Monthly Grocery Budget Challenge!!

[Tinker'n'Fun]

This is from another thread started re: how much people spend on groceries each week. Here is my post from that thread.

Tell me about it! $75 for a family of five? Do they eat Ramen all week? I think that is what a college student would spend on food per week. They eat Ramen.

I'm not saying anyone is lying, but I'd love to see a breakdown to see how one can feed a family of five on just $75 per week, including toiletries, etc.

We spend around $300 a week for a family of three.

Okay, I'll do it.... You want to know how and I will post my shopping here for the month of June.... Below is my original post and budget..

Oh by the way DS12 eats Ramen... But he is limited to 6 packages per month...

Original Post: I do the majority of my shopping monthly with trips weekly for fresh fruit, veggies, milk, and cold-cuts...

Monthly w/ all toiletries $375.00
Weekly for extra's $25.00

On month's with 5 weeks I drop the montly by $25.00 so that it is the same each month...

$475.00 for a family of 4 (DH, me, DD15, and DS12) If we eat out, it comes out of this budget, so needless to say, we don't eat out often

The question was posted that a family could not spend $75.00 per week for a family of 5 and be well "truthful". I have a family of only 4 but I am willing to post my month of purchases. The good, bad, and hopefully not the ugly.

So first off I took inventory. Now everyone has items in there house from shopping weeks before. Toiletries are not always used up in a month. I also shop in bulk and each month has a specific item. For example you will see that June is my Laundry sundries month. These items will last for at least 2 months. So when you see that I don't buy toothpaste this month remember I have purchased some items that will last for more than my one month's purchases... I shop monthly (usually) so $75.00 per week equals $325.00 per month. My budget is more than that but DH and I have been talking about lowering it.... So this will also help us out to see where we can improve.

Now onto the monthly shopping thing. I usually spend the first week of the month to do my "major" shopping. But a back injury has me at the mercy of my husband. So it will probably be broken down but I will keep a diary of all purchases in this thread. I will put all purchases in Post #2.....

Keep in touch with me throughout the month... I have learned many great things from the budget boards and I hope that this will encourage everyone to at least try to new ideas. Thanks again for joining in my journey this month. Diane

 

[Tinker'n'Fun]

June 2008 - Monthly Grocery Budget w/ toiletries.... $375.00

Monthy Total

$375.00​

DS lunches $1.00 per day 18 school days

($18.00)​

Sunday's Paper 5 weeks in June $2.00 each and yes it comes out of the grocery $

($10.00)​

Sam's Club Post #26

($54.54)​

Wegman's Post #26

($18.20)​

3 store post #128

($86.33)​

It was way hot in the house 88!! Subway

($10.90)​

End of Month shopping Post #173

($90.40)​

Balance as of 6/30

$86.73​

Shopping lists:

Clorox Ultra $7.03
All 300oz $12.88
Dryer Sheets (400) $6.84
Apple Juice 2-96oz containers $4.49
(2) Nestle water 30 bottles $3.88 each
Asst HUGE muffins 12 $5.86
Sea Salt $3.88
Pickles 64ounce $2.78 (this will probably last all summer)
Tax $3.02
Total shopping trip $54.54

Wegman's

Watermelon $3.99
Angel Food Ring $2.59
Fat Free whip top $.99
Boneless Skinless Chicken Breast (8 in the package) $10.23
Total $18.20

CVS

2 - Dawn dish Detergents $1.77 after coupons ($1.00 ECB for next trip)

Total $1.77

Wegmans

Boneless Skinless Chicken $10.15 (8 in package, now have purchased 16 for the month)
Belgioioso Parmesian Cheese $3.33
1 dozen extra large eggs - free

