Monthly Grocery Budget Challenge!!

[SnowWhite607]

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.

Oh my gosh, I know where Bush is! I grew up in Bogalusa but live in Slidell now. Hi neighbor!

 

[Mickeyorbust]

I'm game...saving my spot. I usually go shopping on Monday nights because there are fewer people in the store, which means I can get in and out pretty quickly. I usually spend $125 a week for 4 and 1 dog. I don't want to send my family into shock with the $75, so I'm just going for $100 or under per week.

I should do pretty well this week. I've taken an inventory of the pantry and freezer so I won't need to buy any meat/poultry this week. That'll help alot!

I actually bought for a week and a half.

4 Lean Cuisine Entrees 11.75
12 pk Paper Towels (6.99-2.50coupon) 4.49
2 cans Green Giant Green Beans @.85 ea 1.70
Flour Tortilla Wraps 1.99
3 bags frozen broccoli florets 7.50
Sugar 2.45
Tyson Chicken Tenders 6.99
Potatoes 2.71
2 jars spaghetti Sauce 4.00
Sister Schubert Rolls 3.29
Cherries 8.46
2 bags salad 6.00
Sour Cream 2.99
Yoplait Yogurt ( 10 for $5) 5.00
Turkey Lunch Meat 4.99
Bananas 1.19
Parmesan Cheese 2.39
Red Bell Pepper 2.15
Green Bell Pepper .94
Vidalia Onion .70
Bunch Parsley .69
Trix Yogurt 2.39
2 packages Little Debbie Brownies 2.58
Bread 1.99

Subtotal 89.33
Coupons and bonus savings 20.58
Total 68.75

Menu
Mon: Chicken Tenders, Macaroni and Salad
Tues: Meatballs, Rice and Brocolli
Wed: Orange Glazed Ham, Rolls and Green Beans
Thurs: Spaghetti (used leftover meatballs) and salad
Fri: Fajitas and more salad
Sat: Mini Meatloaves, mashed potatoes and green beans
Sun: Grilled Chicken, rolls and broccoli (ended up eating out) $12.71

Weeks total $81.46

 

[Mickeyorbust]

Shouldn't need to buy much this week either. Still have plenty of meat/poultry stocked in the freezer.

Shopping trip tonight I'll need to get
Salad 2.49
1 Onion
Milk 3.11
Bananas 1.29
Cantalope

Total so far this week: $ 7.24

Made it through the week without needing the onion and cantalope. But, we'll be doing to two father's day meals. Taking a dish to In-Laws for a cook-out and taking my Dad out to dinner. Haven't decided what dish to take to in-laws...maybe deviled eggs because I already have all the ingredients.

This weeks menu:
Mon: Mini Pizzas (One of those fund raiser kits I bought a month ago)
Tues: Grilled Chicken, Rolls and Broccoli
Wed: Spaghetti and Salad
Thur: Chicken and Rice Bake, Green Beans
Fri: Breakfast for Dinner (Eggs, Bacon and fruit, maybe pancakes)
Sat: Left over chicken and rice bake, green beans
Sun: Going out to eat for fathers day. ($98.00 @ Outback, but wow was it good)

New Total $105.24

 

[Mickeyorbust]

Spot for June 16

Wow, didn't really need to go shopping until tonight, June 19. And to get only a few little things.

Weight Watchers Fudge Bars 4.49 (Got to have my chocolate fix and I'm on a diet)
Land 'O Frost Honey Ham Lunch Meat 3.00 (Free coupon cashier rang in as 3.99) -.99
Tyson Chicken Tenders 7.49
Bananas 1.62
Yoplait Yogurt .59 x 6 = 3.54 - 1.00 (.50 coupon doubled) 2.54
Smart Ones Entree 1.99 x 5 = 9.95 - 1.00 coupon = 8.95
Milk 3.11
Nesquick Chocolate Syrup on sale 1.09 - 1.00 coupon = .09
Store Brand block of cheese 1.50 - 1.00 coupon = .50
4 pack Motts applesauce singles on sale 1.99 - 1.00 coupon = .99

Total with tax 29.60

Mon: Leftovers from Fathers Day cookout
Tues: Sandwiches and fruit
Wed: Chicken Tenders, Rolls and salad
Thurs: Canned Ravioli
Fri: Orange Glazed Ham, Rice and Brocolli
Sat: Found that I had everything to make Beef, Cheese, Noodle Bake served with brocolli.
Sun: Included on next week.

