July 2009 Grocery Challenge

HalfaSixpence_2

I've lost it a bit this week - not gone madly over I don't think but lost track of writing it all down. That's what really makes the difference for me, I've decided - even if I try to stick to cash only I get confused whereas writing it down does work and lets me see where the problems are.

mooomin

Can I please declare at £245 for July/£5 under budget!!

I would like to go back to £200 for August please. I am going to have to be very good, as this is going to include a trip to Costco....

Payday on Thursday so August starts then....

boredofbeingathome

Soda Crystals, i usually use a spoon full to about half my usual amount of washing powder and i have been known to just use them on their own when i have run out.

We swapped last year if you remember( i gave you a couple of bags and you gave me the soapnuts) and i have used those soap nuts you kindly gave me, i find them alright and have supplemented wash all year. Since this time last year i have bought 6 boxes of Tesco Value powder so washing soda crystals really do work in cutting down the amount of powder. I usually buy one every two months now.

greent

I'm declaring today as we are off on hols very early Fri morning. I will get some bread (for freezer) & milk (cravendale) tomorrow for when we get back (late on a Sunday), but have included these and £5 extra (for any whoopsies I might see!) in my total. SO....... Mrs Mc, can I please declare July at £370 (under:D) )(with a freezer full to burst) and put my August budget in at £350 (we're away until 9th - but I know I need to get nappies and stuff when we get back, plus the bigger kids have a couple of sleepovers planned, so munchy food will be required!)

Thanks! Haven't had chance to keep up since kids broke up from school. Hope it's going well for everyone

greent x

SunnyGirl

nickynoo08 wrote: »

i'm stuck for quick savoury ideas - mainly lunches. Sarnies are fine but they'll easily get bored of them and pitta pittas are also good but what else? All ideas welcome. Thanks

I was struggling with this so I did the menu plan to include lunches. I've put things like HM soup & toast, sandwiches, pitta pizzas, pancakes (went down a storm!), HM yorkshire puddings & gravy, HM wedges & beans, hot dogs in buns, pasta & grated cheese with salad and beans on toast It's working so far & we're 10 days in. HTH.

spendaholic wrote: »

For the first time ever - EVER - I have come not only within my grocery challenge budget, but WELL WITHIN. I am so chuffed.

Last shop for July came to less than £36. That gives me a grand total of £110, when I budgeted for £160. Wahey. :j This is what a debt management plan and living without credit does for you.

It's pay day on Friday, so my August challenge starts this weekend. A 5-week month this time, @ £40 per week, so £200 for me, MrsM. Thank you.

:T :j :T :j WELL DONE!!!!!! It's a great feeling isn't it?


Well I'm going shopping today, the 4th out of 5 for July. I've got my list and have costed it out roughly and am getting it to about £75 or just under :T I'll be back on later with the true spend but I'm hoping to keep it on the lower side if possible!

elantan

Yeah that's right bob you probably told me I could use them for washing but I was so hung up on the soap nuts I forgot lol.... Have to admit I wasn't too impressed with the soap nuts so went back to soap powder but will give soap powder and soda crystals a go see how I go with that I have still to do a wash with it ...

cazzasmazza

UUururrrghhhh,

My OH and I have been totally RUBBISH at sticking to our July shopping budget. So much so that I've totally lost track of where we are, so I reckon we've gone at least £120 over, possibly more.

It's been a hard month as there's been a death in the family, meaning lots of driving and extra petrol costs and several times eating out/take aways for convenience (and to comfort eat if I'm honest!). It's quite a miserable time. :(

So we are planning on being really good in August and we will not use our credit/debit cards to pay for any food. We are taking out £200 cash on 1st August and once it's gone, it's gone! We have quite a well stocked kitchen/fridge/freezer, so now things are calming down a bit, we should be able to do it, I hope.

Here's to August being a much more successful moneysaving month! :T

Caz
xxxx

elizabunny

Afternoon all. Just a little catch up. All of my July budget has now gone:eek: and I think I have overspent by around £20, sorry to be so vague, but yet another hectic month and the hols are looming. So can I declare early please Mrs McC at £105 for July, as we won't be spending anymore on this month as I have £15 of vouchers to use and still a fair bit in the cupboards. I know it's really early but can I please be put down for £85 for August, thank you. Hope everyone else is going well with their budgets. Have a good day everyone.

Flat_Eric

HalfaSixpence wrote: »

I've lost it a bit this week - not gone madly over I don't think but lost track of writing it all down. That's what really makes the difference for me, I've decided - even if I try to stick to cash only I get confused whereas writing it down does work and lets me see where the problems are.

I carry with me now my "grocery purse". This has the bank card in it which is used only for grocery shopping) and where I keep my nectar / clubcard / any cash taken out of (grocery account) for food bits.

Any receipts are stored in said purse until I get home and add the details to my spreadsheet.

Many years ago when i was still living at home, I kept a record of every penny I spent and it was amazing how much went on rubbish / crisps / sweets/ magazines / ice cream etc. I wouldnt want to do this now - noting down every grocery item I purchased but you could have a little book where you note down the shop and how much spent etc. I personaly find it much easier to have a spreadsheet on the computer as it does the sums for me and I have in big letters, how much is left which can be quite sobering!!

boredofbeingathome

If you want any more let me know if you can't find a cheap supplier for the washing soda. They average about 65p a bag at the moment.