Total $13.48

Aldis

2 Turkey Hams $3.24 each
2 cans tuna packed in water .54 each
2 packages of juice boxes $1.69 each (this is all I need for the whole month)
2 packages fruit snacks $1.89 each
cheese crackers $1.19
1 package animal cracker $1.19
1 package chocolate chip cookies 16oz $1.69 (purchase 3 packages per month - once gone they get no more)
4 lunch box pies .39 each (DH 1 per week)
Powdered sugar .99
Marshmellows $1.09
3# empire apples $2.25
3 green peppers $2.99
3 pack mixed colored peppers $3.49 (I freeze the majority and use as needed during the month)
5# red potatoes $2.99
Romaine Hearts $1.99
Cantelope $1.69
Plain bagels 6 large $1.39
Pure Olive Oil $3.49
Ranch Dressing .99
Salt .33
2 packages cheddar cheese bricks $1.89 each
12 pack Chicken Ramen Noodles $1.66 (this is a 2 month supply for DS)
Sandwich bags .99
Sour cream - lite .99
Vinegar .69
Arizona Tea (4) .69 (each one is 3 servings for DH's lunches)
Lite Syrup $1.29
Shells and Cheese $1.29
Cooking Spray $1.99
2 cans dices tomatoes .45 each
2 cans corn .39 each
3 cans green beans .39 each
2 cans chunk pineapple .79 each
2 cans mandarine oranges .45 each
4 cans tomato sauce .20 each

Total $71.08

Total shopping trip $86.33

I still have to go get cereal and do my SuperWalmart run for the month. In my freezer I took inventory:
1 soup chicken
16 boneless skinless chicken breasts
10 packages 90% lean ground beef
2 turkey hams
1 package italian sausage
1 package 3# top round
12 Sahlen's Hot Dogs
Turkey Bacon

In the cupboard
4 cans tuna
2 cans chicken

CVS

6 box of General Mills Cereals (3 honey nut cheerios, total, lucky charms, fruity cheerio's) Total after ECB's and coupons $6.00

Jubilee

2 # boinless sirloin steak b1g1f $4.54
1 1/2 gallon perry's ice cream $1.99
16 frozen hamburgers $7.39
Total $ 13.92

Sams Club

Coffee filters $4.87
20 skinny cow ice cream sandwiches $9.28
Total $14.58

Wegmans

4 YoCrunch Yogurt $2.40
6 Yoplait Yogurt $3.90
Tropicana Valencia OJ $3.99
4 Breakfast Hot Pockets $3.96
80oz package of frozen fries $3.99
2 packages of Tyson chicken tenders $11.38 (Club pack size)
Wegmans Frozen pizza $3.99
1 bag of potato chips $1.50
2 boxes of Cheez-it crackers $3.78
1 box of Wegmans Shredded wheat cereal $1.99
1 Hidden Valley Spicy Ranch $2.59
1 Hellmans Mayo $3.49
10 boneless skinless chicken breasts $10.93
1 large jars of Franks Hot Sauce $3.09
4 zucchini $2.42
2 large tomatoes $1.11
1 head of lettuce $1.29

Mfr Savings $7.09, Wegmans Coupons $1.29, Shoppers Club Savings $2.34

Total $56.30

 

[Tinker'n'Fun]

Week ending June 8th. $25.00 budget.

$25.00​

Sam's Club 5/31
Banana's 3# $1.32
Cantalope $2.49
Strawberries $3.87
Potato's 10# $3.90
Total

($11.59)​

Weekly Balance

$13.42​

Wegman's
Weg Deli style provolone (10 slices - weeks worth) $2.49
Bread $1.49
1/2# 98% fat free turkey $3.39
1/4# 97% fat free ham $1.00
Bologna $1.00
3# empire apples $2.99 (11 in the package)
Fresh brocolli crowns 1# .99
Total

($13.00)​

Weekly Balance

$.42​

Please note I have 1 1/2 gallons of milk left from last week, chips, cookies, crackers, and fruit snacks in my stock for lunches and snacking for the week. I also have carrots, onions, and celery - all fresh veggies.

 

[Tinker'n'Fun]

Week ending June 15th budget $25.00

Starting Amount

$25.00​

Jubilee
2 boxes eggo waffles $3.32
1 loaf of bread $1.49
1/4 #cooked ham (deli) $.89
1/3 # sara lee turkey (deli) $2.72
1 chub braunsweiger $1.89
1 gallon milk $3.09
Steak and Mushroom's $.20
Total

($22.60)​

Balance left for the week

$2.40​

I will update with any purchases I make for Father's Day dinner and anything I may purchase throughout the week. Its been really warm here and I am still adjusting to the summer meals. Diane Updated 6/13 w/Father's Day Items

 

