January 2009 Grocery Challenge

spendaholic

I simply include whatever the supermarket shop costs me, but I do add a couple of treats in after, such as a magazine or when I needed a new worktop saver, those don't come out of the weekly budget.

Last week wasn't good spending wise. Well, it was excellent for the amount of extras I bought, but not good for the budget/plan. However, my petrol came £4 under budget at £26 while my shopping was £4 over budget at £34. I suppose that balances out, but it doesn't do my grocery challenge much good (although I was in credit - perhaps this week will be cheaper).

oscarbobbins

Went to the butchers as I have to make Chilli Con Carne for DD's 18th birthday party and we are having 30 people round. Price for 10lbs of fresh mince was £3.00 per pound so £30.00 in all. When I said that was WAY too expensive he offered me 10lb frozen for £1.00 a pound. Now I know it is good quality mince - less than 5% fat, but Tesco are offering 3 packs of mince (each 769g) for £10.00 (12% fat). Have I got a bargain? Also after reading all the tips on this board this mince is going to last a lot longer than a big pot of Chilli!!

katholicos

So far, so good, i think. I wasn't too pleased with myself spending so much the first week, but there were some 70% off M&S hampers online that i knew i could separate and give the wine as gifts so i bought those and then Boots had some good 1/2 price offers on so i bought some stuff from there for Christmas 09 gifts (they now have a 75% off sale on but i am trying to curb my desire to go there today as i know i will overspend).

In the first week i also bought a lot of half priced meat in Sainsburys and did an online grocery order with Tesco, so although i'm only half way through the month tomorrow, i have just about £80 remaining (can't recall exact amount) for the next 2 weeks... and i shall have to do another online shop next week.

It's scary trying to keep within the amount i've set myself but i'm finding it quite a challenge, in a good way, and it's really making me think 'do i really want this or that'. I'm loving the no spend days as well. Sat, Sun and Mon were all no spend days for me and yesterday would have been too, except i saw a great deal on Delia Smith's 'Frugal Food' and 'Cheat' recipe books and ordered them online.

Keep up the good work everyone!

yummymummy05

I think you may have got done by the butchers!! I'm afraid I work in kg for mince as I normally buy if a kg at a time!

Butchers cost you £5.08 per kg
Tescos cost £4.35 per kg

however you do get less fat with the butchers!

Having said this if you can change butchers though my local butcher charges £3.98/kg and thats the 5% stuff as well. i now buy all my meat and eggs at the buchers because even if the odd item is more expensive I know that the quality is there!

russetred

I'm keeping up with the posts this month which is really great as it keeps me focused on not spending,however I did hit Boots big time for the 75% sale today which was fun.I "spent" £81 on all presents for birthdays and xmas for this year and I really used £50 of advantage points and £20 of vouchers from pigsback so not splashing much cash but very therapeutic.

fatcattaff

NSD yesterday, same today. Just didn't want to lose touch with the threads. My daughter's birthday tomorrow, so there'll be a bit more pressure on the budget this month (cake to bake, pizza night for sleepover, but that's all really). Off to find a recipe for good, nut free choccie cake we can use after I've checked all the previous posts for bargains.

rosieben

LittleEmms wrote: »

... I get paid earlier than most - so need to start the Feb challenge around teh 25th.... what day does someone usually post it (so I keep an eye out!!)

Thanks again!!

Welcome Emms, Pink usually starts the new thread on the 28th.

You can include whatever you like in your GC budget. some people have separate budgets for pet food, alcohol, entertaining, petrol etc. As long as you're consistent each month in what you include you'll have an accurate picture of how your spending is going

Essex-girl_2

Just about to update my signature, had Tesco's delivery Monday but just been down local shop and bought some pork chops that are rather cheap at the moment.

Not doing too bad at the moment and have still got loads of food in the freezer so quite pleased.

dink1

Hi Guys,

Been shopping AGAIN! but still on track with budget so proud of self. Hope everyone else is doing ok, sorry havent had chance to read all posts so am gonna go back and try now! Dink1

Sylvan

I've had 8 NSDs so far but I have a Mr A order coming tomorrow (I crumbled), DH will be going to Mr T before the end of the week (the boys won't eat anyone else's cheese, pineapple, sweetcorn or cucumber) and we have to go into town on Sunday so it's not looking good...

Madam Snowy says she's grateful to the kind person that told me about the float test for eggs, since it meant she was given the one that floated today:D. The other 11 have just finished hard-boiling and DS4 has appropriated them for egg mayonnaise (lessons till 12.30 followed by a 2 hour driving lesson so he hasn't had time to go to the chippie today:j). That should do both of us for lunch, DH and 4 teenagers for late night snacking and tomorrow's packed lunches. Not bad for 50p + mayonnaise (and home grown cress).
We're going to have to break into the freezer bread tomorrow because DS5 had a bit of a funny turn when he was baking on Sunday night - he put the yeast into the measuring jug and poured boiling water on to it:eek: - and only had enough left for one 2lb loaf. Poor lad was SO embarrassed:rotfl:.

Moussaka tonight. I find it's easier to feed extra people if you cook a big bowl or pan of something all-in-one.