Making every penny count

turfy6

Hi 40sm I too echo the grocery bill. Mine used to vary so much when I wasnt paying attention to it. Now its fine tuned and I go armed with my list I keep all the receipts and try to come in below €300 per month. I shop in Lidl and Dunnes and usually get loads for around €75 I have two hungry teenagers and an 8yr old and of course DH (helps he's on a diet at the mo). I do bake quite a bit and get loads of advise off the old style board on this site. I'd def try to fine tune the grocery bill if I were you, it will make a massive difference. :beer:

40somethingmum

Thank you ladies,:)

My plan for now is to get the grocery budget down to £125 per week. Once I get it to that level I can then work on it to reduce it further. This £125 is to cover food, cleaning stuff, toiletries, dog food , kids sweets etc.

I will withdraw £125 tomorrow , put it in the pot and that way DH knows exactly how much money we have ....he never knows how much is in his bank account:).

Off to do a meal plan for next week.;)

40SMxx

scrooge2008

Hi 40somethingmum, you can do it.

I too try and stick to a maximum of £300.00 a month, which includes all lunches, cleaning stuff etc, and that is all organic produce due to DH's food sensitivities. I meal plan and try to only shop once a week, by sticking emergency milk and bread in the freezer. Nothing ever gets wasted.

Like everyone else has said £600 + used to be the norm for us before LBM. If I am getting close to the £300.00 I do a store cupboard challenge and finish the month on what is in the cupboard or freezer.

I am now trying to get disciplined about what I eat and trying to apply similar debt loss principles to try and facilitate weight loss, but I am failing miserably. I'm not going to give up though ..... it took me a long time to get my shopping budget under control, I will control my weight, says she who put on 7lb last week!!!

40somethingmum

Thanks Scrooge.:)

I have just done my meal plan.... infact the boys helped me with it:T:T

budget_babe

40somethingmum wrote: »

Thanks Scrooge.:)

I have just done my meal plan.... infact the boys helped me with it:T:T

:T Well done mate, its the first step in cutting down your grocery bill, I am sure with perseverance you will be able to get it down and allocate the money elsewhere.

Just remember you are doing really well, Rome wasn't built in a day. But you are building the foundations for a much better future for you and your family. :T

Stay positive and take care
Budgie Hugs (()) xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

40somethingmum

:)Thanks Budgie

Baby steps and all that . Sorry to have missed you again tonight. Hopefully we can have a "proper " chat over the weekend.:)

ruby1968_2

Mornng 40sm

What have you been up to?? sounds like your in a bit of a muddle!!I know how your feeling also been a bit laxs this month but with not having DS home has made it slightly easier got into a routine with provi but missed fridays payment went round to pay it but agent was out:mad: having made the arrangement to pay before we went away anyhow she's due again today so will pay tonight have also got a few to catch up on over the next few weeks, although their not massive just need to wait for money to go in the bank. Anything I can do to help just ask:) your always welcome to send pm if you wish.
RubyXX

40somethingmum

Thanks Ruby. Im sure I will muddle through somehow.... don't know how at the moment but you never know I may get a call from "This Morning" saying i have won their competition:rotfl::rotfl::rotfl:

Have a good day.:D

Different_Corner

40sm, just want you to know you are not alone. CT got paid by the skin of teeth (don't understand that phrase but hey ho). Then the car tax appears...always something.
My food budget is always my weak spot. I could quite happily live on jackets, salads, garlic mushrooms (don't ask !) and fish. My food bill would be £30 a week. But these two boys eat anything and everything.
Sending positive budgeting vibes.

3_kids_2_jobs_1_dog

Hi All

I have just subscribed to your thread, can I join the 'GANG'?

I am also a mum with 3 of my own (ages DS1 16, DS2 11 and DD5) and 1 borrowed (DS1's best mate also aged 16). I work 2 jobs (as per my name) and DH works 2/3 jobs.

My main employer has just gone through a restructure and jobs and locations have changed meaning I will be loosing £100 per week. MAJOR PANIC as we never seem to have enough money anyway.

I am still reading through all of the posts, got to page 13 so far so off to read some more!

Back later

321xx