Monthly Grocery Budget Challenge!!

[JaxJags08]

First, no one is perfect and we all get cravings and go off budget. Its great to see that you are back to reading the sales ads!

At least on paper you can see how much eating out affects the budget. I have oftened wondered how so many other posters (not you - but your post brought up a good subject) can afford to shop and eat out so often. I love eating out. But personally I don't think that its very healthy and I find it to be very expensive. Even a pizza from the corner shop is out of control. I had a week where we did go out to eat! I chose Subway because of the $5.00 full sub deal. I loaded DH and mine with tons of veggies, and the kids with what they like. They were excited about getting 1/2 of a take-out sub. No one fought over what kind, I firmly said I am buying 2 subs, decide and we did! BUT it still put me over budget in the end! My excuse was that it was 88 degree's in the house. Now that I look at the budget, I don't regret going out, but I know I could have made something on the grill and went outside with the kids. In the end with the subs I put fruit on the table and some of the lunch chips. I also put baby carrots and ranch on the table. We each only had 1/2 of a sub and I must confess even with the extra's to snack on I was hungrier during the evening than I usually am. This led me to munch on other foods that I shouldn't have. This depleted some of my stash... It was like we were rolling down a hill out of control. Now I don't think that Subway was a bad choice for dinner nutritionally. It is much better than a double whopper or whatever the other places are serving. But in the end, I prefer my dinners. If you look at my grocery lists, we are far from lacking in the snack category and we also have many healthy choices. I did this on my budget!

I love the library, tons and tons of cookbooks. The internet is chuck full of recipes. You can duplicate any restaurant style recipe and make it as healthy or sinful as you want. And yes sometimes it is MORE expensive than eating it out. But you don't have to purchase extra sides, and no large pops with as many calories as you are recommended daily!!

Okay I am stepping down now. I think that everyone, and I mean everyone on this thread is doing a great job!! I look forward to the rest of the month.

I usually am disappointed with the quality of meals when we just go out on a whim. I do feel like I could have made a much tastier, healthier meal at home. With us, we really like just being out together. We used to eat out a LOT before DD came along and have cut it down to about once a week. We also go to lower cost alternatives than, say, PF Changs. While we used to frequent those types of places, we don't now unless it's a special occasion (and then it's usually picked up by someone else ). Though, I was so surprised at the cost of Panera Bread yesterday!

It's going to take a while for me to get used to using this budget, but you all are definitely helping me! Thanks for the inspiration!

 

[ELLE-TN]

Stashee just so you know there are lots of things to be gotten for FREE or very very cheap. First you need to start collecting coupons and then you needto look for a store that doubles. You can check out more info on Hot Coupon World. I have learned so much from that site. Also CVS should become your favorite store. With ECB and coupons you will get most HBA and cleaning products for FREE. Walgreens has an RR program that is similar but I myself am not a fan of WAG because they are not so coupon friendly.

 

[stahshee]

Stashee just so you know there are lots of things to be gotten for FREE or very very cheap. First you need to start collecting coupons and then you needto look for a store that doubles. You can check out more info on Hot Coupon World. I have learned so much from that site. Also CVS should become your favorite store. With ECB and coupons you will get most HBA and cleaning products for FREE. Walgreens has an RR program that is similar but I myself am not a fan of WAG because they are not so coupon friendly.

I do not have cvs close I do use coupons. I did join hcw but it is so much work.. Where is a link to write to different companys for coupons? I cant find it

 

[cnj]

You seem down about your purchases... Do you have an entertainment budget, if so, you should be adjusting it downward for the tickets and increasing your grocery budget. To make this work you need to not INCREASE or feel like you are entitled to more entertainment because the tickets were free. If you just shift the budget you are right on track!! Movies are also very expensive. Getting the free tickets should definetely offset something for you. Even if you don't have an entertainment budget, use the tickets for your gift budget, even if it is for DH, your kids, or yourself. Everyone has a birthday budget and who cares if you got the tickets for free from grocery shopping. The seat is still the same and so is the movie . I think you will find out you are right where you should be.

Thanks. I do feel like I didn't do as well as I could have this week and I still have to buy those strawberries, and a couple of other necessities. You are right about the movie tickets. We only go to the movies about twice a year. It is so expensive. So, now I can use those this summer. Thanks for making me feel better. Of course, my total would be way better if I could resist peonies, but I can't. Good thing they only bloom here once a year. Besides, they make me clean my house around them.

Starshee, I got all the free stuff with double coupons coupled with store sales and store coupons (you can combine store coupons with manufacturer's coupons). My total was really $107 something, but then I had to pay tax on the free stuff and other things.

