will go up some due to weekly sales. I will edit as my total goes up.

Our mom and pop store is having a 10/10.00 sale this week. I will stock up on propel using coupons which will make them free. The chicken will last a about a month or so. We will get 2 to 3 meals out of each.

This is an off week for us because the kids are finishing school on Friday. I didn't need to buy much for their lunches for this week.

Keep in mind that we don't buy beef because we raise our own. We rarely eat pork. The only pork that we eat is bacon and ham.

I asked my mil to pick me up some good stuff from price chopper

ketchup bogo
price chopper shampoo 2-1$
sugar 198
eggs 199
grapes on sale for 98cents a lb

this is for the week. I will let you know my total $

 

[canwegosoon]

OK...I am going to try to keep up Monthly budget $325-375 (I have 375 budgeted)
6/1 no dollars spent

6/2 117.69(inc tax)Spent at Price Chopper on the following:
3 botttles of soda(inc deposit)4.50-1.00
2 Trop OJ 5.00-1.00
b&M Baked beans 8 large cans 10.64-2.00
Perdue Homestyle chicken breast 3 bags(b1G2f)8.99
Always feminine products 2(b1g1f)6.49-1.00
2 boxes Entemans mini muffins(b1g1f) 3.99
Kraft Cheese bag 3.59
Hormel natural ham 9 oz 3.99
2 packages OM bacon(b1g1f)4.99
4 Dole salad bags 8.84-2.00
2 100 calorie cookie boxes 5.00
Suddenly Salad -pasta 5 boxes 6.50-2.00
2 sf/ff jello pudding boxes 1.98
2 pudding hunts 4 packs 2.00
2 lipton noodle/sauce packs 2.50-1.00,
Bannanas-1.08
Broccoli-1.36,
Green beans-.49
Strawberries 2.99
blueberries 2.99
4 bags of hamburger/hotdog rolls10.00-2.00
3.8lb top roast 11.39
8.58lbs chicken breasts(1.79lb) 11.36
2 12 oz packages of American Cheese(b1g1f) 3.79
my ST was 185.95 and I paid 117.69
Menu
mon-Chicken/broccoli/rice/black bean paste
tues-Chicken Enchlilads/ corn/salad
wed-Blt's/pasta salad/coleslaw
Thurs-Grilled Chicken and salad
Friday-Roast/noodles/peas
Sat-pancakes/bacon, tuna sandwiches, Steak sandwiches, salad
Sun- french toast/sausage/ hotdogs and BB/Corned Beef/ carrots/potatoes

Snacks: Fruit, popcorn, pudding, home made icies,
kids lunches: PBJ/Ham/Chicken Strips/Blt-with pudding, a fruit, a cookie bad and veggie(carrots/celery or greenbeans).
Current balance:257.31
6/3 and 6/4 Trip #1
Chex mix 1.00
Duracel 9v 2.99
Duracel AA 2.99
Charmin ult 4.99
Bounty Bas 6.99*(mistake-not applicable toward the EBC)
5 coupons (-5.00)
3 off 15 (-3.00)
Tl 12.16
Refund -7.55(the bounty)
Tl 4.61 cash outlay

Trip #2
dawn 1.00
dawn 1.00
Duracel 9v 2.99
DuracelAAA2.99
Charmin 9pk4.99
Apple Jacks 1.88
Hallmark Crd 2.99
Coupons(-3.80)
3 off 15 (-3.00)
Tl 13.21ish cash outlay**(couldn't find my CVS card and they applied this order to an old card-not used in trans 1-so I had it fixed-all was good)
EB earned 10.00,1.00

Trip #3
Pantene 3/10
Huggies body wash 3.49
Huggies body wash 3.49
Coupons(-3.50)
3 off 15(-3.00)
EB used(10.00)
TL .80 cash outlay
EB earned 3.00, 2.00, 2.00,

