May '06 Grocery Challenge

SoScrooge

I am in too. Never done it before. I will start gently from £160 for a 2 adults and 2 kids.

Subscribing to this this thread too.

Over and out

SoScrooge

new_leaf_6

I'm ashamed to say that I've never managed to stay within my grocery budget. I've lurked about this board a lot before joining, trying to follow the wise advice but now that I've joined I feel I should make a real effort for May. I realise that I will have to stay out of the supermarkets because I can't resist the offers even if my cupboards and freezer are full. I've spent £53 already so am aiming for £100 for the month. (just for me) This includes any meals out and cleaning stuff. £47 left - panicking already!

salli9

I started last month simply because I had no idea what I spent, and far too many trips to the supermarket. Shopped online, one big £100 shop, then two £40 top ups. This is for three adults and packed lunch/drink. This has worked quite well, ran out of bread once and dog food. We haven't gone without, but some meals have been "adapted". There is a shopping list up for us all to add to, and that has worked too. I think I'd be quite happy keeping under £200 per month, £50 per week for 3 adults. I'm sure people can do it for less, but we like a few treats.

wanna-be-mortgage-free_2

I would like to join the May grocery challenge if that's ok. My usual spend for two adults, a toddler and a baby ranges from £97 per week to £104 which is awful I know.

I would like to get this down to £60 per week for the first month to see how things go, if I manage below this then that would be fantastic

Need to check out the rest of the boards for more money saving tips. Tell me is it cheaper to make bread than buy it? Should I be thinking along those lines?

Roll on the challenge and good luck everyone.

Wizwoo

Hi All,

Me too please - I guess a few of us really want to give this a go so lets try together. OH and I have been watching our main shop for quite a while - the problem is those trips for the odd essential (fresh bread or milk) that see us spending £8 - £12 on very little .

We sat down earlier checked what was in the freezer and cupboards. Made a plan for the meals for the week and then made a shopping list accordingly.
I've got carrot and cumin soup in a pan downstairs ready for lunch for the next couple of days and some dough in the airing cupboard..(hope it works ) for pizza tonight.

So you see I have read the tips / threads but can we do it?

Spent £30 today - if we stick to that each week I'll be over the moon :T

Icemaiden

Evening all,

Came under budget by £4.00 odd last month so have set my budget for May at £220 as its another 5 week month again, (normally it would be £200) for all cleaning, toiletries and food for 2 Adults, 1 big teenager, 1 small child. Have change my tactics slightly the last two months and bought as much as poss at the begining of each month and stuck to my meal plan. Started on Friday 28th and have already spent £160.57, see breakdown below,
Milkman £23.40 (milk & eggs)
Farm shop £42.75 (meat & 25kg spuds)
Fish monger £7.42
On-line shop £87.00
Which leaves me £59.43, for fruit & veg from the market on a weekly basis.

Sunnydoo

Hi everyone,

Started this last month & came in just under my budget of £100 for one adult & one 6 year old

Have upped budget to £150 this month as it's DDs birthday party next week & cupboards/freezer are looking very empty !

wanna-be-mortgage-free_2

Well, I've made a good start if I do say so myself

First week of main grocery shop came to £48.97 plus £3.98 from the local fruit and veg shop.

Does anyone bake their own bread and pizza bases - is it worth doing? Also, I'm running out of washing up liquid - any alternatives out there?

Thanks

firstyearisthehardest

Im in again! I came in slightly under budget last month so im trying to get it down even lower. We badly need a new fridge so every little helps.

This month im aimimg for £130 (for 2 adults).

Sea78

Going for £200 this month, to include everything baby related and alcohol too. Must be more I can do...determined today

Sea xx