The cabinets and freezer are getting pretty bare so next week'll be a big one.

I've noticed others are posting breakfast and lunches too. So, for breakfast during the work week I usually have a whole wheat mini bagel and a banana and I get free lunches at work. But, since the healthy selection at work is limited to salad I sometime take Lean Cuisines or Smart Ones and yogurt for variety. DD13 usually eats cereal at home for breakfast. Which we have plenty of, we bought the huge boxes at BJ's last month. Since she's been out of school this month she'll eat sandwiches and yogurt at home for lunch. DD6 eats cereal for breakfast or leftover pancakes and fruit, when I make pancakes on the weekend I make extra to keep in the fridge for the week. She eats lunch at daycare, since she's out of school, which is included in the fee. DH usually doesn't eat breakfast. I know, a bad habit he really needs to break. And takes leftovers or sandwiches for lunch.

 

[Mickeyorbust]

and last but not least...spot for June 23

Ended up being able to go shopping a day early.

Bread 2.00
6 pack Raisins 1.50
1 red bell pepper 1.96
Cube Steak 3.11
Chicken Breasts 9.58
Chicken Breasts 5.22
Frozen corn on the cob 3.69
2 bags frozen brocolli 3.98
Rice A Roni 1.00
Ketchup 2.29
Apples 3.60
Potatoes 2.61
Graham Crackers (3.89 - 1.00 coupon) 2.89
Crescent Rolls (2.07 - .50 coupon doubled) 1.07
Pizza Dough 2.49
2 cans Green Beans 2.18
3 Cucumbers 3.87
Totino's Pizza Rolls (on sale .99 - .50 coupon doubled) -.01
Beef Broth .79
2 10 packs ramen noodles 1.78
2 Boxes Little Debbie Brownies 2.58

Store 1 Total w/Tax 59.93

Took DH with me to BJ's...not good. (Items he got are in red.)

Lipton 16oz 24pk Tea 9.89
Salad 2.49
M&M Ice Cream Bars 9.99
Mini Cheesburgers 9.99
Boneless Porkchops 7.15
Half N Half 1.89
Milk 3.11
Skinny Cow Bars 5.99
BBQ Chicken Wraps 10.99

Store 2 Total with tax 64.56

Total 124.49

Total for month 340.79 (not bad, that's an 85.20 per week average)

This weeks menu:
Sun: Pork Chops with carolina rub, macaroni salad and broccoli
Mon: Orange Glazed Ham, Crescent Rolls and Green Beans
Tues: Left over Beef, Cheese, Noodle bake and salad
Wed: Swiss Steak, Mashed Potatoes and Green Beans
Thu: Chicken Nuggets, Cheese Twists (made with the pizza dough) and salad
Fri: Grilled Chicken, Cucumber Salad and Corn
Sat: Chicken Rice Casserole and brocolli

 

[global_mom]

Went to Kroger today and got what I needed for the week. I have been so inspired by this thread and the "No Buy" thread! I spent $42.73 and of that $21 went for meat. I also got some detergent b/c the sale price made it a better deal than buying the giant container of detergent at Sam's Club.

Also got 2 bags of frozen veggies, 2 containers of hummus (great in tortilla wraps for kids lunches), fat-free ravioli, mac and cheese, and one little treat for myself (Weight Watchers snack cakes on sale for $2.50). I have plenty of pasta, lettuce, etc. to round out the meals for the week.

I figure that we will also go to Chick-fil-a once this week (about $12) and I need to buy organic milk and some lemons for our fish (about $15).

That should bring the total for the week to about $70.00. We are a family of 5 and I have typically been spending about $212 per week. Since we are going to WDW next week, I figure that I will not need to go back to the grocery until about June 15th.

This is a real challenge but is sort of fun too!

 

[Tinker'n'Fun]

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.

If you are trying to lower your bill I would recommend at least putting down what you purchased and prices if they are high. Someone on the board who is near you may be able to direct you to another store etc, and I know I would look to see if maybe substitution items or compromise is in your bill...

Here's an example. I keep to my budget but if I allowed my kids to drink soda all the time, I might as well just give them my paychecks. We could direct you to reduce pop consumptions with some other drinks and or drink recipes. Sweet tea is a wonderful alternative on a hot day and I have seen many recipes for it on the boards.. (this one not so much for little ones but iced coffee w/ your leftover coffee as a treat rather than purchasing a single serve can). Hope this kind of explains how we might be able to help you. Diane

 

[Tinker'n'Fun]

I'm game...saving my spot. I usually go shopping on Monday nights because there are fewer people in the store, which means I can get in and out pretty quickly. I usually spend $125 a week for 4 and 1 dog. I don't want to send my family into shock with the $75, so I'm just going for $100 or under per week.