Trip #4
Dawn 2/2
MM 1.77
glade .88
Fruitloops 1.88
cvs bandaids 1.99
cvs bandaids 1.99
Huggies body wash 3.49
Hallmark Card 1.99
Coupons(-1.88)
Hallmark coupon(-1.99)
EB used (-8.00)
3 off 15 (-3.00)
TL 1.12 cash outlay
EB earned 1, 2.00, 3.98
Total cash outlay 19.61 for all items purchased. 6.98EB left. Total sale value of items 63.78

Budget 257.31-19.61=237.70

 

[Kathi OD]

I don't doubt for one minute that a family of 4 can survive on a budget $75/week, especially when you're working at it. In our house it is just DH and I. I can usually shop for the two of us for around $70/week without coupons or really checking out the sales. Some weeks it is a little more, but not that often.

I am wondering how far I can get it down if I worked at it even a little bit?

 

[ELLE-TN]

Ok I think I'll play too...but I shop on Fridays so I will start my posts on Fri. I will try the $75/week budget for food. I am pretty much stocked for HBA and household/cleaning supplies for several months.

 

[ELLE-TN]

Friday - June 6 shopping trip

**mid-week run for milk and bread**
(6/4) Milk 4.99 Kerns bread (BOGO) rang up @ 1.14 ea. (used 2 .50 Q on bread) after tax = $6.79

$75.00- $6.79 = $68.21

Didn't have time to shop today so made a quick stop for milk here goes: (6/6)
3 bags of Chex Mix (free w/coupons)
1 bag of M&M's $1.77
Milk 5.29
Total after coupons and tax = $8.01


$68.21 - $8.01 = $60.20

Will report back after doing the grocery trip tomorrow. I have lots of coupons for frees and doubles at Krogers so shouldn't be too bad.



Target trip: (6/7)

11 pkgs of Solo heavy duty plates (48 ct.) 2.89 ea = $31.79
Cascade rinse agent $3.14 FREE after coupon
Total after coupons = $6.35


Kroger trip (6/7)

4 x kellogs smart start cereal 2/$5
2 x keebler cookies $1.99 each
1 gallon of milk $3.25
1 gallon of chocolate milk $3.61
2 x always 5.75
hershey candybars $1.99
graham crackers $2.50
marshmellows $1.00
2 x ric -a- roni $1.00 each
2 hillshire farm cheddar brats 2/$5
2 hillshire farm luncheon meats $2/7
pkg. cubed steak $3.66
birdseye steamfresh corn on cob $2.50
birdseye steamfresh mixed veg. $2.50
1 lemon .99
2.43 lbs banana 1.43
frigo head string cheese pkg. 3.50
2 lb. pkg. mushrooms 2.99
cauliflower 2.49
broccoli 1.00
cantaloupe 2.00
TOTAL BEFORE COUPONS = $70.39
AFTER COUPONS/STORE DISCOUNTS = $35.00

CVS (6/7)
2 x Chex mix 1.00 each
**Note I went in for charmin and bounty but they didn't have it. I just wanted it for my stockpile.
Total before tax/coupons $2.17 OOP = .17



Weekly running balance = $60.20 - $41.52 = $18.78
**big sale at Food City starts tomorrow I will be using this to buy some more meat. I also have 1 lb. carrots, 2 lb. grapes, 15 lb. potatoes left from last week. So I say pretty good!




Dinners on hand:

Chicken with rice, broccoli, and cantaloupe
Cubed steak, mashed potatoes, green beans, and rolls
Brats, soupbeans, corn on cob, and cornbread
Pork chops, baked potatoes, and salad
BBQ ribs, baked potatoes, and steamfresh veg. medley
hamburger steaks with cooked mushrooms,carrots,gr. pepper, and potato, and wheat rolls



for Breakfast meals we have waffles, cereal, fresh fruit, toaster strudles, or muffins

for lunch we either eat leftovers or sandwiches

for snack we have: bananas, grapes, string cheese, chex mix, cookies, and special treat = choc. milk

for fun we will have friends over to build a bonfire and make 'smores.