[Tinker'n'Fun]

Week ending June 22th budget $25.00

$25.00​

Jubilee

1 loaf bread $1.49
Hard Salami $1.24
Honey Turkey Breast $2.56
Lunchable $2.06
Chips for Lunches $2.00
Bananas $2.26
1 gallon Milk $3.06
Total $14.67

($14.67)​

Walgreens

Female stuff b1g1f $.3.25

($3.25)​

Total left for the week

$7.05​

 

[Tinker'n'Fun]

Week ending June 29th. budget $25.00

Beginning Budget

$25.00​

SuperWalmart

Lean Meals (frozen) 6 @ .88
1 gallon milk $2.79
Waffles $2.96
Snack Packs 3 @ $1.00
Frozen Pizza's 2 @ 3.88
Bread $1.19
Bananas 2.4# $1.02
OJ (86oz) $2.50 - 1.50c $1.00
Total

$25.00​

Okay, I had a lot of food left in the house, DH will do leftover or tuna this week, even PB&J if he has to! Schools out for a week for us, this is our fun week!!

 

[luv2nascar]

I missed the other thread but I definitely know you can do it. We run a tight budget in our house for 4 plus one dog currently (used to be one cat also on special diet food). Youngest DD will be 5 end of June so no more diapers, pullups, formula to eat up budget. So its me, DH, DD13, DD5 (both kids have birthdays in summer). My weekly budget is $125 including everything health & beauty, cleaning, dog food, eating out, etc. Some weeks it tough but the budget is the budget. I am not loyal to one store and I use coupons like crazy. We have the stock pile of stuff. I could go months without buying toothpaste. Toothbrushes and deodarant I have enough for rest of year. I haven't bought shower gel since January semi annual sale at Bath and Body works. Will restock this week.

If people say it can't be done they haven't tried or are not willing to do all the hard work that is envolved to accomplish this. Good luck but I know you won't need it.

 

[hinodis]

Today is June 1st. I am looking forward to seeing your shopping list. Can you also give us some idea of what the meals you serve your family consist of? Thanks for sharing! I am looking forward to learning from you.

 

[extremesoccermom]

This is a great idea and I am looking forward to reading your reports. I also have a family of 4: DH, Me, DS18, DD13 plus 3 nights a week I feed my sisters kids 16, 6, and 1. Our budget is $400.00 a month for food (including 2 dogs) and $100.00 month for household items (paper goods, pool chemicals, makeup, hair and body products, laundry...)

 

[fatewineroses]

This will be interesting. I believe it can be done in other places than where I live. I live in CA and I just don't think it can be done for the amounts that are listed where I live. (No judgement here. Just interest.) There are no grocery stores that allow double/triple coupon days where I live. I don't use coupons but there's rarely an item I buy that's not on sale. There's only DD, myself and the animals (dog, cat, hamster); but I can barely get by spending $75 a week, and when I do it's usually going without items I would prefer to have on hand.

I will be watching this thread with great interest.

 

[TheLittleRoo]

Subbing... this should be enlightening and fun! Thanks for posting this thread.

Can you also list where you live (rural, suburban, urban, etc) and what state? Also where you shopped to find your items at the prices you get?

Thanks!

 

[global_mom]

Also subbing. I am so excited to see your list. We are also a fam of 5 and I really want to get the grocery bill under control.

Thanks for doing this!

 

[Andrea]

i really need to learn i am just a family of 2 myself and my hubby and i spend 100 a week

 

[bettyann29]

I am definitely up for the challenge.. Its me, DH, DD16, DS14 and DD10.. We have 2 dogs, 1 cat, 1 bird and 1 rabbit..

Before me and DH got together and it was just me and the kids with no animals I spent about $75 a week on groceries which included toiletries and all.. Now its closer to $130-$150.. and lately Ive been seeing it closer to $200 each week I spend about $20 a week on the dogs and cat for just their wet food.. on weeks where I also have to buy dry food it runs closer to $27..

I wish I could shave that grocery bill down just a bit..

I'll be in this challenge this month as Id like to see what I can do..