I should do pretty well this week. I've taken an inventory of the pantry and freezer so I won't need to buy any meat/poultry this week. That'll help alot!

I'll add my receipt to this post later tonight. Are we posting weekly menus too?

I am going to do my menu's weekly but however you want is just fine.... I tend to be a bit chatty on the boards and don't want people to get sick of seeing me post!

 

[Tinker'n'Fun]

I did my weekly shopping but not my monthly yet... soccer games have sidelined me cause DH is driving them... So I am hoping for tomorrow. Oh by the way wish me luck, I have to get my prescriptions tonight from Sam's Club. I must not go into the store.. Putting my blinders on.... Will not ruin the budget... will not ruin the budget

I planned my food for the week though...

Breakfast's will be the same as what I stated in my original post. I have bagels leftover from last week and also 2 types of cereal. We have some of those HUGE muffins that I surprised DD with. I don't want to even know calorie or fat or nutrition on those... Well everyone get a reward once in a while and well they are almost gone already!

Lunches: DD will have her usual for the week, DS will buy school lunches, DH got some ham, bologna, and leftovers. Today he took the extra salad from last night...

So her we go starting with Sunday June 1st...


Sunday - Pizza night w/movie. I had a frozen pizza that I jazzed up with some leftover veggies, some romaine left that I made salad with, and a few stuffed pretzels and marinara (funny I don't even know where they came from but hey it helped clean out the freezer). We had fruit for dessert. Oh yeah the movie Peter Pan!
Monday - Chicken Nuggets, Thai Rice w/chicken broth, corn off the cob, and watermelon. (Soccer night) We will have strawberry shortcakes later tonight!
Tuesday - Chicken Alfredo w/fresh broccoli and fruit salad
Wednesday - Leftover night. I have turkey soup, pulled pork, most likely chicken alfredo, a couple of hot dogs, and any fruit or veggie wanted. I only have leftovers once every other week. Other weeks I do duel recipes to use up the items.
Thursday - Mock Beef stroganoff w/ garlic mashed potatoes, choice of brocolli steamed or green beans.
Friday - Ravioli and meatballs, salad, and garlic shells.
Saturday - Cook-out on the grill. I will have a veggie and fruit salad with it. If I am adventurous I may do baked beans or a potato salad. If not, chips... Yeah the "cool" mom!! Gotta love her!

Most of the items this week I have leftover from previous shopping trips. I did stock some chicken in my monthly post so far and got all the fruit and veggies in my weekly. Okay week #1 done !

 

[canadianmom2three]

If you are trying to lower your bill I would recommend at least putting down what you purchased and prices if they are high. Someone on the board who is near you may be able to direct you to another store etc, and I know I would look to see if maybe substitution items or compromise is in your bill...

Here's an example. I keep to my budget but if I allowed my kids to drink soda all the time, I might as well just give them my paychecks. We could direct you to reduce pop consumptions with some other drinks and or drink recipes. Sweet tea is a wonderful alternative on a hot day and I have seen many recipes for it on the boards.. (this one not so much for little ones but iced coffee w/ your leftover coffee as a treat rather than purchasing a single serve can). Hope this kind of explains how we might be able to help you. Diane

OK, you asked for it. I am sooo open to advice but it is a long bill....$222.22 worth to be exact! I shop at the most discount of the discount grocers in town, it is a bag your own, no frills kind of place. Total with taxes was $222.22

