February 2007 Grocery Challenge

lil_me

Right I stuck to the budget but bought more than I needed because I had money left, which is naughty. Mentioned to Dad who said 'You've never changed, you would buy a purse because you had money left and have nothing left to put in it' He's right I did this a lot as a child/teen! My budget was £260, I have spent £243.07, last year I spent £740 in January on shopping! So that's reduced a fair bit! Almost £500!

Last February I spent £690 on groceries.

So this month I am knocking £40 off last months budget, £10 a week as it's a short month, which I think is realistic. I also need to buy more healthy foods as DP is changing what he wants to eat etc so will be pushing myself a bit, but I NEED to restrict myself more!

£220 for 2 children, 2 dogs, a lizard (veg and crickets for him) DP and myself (fish food already bought)

Wish me luck!

vfairbrass

I know that last year I spent far too much and am almost ashamed to say it was over £600 a month for just two adults and two children. I started shopping more carefully in December and January and got down to £400 by using food in the freezer so my challenge this month will be £300. I will do best if I can shop on my own as OH can't resist alcohol 'bargains'.
Valerie

Penny-Pincher!!

Its shocking isnt it how much we all used to spend on groceries:eek: :eek: :eek: I used to spend £400-£500 pm on food shopping only in M&S etc, plus on top we used to have 2-3 take-aways each week:o ...so roughly about £700+pm...that is disgusting!

We now shop in Waitrose (using coupons:D ) most weeks and we live and eat very well. I am still able to buy my "comfort" foods...Heinz soups and beans, HP, Ketchup, decent bread, nescafe, tetley, decent loo rolls etc etc. We spent on average last year £35pw including everything;) ...we dont scrimp as such ATM, buy items when on offer and save the excess money as I would rather have it than the supermarkets:D

PP

xx

Jumps

Yes, I'd like to join in again. Last month was my first and I went over slightly. I will be having the same budget for this month of £240.00.

lil_me

Unfortunately where I live there are no stores who will accept coupons like that, can only use on what you have bought, even in the local ASDA and Tescos they refuse, in fact made my friend feel awful when she put them through a scan yourself machine, had her hauled in the office by security, so unless there is a BOGOF etc not many offers unfortunately like that, reductions in store for example last night went into Somerfields and stuff with the same days date on was 20p off a £3 item. Suppose it's something for members to also consider when they are looking at the budgets of others, we don't all live in the same area, have the same value as others locally etc hence I wouldn't consider judging anyone on what they spend.

LJM

im in again january i came £36.48 over budget that did include 2 big family meals plus £8 worth savings stamps,im trying hard to aim for £200 or less hopefully this month.i had a big tesco delivery last week so im pretty much stocked but had to go to town yesterday to stock up on fruit/veg and some basic bits i missed off my list but i only spent £19.90 which i am very chuffed about.

liz545

I'm in. I've been tracking what I bought for January, and I spent £125, so I'm aiming for £100 for February. This is for myself, the cat, and often the boyfriend, who doesn't live with me but I reckon has dinner at mine at least 4 times a week! I'm trying to encourage him to contribute to the food bills, but it's not easy...

newlywed

After failing again, I'm ready to try again!!

Have decided that a monthly sum just doesn't work for me as I can't leave the cupboards with no food in towards the end of the month (the step kids can be dropped off to us early without warning, and without them having had anything to eat). Also, as I meal plan for 2-3 weeks ahead, it doesn't really work for me.

So now my budget will be £35 a week with an additional "extras" of £50 for this month (as it's a shorter month).

Currently already spent a chunk of it but have main meals to last 3 weeks, just need veg, a chicken and bread and milk really. So in theory it should be easy :rotfl:

belfastgirl23

I'm in too!!

Average grocery spend pm last year - £330 (for two people)

January (only started MS around the 5th when my gas direct debit went up £150 per month!:eek: ) - spent £250.

Aiming for £200 in Feb - it's a short month so hope to come in under this.

Also need to gradually re-educate DH. Although the gas bill did a bit of that for me:D

Glad to hear though that there are other people out there who have also been as spendthrift as I was. Have been hanging my head in real shame at some of you guys - when I think of all the money I've wasted. Grr. Thanks for all the tips!

spiddy100

I spent £30 in Lidl today, decided to put 1/2 of it on January's spend and 1/2 into Feb as we will be eating lots of it next month. Stocked up on fish yesterday (put on Jan's spend), plus have ordered £14 veg from organic box scheme and about £40 of meat from the farm shop which wll go onto Feb.

I think we'll stick with £180 for this month, we achieved it easily during January but we did have very full cupboards after christmas, so this month we'll see if it's realistic.

I have DS2's birthday party and his thanksgiving service party mid-month, so will be doing a buffet and drinks for each - not really sure whether to include them in the budget or not! I think I'll keep them separate but try to do them as OS/MSE as possible