 

[Tinker'n'Fun]

Thanks to everyone who posted and for the encouragement. I am going through the ads today. I actually starting shopping Friday, so I will post that receipt later today. As I said I am at the mercy of DH for rides for my neck... So I think that we will be going for the "majority shopping" within the next few days. I will be doing my weekly shoppping today or later tonight. (We have soccer games)

As for posting meals. I can do that... Not a problem.

Breakfast will always be cereal, bagels, pop-tarts, frozen waffles, fruit, and or oatmeal. We are pretty much boring!! During the month if I make something different - thats what I will post, otherwise we will be eating the staples.

Lunch: DD and DS have school for the majority of the month. DS gets reduced lunches so I will take that out of my budget since I dont have to pay for him. DD eats the same lunch everyday. (Yeah boring, but its true). She eats a turkey sandwich on white bread with mayo and provolone cheese, an apple, a fruit snack, small bag or portion of chips, granola bar or equivalent, one small juicy juice box, on non-juice box. DH brings leftovers or a lunch w/ a banana, chips, bottle of water, and something sweet. I will let you know more about him because using your leftovers is key. Nothing gets thrown out. I am home everyday so I also eat left-overs and or an occasional sandwich. You will see from the shopping list that these items appear over and over as we are not the adventurous diners.

I will post dinners every few days. Don't want to bore ya! In the meantime I will also be trying to "reduce" the budget as I stated...

I will post my Sam's and Wegman's pre-month trips later today.

And for those who care, I live in the Buffalo, NY area. Not sure where our food prices fall in the "whole scheme" of things. Pretty sure we are average.
Our food cost is 15% of our take-home. I would like to take it down to 10%. So if you are playing along, even with the cost of living in your area, you could see where you fall for that category. Analyst usually will state you should purchase between 10-25% based on who you read and believe. I don't believe any of them. I believe the check book and my stress level!

Last, I cut coupon's so if I do a large shopping trip, I may put the details in a new response and the total up at the beginning. So I will let you know.

 

[mickeymedic]

I look forward to reading your reports. I live in Rochester and do the majority of my shopping at Wegmans. But I can't help but think I could save money by shopping elsewhere. It's just Wegmans is SOOO convenient - it's on the way home from work. I don't have a Sam's or BJ's membership. I'm not sure if it would be worthwhile for just DH and I. I can't wait to see you in action...maybe I'll learn a thing or two. Thanks for starting this thread!

 

[mefordis]

I'm up for the challenge. Well, basically I'm challenging myself to spend $200 / week. Family of 3 - one 4 year old. Right now we are spending over $300.00 per week. In Sept we will have a baby so will have to buy diapers and some (very little) formula (I'm b.feeding).

How do we do this? Type in every item we buy or scan receipts, or either? I really would like to report the break down and see everyone else's breakdown.

Next week we will be going on a long weekend vacation. Do I need to post the food expenditures on that trip, or skip those days entirely?

 

[DisneyShannon]

Count me in. I just got paid Friday and here is what I spent.

Dollar store laundry soap, two tide spot removers, paper plates, plastic cups and silverware, 4 bottles of soda.

Target 3 bags off dog food that was on clarance, midol, dollar items.

Wal mart food total 50 bucks.

I am single and have no children.

 

[Mandychelle79]

I normally spend between 75 and 100 per week average for a family of 4 ( This includes diapers and laundry stuff, and pet supplies.) I shop every two weeks, get the bulk of my things at Aldi's. I only buy the food that Im planning on using for the next two weeks though.

 

[Tinker'n'Fun]

I'm up for the challenge. Well, basically I'm challenging myself to spend $200 / week. Family of 3 - one 4 year old. Right now we are spending over $300.00 per week. In Sept we will have a baby so will have to buy diapers and some (very little) formula (I'm b.feeding).

How do we do this? Type in every item we buy or scan receipts, or either? I really would like to report the break down and see everyone else's breakdown.

Next week we will be going on a long weekend vacation. Do I need to post the food expenditures on that trip, or skip those days entirely?

I am going to type in my receipts, so your going to have to take my word for it, we do not have a scanner ... I put an envelope on my priority board and told everyone in the house that receipts have to be saved...

DH put the Sunday paper receipt in a few minutes ago and came to me with a big smile! He was proud that he remembered... And well the kids never shop with "Mom", to "unkewl" so I really don't have to worry about them!!