October 06 Grocery Challenge

cheerfulness4

Boatie_Bird wrote:

due to some unforseen spending I haven't actually got any cash left.
....... if this had happened a few months ago I would just have put it on the credit card and tried not to think about it. It feels so good to be in control of my finances at last.

Well done! I'm in the same position (2x MOT's took cash) and was really miserable as had a few pounds to last a fortnight. When I read your post I realised that for the first time I never even considered using the CC. It was second nature before. We ARE back in control. I feel fantastic now. :T I know I'll make it this month.

Keep going everyone!

chewy62

:j I have been reading everyone's monthly challenges for ages now and have tried to work out how much to live on for two adults, a 4yo and a 2yo, a dog and a cat!:o
Seem to spend far too much in Tescos but eat everything that I buy and I try and buy special offers and BOGOFs as often as poss. I also nip to our local Spar shop nearly every day for biccies(not essential!), bread and milk etc.
Can't work out how to spend less?!Any ideas anyone?I have no willpower at all so am far too easily tempted! But my hubby has just started a new job that he really loves but took a considerable paycut, so we really need to cut back. Help!

catznine

Menu planning really does help also thinking of ways to use up the leftovers, e.g. last nights leftover pasta becomes the base for a pasta salad for lunch.
Try to do an inventory of what you have in store in the larder and also in the depths of the freezer, I just found 6 yummy cornish pasties in our freezer, which was a nice surprise!

I find that giving yourself an aim (or a small treat) for the savings helps, for us it is saving for a holiday next year and small treats for me would be a book or two in the charity shop or chocolate:D

hth

Catz x

chewy62

:j Every Sunday I delve into the depths of the freezer and list everything and am amazed at how many meals I can make without having to buy anything! I make a menu list for the week and generally stick to it but I still go to the shops and buy mince and chicken breasts that we don't need until the next week!:mad:
I really think I should steer clear of Tescos and maybe get home delivery!:rotfl:

ashli_2

Ooooh, I would love to join in with this next month, but do I have to include wine? It would be really rather terrible having to cut back on wine. :rotfl:


I'm not really sure where I can cut back actually, I am a miserable old skinflint and my shopping is pretty basic as it is. I do love a challenge though

flourgirl

chewy62 It may be worth a try having tesco delivery, and include bread and milk for the week and freeze it. If you fancy some biccies bake some with the kiddies, my GD is 3 she loves to make cookies with faces on (sultanas and cherry). Look on the vouchers board to see if there are any for free delivery or extra points. It's much easier to stick to a budget when you don't have to go to the shop, as there's nothing to tempt you.. Good luck

Boatie_Bird

cheerfulness4 wrote:

Well done! I'm in the same position (2x MOT's took cash) and was really miserable as had a few pounds to last a fortnight. When I read your post I realised that for the first time I never even considered using the CC. It was second nature before. We ARE back in control. I feel fantastic now. :T I know I'll make it this month.

Keep going everyone!

Well don cheerfulness

Yep - mine was the damn car as well!

Well it's payday tomorrow and I've done it. Total grocery spend £140ish and nothing on the credit card. Got my lunch with me at work and pasta tonight.

Think I will set myself a budget of £180 for the coming month as we're away in Devon/Dorset next week and although we're self catering, I'm definitely not cooking every night!

tryhard_2

this is a very helpful challenge, thank you

BusyGirl

Doh!! :eek:
I've spent £215 this month instead of £200. The big mistake was going food shopping with the kids during this half term week! I only intended to spend £10 on fruit, veg and bread, but a few 'extras' were bought.
Never mind I've spent a lot less than I used to each month and again I seem to have a good supply in the freezer and cupboards so I am determined to do it next month.

Jei70

I set my shopping budget at £100 (I also get a weekly organic box, at £10 each, bringing the whole amount to £150 per month) and I've overspent by £70!!!

On the positive side, I actually spent £80 yesterday on reduced meat (for the freezer) and cat food, which could last me over a month... I'm just a sucker for bargains! I suppose my next month's challenge should be to resist stocking up, and make sure I use everything in the freezer/cupboard.