 

[ELLE-TN]

Friday- June 13 shopping trip **actually made it out today 6/14

Krogers:

water bottles (DD has cheer camp this week) $1.60
2 x milk $3.25 ea. ($1 off Q for each)
pepperidge farm whole grain bread $3.49 (I know this is expensive but had a FREE Q)
16 Ct. Eggo waffles $2.67 ($1 Q)
State Farm corndogs (DS talked me into this) $4.99
2 x Tyson Anytisers $2.99 ea. ($1 Q for each)
Chef boyardee Pizza kit $3.85 (.75 Q)
graham crackers ($1 Q)
ziploc freezer bags $2.99 (FREE Q)
2 x bags cookies chips ahoy and oreo $2.50 ea.
6 x hunts snack packs (.50/2 which doubles x 3)
buddies soap .99 ($1 Q)
Sara Lee apple pie $2.99 (FREE Q)
steamfresh asian mix 2/$5 expensive ($1/2 Q)
2 x hillshire farms brats 2/$5 ($1/2 Q)
sara lee hot dogs buns $2.39 (FREE Q )
Marshmellows $1 (FREE)
Hershey bars $1.99
Mr. Goodbars $1.99
3 x pretzel flips $1.00 ea
Tropicana OJ $2.99 ($1 Q)
snack pack pretzels (indiv. wrapped) $3.69
1.89 lb. banana $1.11
1.67 lb. grapes $4.93


After tax and coupons total = 71.36

$75 - $71.36 = $3.64 + $18.78 (from last week) = $22.44

Food City
Beef Roast (2 in pack which I split) $7.23
Pork Roast (2 in pack which I split) $7.63
Pork chops $2.66
cubed steak $2.79
total $21.30

$22.44 -$21.30 = $1.14 leftover



I know this shopping list looks like a lot of junk food but we were completely out of snacks and not only have cheer camp this week but a couple of picnics planned which we will pack sandwiches and junk food (gotta have fun). Also we already had lots of meat in the freezer so there are lots of dinner meals on hand. Will try to remember to post weeks menu later. Thanks!

 

[ELLE-TN]

Friday - June 20 Shopping trip

 

[ELLE-TN]

Friday - June 27 Shopping trip

 

[SnowWhite607]

FYI - DD7 had lunch today. It was a hot dog (all beef), carrot sticks with low fat Ranch dressing, pineapple cubes (fresh), pasta salad and milk. Unless I am counting wrong, that is all the food groups. Just because you eat cheaply doesnt mean you serve your family crap....I'm just saying.

 

[Magic2000]

I am loving this thread! Such great ideas!!!

I have a family of 5, and for the last few months, since I've been carefully shopping and watching what I am spending, I have been able to keep it to about $75 - $80 a week. I try to plan my meals out for the week, and we do eat leftovers. This includes fresh fruits and vegetables (although not too many vegetables, since my kids don't like too many different veggies???)!

I might make a lasagna on Sunday with a salad; then we'll have the leftovers on Wed or Thurs, with maybe corn. That way we're not eating lasagna two nights in a row. Yesterday, my DH grilled some chicken (we had potatos and brocolli with it); and I'll make a salad later during the week, and top it with the leftover chicken!

Snow White - you made me do a double take when I saw red beans and rice on your list! I had to check to see if you were from Louisiana! We do a lot of red beans, white beans, and lima beans!! I'll usually make a pot and then freeze left overs.

 

[canadianmom2three]

wow--great thread, and very timely since I just got back yesterday from spending $222.22 at the grocery, and that is just for ONE week! The cashier was sooo excited at the 222.22, but I was more in shock about how far over my 'usual' $175 I had gone. Would love some tips to get lower, $75 would be a DREAM, but anything would be an improvement. So am I supposed to post my bills and what I paid for everything? I shop once a week, usually Saturday or Sunday.