With gas prices rising, I have just been feeling down. Plus, now it is summer, so our electric will be $350-$400 a month for the next 4 months. We are going on vacation in 4 months and I still have to buy our plane tickets. And both of our cars need new tires. It is always something.

 

[Tinker'n'Fun]

Thanks. I do feel like I didn't do as well as I could have this week and I still have to buy those strawberries, and a couple of other necessities. You are right about the movie tickets. We only go to the movies about twice a year. It is so expensive. So, now I can use those this summer. Thanks for making me feel better. Of course, my total would be way better if I could resist peonies, but I can't. Good thing they only bloom here once a year. Besides, they make me clean my house around them.

Starshee, I got all the free stuff with double coupons coupled with store sales and store coupons (you can combine store coupons with manufacturer's coupons). My total was really $107 something, but then I had to pay tax on the free stuff and other things.

With gas prices rising, I have just been feeling down. Plus, now it is summer, so our electric will be $350-$400 a month for the next 4 months. We are going on vacation in 4 months and I still have to buy our plane tickets. And both of our cars need new tires. It is always something.

This is free and so is this! It will work out, promise!

 

[ELLE-TN]

I do not have cvs close I do use coupons. I did join hcw but it is so much work.. Where is a link to write to different companys for coupons? I cant find it

Check under coupon resources/home mailers. Basically if you have the time and want to put in the effort you can contact any company to compliment or complain about products. Some send coupons most do not.

You are right couponing is a lot of work. HCW makes it easier just kind of read the threads and do what everyone else does.

Best coupons for me are .50 or $1/ any one product as my Kroger only doubles up to .50. Buy the smallest size allowed. Sometimes that means you buy the trial size. Learn sales cycles. Shop loss leaders. I RARELY if EVER pay full price for anything. I have learned to be patient and wait especially when using coupons.

I'm no expert...but I do know a few who are. HCW Jane4girls is having a couple swap/shop meet at her local Krogers (Texas). I consider her an expert as she has a budget of $800 per year for groceries and she sticks to it. There are a lot of nice people on HCW and they even have newbie program where you can sign up to get a coupon coach for a month. You may want to check on that too.

Anyway, good luck in your efforts.

 

[JaxJags08]

Just got back from doing this week's shopping. Here's my list:

CVS: Total Spent $13.33
Dish Detergent
Diapers
Shampoo & Conditioner


Publix: Total Spent $72.40
Paper Towels
Bananas (3 lbs)
Grapes (1.7 lbs)
Raspberries
Celery
Cat Litter
Chocolate Milk (1/2 gal)
Milk (1 gal)
Cotton swabs
Toilet Cleaner
Apple Juice
American Cheese
Easy Mac (2 - BOGO)
Vienna Sausages (2)
Instant Grits
Frozen Broccoli/Carrots
Rice Krispie Treats
Herb Stuffing
Dinner Rolls
Uncle Ben's Long Grain Wild Rice
Fruit Cups (2 - 4 packs)
Goldfish
Chicken Broth (1 box)
Cream of Chicken Soup
Green Beans (1 can)
Eggs (1/2 doz)
Nectarines (.8 lbs)
Boneless Skinless Chicken Breasts (6)
Onion

Week 2 Total: $85.73

Unlike last week, I bought enough food to theoretically last us the entire week. Last week we had a bunch of events to go to, so we didn't have dinner at home alot. I am determined NOT to go to the grocery store again this week and will resist the urge to eat out!

 

[stahshee]

Check under coupon resources/home mailers. Basically if you have the time and want to put in the effort you can contact any company to compliment or complain about products. Some send coupons most do not.

You are right couponing is a lot of work. HCW makes it easier just kind of read the threads and do what everyone else does.

Best coupons for me are .50 or $1/ any one product as my Kroger only doubles up to .50. Buy the smallest size allowed. Sometimes that means you buy the trial size. Learn sales cycles. Shop loss leaders. I RARELY if EVER pay full price for anything. I have learned to be patient and wait especially when using coupons.

I'm no expert...but I do know a few who are. HCW Jane4girls is having a couple swap/shop meet at her local Krogers (Texas). I consider her an expert as she has a budget of $800 per year for groceries and she sticks to it. There are a lot of nice people on HCW and they even have newbie program where you can sign up to get a coupon coach for a month. You may want to check on that too.
Anyway, good luck in your efforts.

I can only double 2 coupons a week, if you buy the sunday paper with the store flyer

 

[alexedan]

Amii and Tinker'in Fun...quick thought. I like the thought of using bread for leftover croutons but I wonder if it's worth saving 50 cents to use the gas to heat my Wolf oven for 20 minutes? Anyone know the answer to that?

