Grocery Challenge - Newbie

DancerSupreme

Hi guys,

I am new to the site as a poster although I have lurked and taken tips for many months.

My hubby and I are due to have our first child in the summer and therefore I must learn to live on the SMP offered by the gov as my company do not offer a package.

We are very fortunate that we started dealing with our debts some time ago (around the time we got married) so are well on our way to getting them under control. Things are going to be extremely tight when my wages more than half but we are still able to meet the payments so no delay in paying things off.

My question is regarding the grocery challenge. I am desperate to reduce our spend on food. I know a lot of money goes on take aways so we are going to be really strict there.

I know part of the challenge is to downgrade the level of purchases being made. I went on mysupermarket the other day and did a normal "big" shop for us and found that we could not downgrade on most things.

We have now got a Makro card so intend to "bulk buy" things such as washing powder and loo roll which will obviously save a fortune. I wanted to know if there was anything else we can do? I have got enough in our budget to increase it to allow for the baby but I really think we can get this down - just need some tips if possible.

Thanks
Gem

nmlc

Welcome gembaxter

Congratulations on your baby news! You will find loads of helpful suggestions about reducing your food bill on here. Bulk purchasing and then cooking an extra 2 portions to freeze seems to really help some people. This may be something that would help you as you get towards the end of your pregnancy and once baby arrives - so if you're exhausted you will still be able to have a decent meal! Also bulk buy when items are on good offers so you build up a stock, whilst you are still working, then once your money drops you will have a substantial stockcupboard and freezer full of food. Taking part in the Grocery Challenge has really helped me. Make a list, sticking to the list and only shopping once or twice a week - if you just need bread and milk but know if you go to the supermarket that bread and milk will escalate into a £20 bag of shopping that were items you didn't really need but thought you wanted - you would be better to go to the local corner shop and pay a bit more for each item but only buy those 2 items. (hope that makes sense!) Also remember that once baby arrives you'll be eligible for Child Benefit and depending on your household income possibly Child Tax Credits! Also cooking as much food from scratch seems to save loads. At the beginning of the GC pages there's lists of recipes. HTH.
Good luck!
nmlc

DancerSupreme

We freeze extra already now but I think our portions could be cut down somewhat.

Stocking up is hopefully what we are going to do - that makes a whole lot of sense. I have never been a housewife though - hubby cooks normally - so I will have to look at the recipe section to get some good ideas for good meals anyway!

I have already budgeted for the child benefit and minimum tax credits - its because of that money that we are able to maintain debt payments which is amazing!

I am desperate to reduce the shopping bill - think it will go down anyway when I am always home to cook which will limit take aways.

xxx

MrsBartolozzi

Hi gembaxter!,
If you take a look at the Oldstyle board where the Grocery Challenge is you will pick up lots of tips and advice.
We are a friendly bunch over there and don't be afraid to ask questions.

Congratulations on your baby too!

Oldstyle board is here

Grocery challenge is here (it's a long thread and a bit daunting to newbies, so just skim through to begin with. The first few pages have lots of recipe ideas.)

HTh, MrsB.