Dairy: skim milk(4l) 4.67, yogurt(16)3.99, becel 4.99 (I hate cheap margerine, sorry!!!), cheese slices (real) 5.49,
Fruit and Veggie: fruit cups 2.47, salad bag 1.47, .99, cauliflower .69, coleslaw .99, romaine lettuce 1.67, asparagus .99, cucumbers (3) 1.99, carrots bag 1.47, pineapple 1.99, grapes 4.58, banannas 1.53, peaches 1.77, zuchinni .77, strawberries 1.67, 1.67 mushrooms 1.48, peppers (4) 2.99,
Breads: cereal 2.88, 2.88, 2.47, 2.99 (we eat a LOT of cereal!), mac n cheese .57, .57, .57, .57, oatmeal 2.00, baking bran 1.13, pasta dry 1.49, 1.49, ww tortillas 2.99, hot dog rolls 1.49, hburg rolls 1.49, ww bread 2.29, 2.29, bagels 1.67
Meat: xlgr.beef 12.62, pork loin 5.72, oven roast 10.06, burgers boxed 7.99, 8.99, hot dog 2.97
Condiments:taco seasoning .93, .93, mustard 1.67, sp. sauce 2.97, 2.97, 1.49, salad dressing 2.54
Snacks: granola bars 1.44, 1.44, 1.97, 1.97 fruit snacks 1.49, cookies 1.79, crackers for lunches 1.49, 1.49, rice krispie squares 2.99, pretzels .93, .93
Drinks: water case 2.47, milk boxes for lunches 1.99, 1.99
Misc: tp 4.97, goodnites 14.99, fem products 3.75, razor 10.99 (I wavered but bought it, its summer after all!), toothpaste 1.49, 1.49, shave gel 2.49, 2.49, chocolate chips 1.99, plastic container 2.00

 

[canadianmom2three]

You know, just typing it all out made me realize that I tend to buy multiples of the same thing....will we really eat 4 boxes of granola bars in one week NO!! Same with 2 boxes of burgers, a roast, a huge package of ground beef and a package of 2 pork tenderloins - Whew!!! I think I am maybe stockpiling more food than necessary in the house. The things I buy multiples of are usually good prices, but they all add up (and DH always accuses me of keeping too much food on hand - maybe he's right!) Anyway, going to save some spots for next weeks shopping, I'm SURE I can improve upon that massive bill!!!


JUNE 7/8 will go here:

 

[Tinker'n'Fun]

You know, just typing it all out made me realize that I tend to buy multiples of the same thing....will we really eat 4 boxes of granola bars in one week NO!! Same with 2 boxes of burgers, a roast, a huge package of ground beef and a package of 2 pork tenderloins - Whew!!! I think I am maybe stockpiling more food than necessary in the house. The things I buy multiples of are usually good prices, but they all add up (and DH always accuses me of keeping too much food on hand - maybe he's right!) Anyway, going to save some spots for next weeks shopping, I'm SURE I can improve upon that massive bill!!!


JUNE 7/8 will go here:

I definetely have some suggestions, we are heading out to soccer soon, but I am a late night person... I will write up my suggestions for you later, so look back tomorrow and I am sure we will have you feeling better about your budget very quickly!! Diane

 

[cnj]

I have a family of four and spend about $100 a week on groceries. This does not include my Costco run of $100 per month, but does include $15 for fresh flowers.

Today I went to the store and spent $63, I bought

6 jars of spaghetti sauce
2 packages of pasta
5 packages of foster farms breast steaks
3 packages of ground sirloin 93/7
sara lee whole wheat white bread
2 country crock
pound of challenge butter
sports granola bar
cranberry cocktail energy juice
hefty 50 count paper plates
4 boxes of general mills and post cereal
2 cartons of tropicana orange juice
the huge thing of tidy cat litter
cat food
kotex tampons
toothpaste
2 boxes of sandwich bags
3 packages of lunch ham
2 packages of betty crocker sugar cookie mix
2 lay's potato chips


I saved $114 and got two free movie tickets for my purchase. I love coupons! Now I have to go to another store, so I can get my produce and more deals!

 

[SnowWhite607]

I have a family of four and spend about $100 a week on groceries. This does not include my Costco run of $100 per month, but does include $15 for fresh flowers.

Today I went to the store and spent $63, I bought

6 jars of spaghetti sauce
2 packages of pasta
5 packages of foster farms breast steaks
3 packages of ground sirloin 93/7
sara lee whole wheat white bread
2 country crock
pound of challenge butter
sports granola bar
cranberry cocktail energy juice
hefty 50 count paper plates
4 boxes of general mills and post cereal
2 cartons of tropicana orange juice
the huge thing of tidy cat litter
cat food
kotex tampons
toothpaste
2 boxes of sandwich bags
3 packages of lunch ham
2 packages of betty crocker sugar cookie mix
2 lay's potato chips


I saved $114 and got two free movie tickets for my purchase. I love coupons! Now I have to go to another store, so I can get my produce and more deals!

WOW! You did great for $63!! How did you have over $100 in coupons???