 

[#1hockeymom]

Do you have a toaster oven? Its what I use in the summer time for smaller dishes that I need an oven for.

mommiepoppins>>
I don't understand why you can only double two coupons. Is this per visit? If you know the coupons in the Sunday paper, and you know they're good, you buy ANOTHER Sunday paper, or how many you think you'll need. Usually one coupon doubled will pay for the paper. HCW does take work to navigate; you just need to take the time to read the stickies at the top if you reallly don't understand couponing/getting the sales w/ coupons. If you understand that much, read people's scenarios and copy those if you are still struggling.

 

[SnowWhite607]

Just got back from doing this week's shopping. Here's my list:

CVS: Total Spent $13.33
Dish Detergent
Diapers
Shampoo & Conditioner


Publix: Total Spent $72.40
Paper Towels
Bananas (3 lbs)
Grapes (1.7 lbs)
Raspberries
Celery
Cat Litter
Chocolate Milk (1/2 gal)
Milk (1 gal)
Cotton swabs
Toilet Cleaner
Apple Juice
American Cheese
Easy Mac (2 - BOGO)
Vienna Sausages (2)
Instant Grits
Frozen Broccoli/Carrots
Rice Krispie Treats
Herb Stuffing
Dinner Rolls
Uncle Ben's Long Grain Wild Rice
Fruit Cups (2 - 4 packs)
Goldfish
Chicken Broth (1 box)
Cream of Chicken Soup
Green Beans (1 can)
Eggs (1/2 doz)
Nectarines (.8 lbs)
Boneless Skinless Chicken Breasts (6)
Onion

Week 2 Total: $85.73

Unlike last week, I bought enough food to theoretically last us the entire week. Last week we had a bunch of events to go to, so we didn't have dinner at home alot. I am determined NOT to go to the grocery store again this week and will resist the urge to eat out!

So can you share what you will be eating this week??

 

[IDoDis]

My list is buried on page 8 so thought I'd update it here. Here was week 1:

Groceries for the week of 6/2
Week one: 6/4/08 for a family of four

I had to go to Sam's club today besides the grocery store to stock up on some things.

Sam's Club

Stir Fry veggies $5.75
Yoplait 15ct yogurt $6.88
170 oz laundry soap $13.73 (supposed to be equal to Tide. I figured I'd give it a shot and see)
bag of whole carrots $1.85
mixed fruit bag $4.86 (various apples & oranges)
chicken breasts $12.97
bananas $.99
strawberries $5.00
frozen berries $7.32
bottled water $4.88
Rotissori Chicken $4.97

Total: $69.20
Tax $1.29
Total: $ 70.49

Wal-Mart (price-matched several items)

waffle mix $2.14
Kashi Go Lean Cereal $2.50
Wheat Chex Cereal $2.14
whole wheat penne pasta $1.50
cheddar cheese $2.17
doz large eggs $1.25
frozen can of orange juice $1.32
cough medicine $1.94
mandarine oranges $1.96
tuna in water pouch $1.74
corn tortillas $.63
whole wheat flour tortillas $1.69
flank steak $5.81
ground turkey (x-tra lean) $4.52
frozen mixed veggies $1.25
4 gallons of fat-free milk $10.00 ($2.50 per gallon)
quart of Danon low-sugar yogurt $2.46
diced tomatoes $.94
minced garlic $1.34
Natural Peanut butter crunchy $2.54
" " " " smooth $2.54 (we go through 2 jars of pb each week)
blackberry jam (low sugar) $2.38
olive oil $5.12
2 cans of black beans $1.36
fat free chicken broth .78
Hershey's chocolate syrup $1.50 (kids put it in their milk)
2 cans of green beans .98
whole wheat pita bread $1.78
whole wheat bread $1.97
organic turkey lunch meat $3.99
green grapes .92
cantaloupe (whole) .88
onions .58
apricots (6) .76
one cucumber .98
bell pepper green .89
bell pepper red $1.59
avacado (2) $1.50
broccoli crowns .63
red leaf lettuce .99
skinny cow ice cream sandwiches $3.00

Total: $84.96 + .13 tax = $85.09

Total spent for the week $155.58

And... I'll still have to go back in a few days for more milk and bananas and who knows what else. Now, I had to stock up a lot this week. We ate out of the fridge & freezer all week before our trip to Disney so I didn't shop at all that week. We didn't have anything fresh when we got back. The laundry soap should last me a couple of months, too.

