March Grocery Challenge

Burlesque_Babe

I've failed miserably each time I tried before (the Oct, Nov and Dec challenge), but since then I've managed to re-train myself to only shop once a week, and hone my previous buying habits (I did meal plan in advance but still bought too much).

I need to lay off the credit card as much as possible, and I've decided that whatever money is in my Paypal acount after my current items sell on ebay (most finishing within next 2 days), will be my budget for the month. There should be around £200 in there, which should be fine for 2 adults, but I've never gone below £300 when I've done the challenge before. However, last night I worked out I had enough meat to last me until the 9th March. I've found someone on ebay who sells cheap bags of seasoning, so I'm going to buy a couple of bags from them rather than getting schwartz before I withdraw the money and so, my budget for food, fuel, cleaning products (of which I have loads stashed away already ) will be approx £200 - £220 (depending on how my CD's sell I've got on there at the moment!!!!)

swizzle_2

Well, I don`t know if this is a good thing or a bad one?

the morning before payday, it was porridge or porridge for breakfast, we had very little food in, boy both DS`s had 2 bowls before school!! Maybe not a bad thing.

Had an online shop delvered from Tesco but a few things were out of stock, so might have to do another one before the end of my month 20th march, but will need to find a good code for a small amount.

I find the best way to save is not to go shopping- when i had the car i would just pop to the supermarket for a few things-can`t do that now as car has gone to a better place.

Hubbie is supporting it as moneysaving is going into paying off the mortgage, even if it does mean you will be having x tonight as thats all we have!

Brightside

Being a newbie on here, this is my first go at the challenge

Already done the monthly shop, so only fruit, veg and dairy to buy for the rest of the month, and pet food.

I reckon I can stick to a budget of £150 for me, dog and cats as this will be a five week month.

lottie26_2

Hi everyone,
I was in my budget this month and last so I am going to reduce it to £115 :eek:
I don't know if i'll be able to do this but if I can't I won't beat myself up about it.
I normally go to the green grocsers for my my fruit, veg and eggs (a lot cheaper that tesco's) but, i'm going to go when the market is on because they are even cheaper for fruit and veg and just carry on getting the eggs from there.
I also have started to make my own cleaner and fabric softener this has helped with my budget.
Going to look even more this month on OS cause the ideas are great.

Keep up the good work.

NonStopMum_2

failed miserably for February 459.62 against a planned 350. But I think this was as a result of nipping into tesco too many times for the odd pint of milk etc.

So am going to try again for £75 week for 5 weeks for March (2 adults and 3 children including nappies) and see how I do.

Am going to make more from scratch and use up all the leftovers I freeze and then forget!

LittleWelshRareBit

Hola folks

This is my first time - I have been looking at the Feb thread for the last couple of weeks and I have decided to join in for March.

Actually did the bulk of the shopping in Tesco yesterday - bought lots of BOGOFs and brought home lots (including 8 bottles of wine - 20% off!) for £101. Our target is £200 for 2 adults and 2 spoilt doggies.

We have tried to keep within a strict grocery budget in the past - when we're good we're very good but when we're bad we're awful. Main problem with me is being hopelessly disorganised and not planning dinner so it's down to the local Chinese for a takeaway.

So, the March challenge for us will run from yesterday 25 Feb to 31 March. And we're off!

[Deleted User]

£210 in total for me for food and cleaning things. I haven`t managed to keep tabs very well so far so I am going to have 3 pots.
£159 in a virtual pot for my organic veg, fruit and meat boxes. I pay by cheque.
£51 in a real box for odds and sods

The third box is not part of the challenge. I was always dipping into the challenge money previously for things like, tights, papers, pens etc so I am putting £50 into that box and it will cover bits and bobs including my cut and blow dry

bettyboop61

Just wanted to wish everyone luck and thank Mossy for the words of encouragement. Still trying to work my way around this site and work out the best way to post replies, but i'll get there in the end .....I think hehehehe





Have £4 in £2 coins only started friday

savinup

Hi Everyone

I would like to join the grocery challenge. Starting from 25th Feb - 31th March. Not sure of budget but will try for £300. 3 adults to include groceries, toiletries and cleaning mats.

Savin

ozzyfan_2

Hi everyone, can I join in for the first time?

I'd like to keep within £180 for 5 of us but I have lots of things to use up so it shouldn't be too hard!

going off to do a signature now :j