December 2008 Grocery Challenge

spendaholic

I'm late this month, and while I've not taken part since June (had a lot of work to do in the house and at work), I have been watching.

With the current economic climate, we're now keeping our fingers crossed that we'll get paid on 22 December. There's already talk of having a 10% pay cut across the board, which is better than job losses, but not much good when you're on a tight budget and on your own without the safety net or support of a partner. So I'm afraid that's another reason I'm back again. Sorry.

Anyway, there are 2 weekends between now and pay day (if it happens) and I have the grand total of £84 in my purse. That's £42 per weekend and includes grocery shopping and "going out" money (I've organised a massive charity do for this weekend so feel obliged to go, even though I really can't afford to). I've been coming in at £30 or just under for most weeks, so if I can get that down to £25 I should be ok ...

So my grocery challenge for the rest of December is £25 per week. [Sigh]

gailey_2

Spenadaholic thats lots you read the feed your family for £20 a month amazed she did it my grocery bill be lots lower if was just me but both oh and daughter eat lots.
Hope thinsg work out ok in work its horrid how so many people affected even though oh still got job its big blow as was hoping to pay off debts next year.

dink1

Hi GUys.

fell off the wagon I am afraid! but back on track. Mrs M Please put me down for £300 including all christmas trimmings etc. Have planned for next months shopping and did huge shop that filled up the pantry, cupboards and both freezers. Have missed everyones posts including the legendary mrs m's; but as previously said am back on track.
Dink1 (will update siggy in minute)

Jane2112

Hi Guys,

I have fallen off the wagon this month!! Haven't got my head round it. We have been on holiday for a week and what with Christmas etc etc. I haven't done any baking or anything
I hope to get back on that wagon for January.
But good luck to everyone else.

ZLS1984

I am dropping out of this one and will get back with it in January. Totally lost track on a lot of things at mo sorry.

mommyof4

Well I'm another one who has failed this month. Am going to be so strict with myself in January. Not gonna beat myself up about this month, it's done with.

russetred

Popped on to play catch-up and update siggy.Its going okay I think I have enough store cupboard essentials and definitely enough booze as i cashed in my change bottle for that.I've got a whole mutton coming on thur and the freezer is low.Quite excited as I've never got a whole animal, everything but the baa, before.I wonder how long it will last and how many meals for £65?

ifonlyitwaseasier

evening,

don't worry if you have struggled, it's just a challenge, if you do it great, if not then you just try again and see how you go, no-one fails if they don't stay under target. it's just a target, not a pledge in blood!

well hubby and i spent £15.67 on wednesday, got some whoopsies and a couple of christmas bits.

need to really stay well under this month as my car is having it's head gasket fixed we have a full storecupboard and 2 freezers, plus about 5kg of potatoes and 2.5kg of carrots (i know i over compensate with veg!) and as xmas day is at my parents and boxing day is the start of my new month i think we should manage it ok.

hugs to all

ioiwe x

JennyBee_2

savingfortravel wrote: »

We are going to try the live on £4 challenge next year.....
Glad to read that I'll be in great company.
SFT

SFT - I know you don't spend very much anyway, but £4 for the year might be a bit difficult to achieve!

Well we're now on £192.19 out of £200 budget.... Pay day is next Friday for both of us, but we won't be starting our January challenge til the normal day (24th Dec). The money can just stay in the bank til then Then I shall be battling with Asda on Xmas Eve for the reduced things to go in the freezer....maybe not the best thing to be doing at nearly 37 weeks pregnant, but I've always liked a challenge!!!

angelatgraceland

gailey wrote: »

Spenadaholic tahts lots you read the feed your family for £20 a month amazed she did it my grocery bill be lots lower if was just me but both oh and daughter eat lots.
Hope thinsg work out ok in work its horrid how so many peopel affectected even though oh still got job its big blow as was hoping to pay off debts next year.

Ah-Ive found the post but its only one month not £20 every month and they do have some stuff in the cupboards.
some good ideas there for those wanting to stretch things-the same advice as on this forum.

Well I have had a lot of NSDs so far this month and spent under £31.62 first week-still looking for one receipt (thats an over estimate)and £64.11 last week so Ive spent £95.73/this months budget. Only need to top up on eggs cheese and milk this weekend and have delivery booked for 21st Dec. That will tide me over Christmas and keep me away from the shops. Only have to buy some last minute presents now.