I hope to get it down to $125 per week consistently. Looks like I'm doing the worst so far. I may try the farmer's market this weekend to see how the prices are there for fresh fruits & veggies. Any tips to bring this down?

Menu:
Breakfast daily (varies depending on who is eating: fruit smoothies or cereal or scrambled/boiled eggs, cottage cheese, or waffles from our Mickey waffle-maker.
Wednesday: Rotisserie chicken, brown rice (made w/ chicken broth), mixed veggies, biscuits
Thursday: Lunch -- leftover chicken w/ cut up green chile, fat-free mayo, lettuce & onion made into pita pockets, carrots w/ ranch, homemade apple sauce
Dinner -- Black bean pasta, corn & red bell pepper mix
Friday: Lunch -- turkey sandwiches & fruit
Dinner -- Carne Asada tacos, spanish rice w/ green chili, tortillas
Saturday Lunch -- tuna salad sandwiches, veggies w/ dip, orange slices
Dinner -- Our "eat out night" (added to say we ate at Chili's)
Sunday Lunch -- leftovers -- diner's choice
Dinner -- grilled teryaki chicken cabobs (chicken breast chunks, red & green bell pepper, pineapple chunks, onion), sweet potatoes, pasta salad
Monday Lunch -- turkey sandwiches, fruit
Dinner: spaghetti w/ ground turkey, salad, bread

We ended up eating at Subway yesterday for lunch after Church. Of course DD didn't like any of the $5 subs, so she got a turkey sub at the regular price. DH and I split a chicken sub. DS opted to eat something later at home (a banana). He's still getting over pneumonia and did not eat much this week.

Today, here's what I bought:

2 gallons of skim milk 2 for $5.00
bananas $1.69
Bread $1.89
2 cans of Dole Mandarin oranges $2.00
2 liter diet rootbeer $1.25
frozen concentrate orange juice $1.89

Total: $12.47

I know I will need more things later this week. I don't have a whole week's menu yet, but tonight (Monday) we are having grilled flank steak (marinated in mandarin orange & pinapple juice), broccoli & cauliflower mix, and biscuits.
Tuesday: Leftovers from Monday.

We are going to need more milk, fruit and lunch meat and cereal for sure. Probably more vegetables, too. I don't think I'm going to ever make the $60 a week range, but I'm trying. Last week was a killer!

 

[neatokimmo]

Peonies are available at Walmart in bulb form for $5 or $6. You get 2-3 roots that will produce several flowers each year. Have you thought about rolling your flower money into bulbs like that? WM just has basic pink and white, but I am sure you can find the pretty darker colors online. Nothing is prettier than several hundred peonies in your front yard and you can't beat the smell

Thanks. I do feel like I didn't do as well as I could have this week and I still have to buy those strawberries, and a couple of other necessities. You are right about the movie tickets. We only go to the movies about twice a year. It is so expensive. So, now I can use those this summer. Thanks for making me feel better. Of course, my total would be way better if I could resist peonies, but I can't. Good thing they only bloom here once a year. Besides, they make me clean my house around them.

Starshee, I got all the free stuff with double coupons coupled with store sales and store coupons (you can combine store coupons with manufacturer's coupons). My total was really $107 something, but then I had to pay tax on the free stuff and other things.

With gas prices rising, I have just been feeling down. Plus, now it is summer, so our electric will be $350-$400 a month for the next 4 months. We are going on vacation in 4 months and I still have to buy our plane tickets. And both of our cars need new tires. It is always something.

 

[extremesoccermom]

You are right couponing is a lot of work. HCW makes it easier just kind of read the threads and do what everyone else does.

When I first started HCW I just read one thread. In my case it was Walgreens since I NEVER shopped there. I always thought they were to expensive and 18 years ago they lost my DS newborn pictures so I would not go there unless I HAD to have a Rx filled right away.
But now I have them down pretty well and I have started following a couple of other threads for my local grocery stores, Kmart and Target. Soon I will be ready to look into some of the other ones especially when end of the summer clearances start.

 

[Narnia]

Wow! I love this. I'm so ready to save some $$.I use a liqudation world for cheep ffod I also travel across the border th save $$ on gas and food. Just by going over I save at least $30 on milk. I don't know the actual amount we spend so in way this is a great way to see. just a run down on us, We are a family of 7 with alot of pets(2 dogs,1 cat,1turtle,2 birds,4 rats and 2 hamsters) There is my DH ,Me DS111/2,DS9(in a few weeks),DS61/2,DS51/2 DD3. We do tend to eat out alot but we are working hard on changing that. Hopefully more home cooked food and drinks will help me lose wieght and gain$$.