 

[JaxJags08]

I spent $60 exactly today on the following things:

Diapers
Chocolate milk (1/2 gal)
Skim milk (1/2 gal)
Laundry detergent (32 loads)
Sour cream
Cheez Whiz (healthy, I know)
Spaghetti sauce
Lean Pockets (2 packs)
Blueberries
Taco seasoning
Bananas
2 lbs lean ground beef
Tostitos
Pillsbury frozen wheat rolls (yum!)
2 boxes of spaghetti noodles
Cat litter

We're a family of 3 and this will get us through 3 dinners at least and all lunches for the week (we also have leftovers in the fridge and things in the freezer and pantry that I'll be using). We have a couple of events coming up, so I didn't have to buy dinner for those days.

The price on diapers is a budget killer for me! I know that I should go to Sam's and buy them in bulk, but I don't really have one close to me. I feel like between the gas money spent and the time to get there, it just wouldn't be worth it.

 

[stahshee]

ok update to my shopping on fri May31-Fri- June6.. I looked at my recit and it was 89$..

here is what I got for the week just to stock up as we do a big shopping trip every 4-6 weeks
margerine 64. cents
6 bags of french fries for 50cents a bag
cat chow 4.24
kitten chow 7.92
24 pk water 3.98
butter spray 2.78
4 light sour cream 98cents each
4 block of cheddar cheese. 2.24 each
3 packages brown gravy 35 cents each
fat free milk 3.17
oreos 2.50
white American cheese 2.84
3 packages of ground turkey each 1.57
6 light cream cheese. 1.18 each
2 spagetti sauce 88 cents each
gum 96 cents
ice pops 1.50
cat litter 2.54


also my mil is picking up more for me later this week, so I will be adding more to this total

 

[cnj]

WOW! You did great for $63!! How did you have over $100 in coupons???

It wasn't all coupons. It was $51 in club card savings and $63 in coupon savings. They double coupons at my store.

I am bummed, because I am over for the week, though. I went to Ralphs, and I was going to not buy a lot, but they had fresh peonies, and they were $25, so my flower budget was $10 over this week. I spent $61 at Ralphs, so for the two stores combined this week I spent $124! Bummer! I did buy enough ice cream to last a long time in the summer, though.

At Ralphs, I bought:

peonies
2 top ramen, but it was free and for my sister
dove ice cream
2 ben and jerry's pints
gallon dreyer's
2 eskimo pie ice cream treats
digionio ultimate frozen pizza
california kitchen frozen pizza
3 pounds of red apples
3 pounds of golden delicious apples
bananas
floss
2 tooth brushes
1/2 pound mozarella
2 kid's yogurt treats
3 grapefruit
shampoo
conditioner
tweezers
2 packages of gummy worms
toilet paper
8 things of pringles
2 lipton boxes of tea
2 powerade drinks
lay's
18 eggs


I think that is it. As you can see, I bought a ton of well, I think the word would be censored. But, it will last a long time for treats in the summer. I am thinking ahead, because summer break is just around the corner.

 

[global_mom]

I think that is it. As you can see, I bought a ton of well, I think the word would be censored. But, it will last a long time for treats in the summer. I am thinking ahead, because summer break is just around the corner.

I am jealous that your kids are still in school! We got out May 21st and it has been expensive to fix the lunches that they normally would eat at school. Plus, they want to snack constantly. Thank goodness gymnastic and skateboard camps started this week!

Since they keep whining about being bored, I have put them to work learning how to go CVSing. Its a good math lesson to figure out what we can get, how many ECBs, etc. and I dont let them use a calculator.

 

[IDoDis]

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!

I plan on posting my shopping after we get back from WDW which is where we are now. My fridge back home is empty because we ate everything up that was perishable because it would have gone rotten in the fridge while we were gone. Therefore, my next trip to the store will probably be expensive, but I'm hoping I can learn something here and try to trim the food budget down. Oh, BTW, we do get milk rather cheap, luckily. I can usually find it for around $2.50 - $3.00 a gallon and sometimes it's on sale for 3 gallons for $6.00. I won't miss the prices out here in Orlando -- at least near the tourist areas. The grocery stores here really take advantage of those of us staying in condos. I think I paid $4.89 per gallon of milk during our stay!

 

[lisajl]

This is an interesting thread. I want to reign in my food budget. This would help a lot.
My DD works for Kroger so we get 10% off Kroger brand. That really comes in handy. (Especially since my DS-11 loves milk)!

Can't wait to see everyones ideas.

Lisa