 

[JaxJags08]

So can you share what you will be eating this week??

Sure!

Mon - leftovers from the weekend
Tues - Beefsteak w/ onions, rice, and green beans (had beef in freezer)
Wed - Chicken wild rice soup, rolls
Thurs - Breakfast for dinner (sausages, eggs, grits, toast)
Fri - Leftovers
Sat - Swiss Chicken Casserole
Sun - Leftovers

For breakfast we usually have some piece of fruit and cereal or grilled cheese. For lunch we have whatever is around - leftovers, PB&J sandwiches, easy mac. I've been making fresh fruit smoothies for snack each day.

 

[Tinker'n'Fun]

Amii and Tinker'in Fun...quick thought. I like the thought of using bread for leftover croutons but I wonder if it's worth saving 50 cents to use the gas to heat my Wolf oven for 20 minutes? Anyone know the answer to that?

I make them on a day that I will already have the oven on, one the opposite shelf. I will google the usage though tonight after the kids go to bed. This is a very interesting question and I am interested in knowing the answer. Diane

 

[Tinker'n'Fun]

We ended up eating at Subway yesterday for lunch after Church. Of course DD didn't like any of the $5 subs, so she got a turkey sub at the regular price. DH and I split a chicken sub. DS opted to eat something later at home (a banana). He's still getting over pneumonia and did not eat much this week.

Gosh, I know how that feels but I know that our Subway has a turkey/ham combo thing on our $5.00 menu - How about ordering that one next time and skip the ham!

 

[Tinker'n'Fun]

Okay I found out the hourly rate to run my gas range and upped the cost to take in account the increase in gas prices lately, so this is on the high side at .75 per hour. It takes 1/2 hour to make the croutons or 38 cents. When I make them it makes 3 times the amount in a package. The cost of the bread is nill since it would have been thrown out. Take in account the spices and olive oil, that would bring the cost to .60 or .20 cents a bag. If you purchase for cheapen than that go for it... I still wouldn't do it as the homemade taste soooo much better. The same for my homemade granola bars... I don't buy them anymore either.

 

[jamesnnick]

Update to post #38
I started out last week at $67.27. I stopped at the store mid-week for milk and a watermelon adding $5.97 to my total. We also attended a carnival for honoring the generations at a local nursing home which we ate at for $15. I hadn't planned for it, but it was an amazing event and worth every penny (and my son won a cake at the cake walk ) That brings last week's total to $88.24. We were able to carry over one of last week's dinners to this week since we ate out, so I only needed 6 for this week. DSS (14) is also at his mom's house this week since it's the first full week out of school and he typically lives full time with us...I think that alone will cut our food bill in half!!

This week's grocery list
Wal-mart $35.70
Diet Pepsi (12 pack)
1 gallon milk
1 liter Rootbeer
Syrup
Peas
Corn
Whipping Cream
Penne pasta
Spaghetti noodles
2 cans spaghetti sauce
1 lb. ground beef
Pancake mix
Bagels
Grapes
Light Mayo
1 lb. ham cubes
Sliced Cheese
Bread
Kraft dressing

Piggly Wiggly
$34.55
Sausage
Biscuits
Brown Sugar
Sliced Turkey*
Sliced Swiss*
2 large bags garden salad*
2 large loaves Italian Bread*
6 lbs. chicken breasts*
chocolate chips
6 pack yogurt
cream cheese

Walgreens
5.79
Hefty trash bags
Colgate toothpaste

Breakfasts: pancakes, cereal, eggs, bagels and cream cheese, yogurt
Lunches: leftovers, PBnJ, egg salad, grapes, peas, homemade chicken strips
Snacks: air popped popcorn, watermelon, ham cubes, grapes
Dinners:
Sunday: Carried over dinner from last week
Monday: Po' boys (Italian bread, turkey, ham (about 1/4 lb. left from last week), sliced cheese), salad
Tuesday: Breakfast burritos (tortillas--on hand, sausage, eggs, salsa (left from fajitas last week), shredded cheddar)
Wednesday: Chicken alfredo over penne, biscuits, corn
Thursday: Spaghetti (noodles, sauce, ground beef), Garlic bread from Italian loaf, salad
Friday: Salads with ham cubes, boiled eggs, homemade croutons (thanks disers), grilled cheese
Saturday: Grilled chicken, potatoes, asparagus
Total: $76.04
Monthly total: $164.28
I really appreciate this challenge because today was my last day of teaching before summer vacation starts, and I really need to be careful about the budget this summer so we can put away as much money as possible while I'm not commuting and paying daycare!!