April 2007 Grocery Challenge

Mrs_Wossinge

Tesco's policy on sharing points is a strange one.

I'd like to use one of their new deals - paying for a ten-week online photograph course with the Open University. But you can only use vouchers printed with your own surname.

I could, therefore, use any points earned by my mother-in-law (who usually shops at Waitrose), but not my own mum, who uses Tesco more frequently. I only need about £40 worth of vouchers, which my mum has and is happy to give me, but the rules won't allow me to use them! Arrgh!

If anyone knows of a way round this I'd be very grateful. At the moment I'm hoping to add more cards to my account and give them to both mums, but that doesn't solve the problem of the vouchers already issued in Mum's name.

Janeryan

Have fallen off the wagon this month as have already spent £302.68(budget was £250.00) but knew I would be over as was entertaining over Easter plus 3 weeks of the month were school holidays so had extra children to feed at various times

Am hoping that I won't need anymore shopping now until next Friday which will be payday-hooray!

Well done to everyone who has managed to stay on budget-nearly the end of the month so hang on in there-off to update my signature now

poohbear59

Made a long distance trip to see my dad who is ill this week and spent £65 on meals out over two evenings plus milk and bread today which has taken me over by £70. I haven't budgeted for unforeseen things like that yet as still getting to grips with expected budget each month. Our month ends on 23rd so almost made it!

lil_me

Mrs Wossinge - have you thought of getting a key fob thing for your account and giving that to those who offer you their points ?

I need to be strict with myself, my month ends soon but new Fridge Freezer is ariving much sooner than expected (Monday instead of 9th of May) and I know what I am like and it'll be hard resisting temptation to buy when I have the space.

Have decided like other months if I go over it'll last into next month so will be firm and add it to next months spending budget

Poohbear I have an 'expect the unexpected' pot which is £50 to allow for things like that, thankfully haven't had to use it this month but other months I have

Just about to try to work out a meal plan, I know I need things like ham and a few fruit and veg as I missed the fruit and veg lady this week.

ti1980

So far this month I have spent £32.11 so am well within my £65 budget but OH did pay for 2 meals out for the both of us but I paid last month.

helping_hubby

Well done everyone so far...

I can't believe how well we're doing. We went shopping tonight which needs to last till next Saturday. Budget is £23 a week. And today we spent just under £22. This included £1.50 worth of coupons.

I bought 1 of each flavour Basics yoghurts (8p each) for OH to try. And treated myself to Basics chocolate mousse (35p for 4 I think). I managed to get 6 dinners worth of food (enough to make 2 chicken dinners, 2 pork schnitzels and 2 lots of burgers)...not all for this week, we still have bits (salmon, pasta sauce, sausages) from previous weeks. I also managed to top up on a variety of sandwich fillings (corned beef and pate - 2 for 1), already have cheese and ham in the fridge from last week.

So all going well I think.

Shortie

Hello :wave:

OH bought some bits we needed today (milk, frozen sweetcorn and pan scourers) and spent £2.13. New spend total is £50.29. New amount left is £49.72 to last until 18th May

Little_Miss_Saver

Hello :hello:

Just done my shopping for this week and added up the receipts and it come to £45.80. So that leaves me with £45.70 to spend next week to come in on target!!

Keeping my fingers crossed I'll do it.

Keep up the good work everyone!!!

LMS xx

mikeD

I'M in. I thought I had posted to this thread already but obviously haven't . Sad old sod aint I?? However have to dash as lunch needs to be got ready!!

poohbear59

Firehorse wrote: »

Hi everyone, hope you're all doing well with your challenge. I'm not a participant, although often read with interest everybody's progress.

This quote reminded me of my friend, who has through reconsituted family 8 kids + 2 adults. Her rule is: if it's on a certain shelf "it is NOT to be touched". Therefore, allocated meals are accounted for and (in theory) safe!

It is something I've put into practice and so far the kids have respected it.

I tried your idea yesterday and the kids have respected what I have asked them to do. Sadly DH didn't listen and today he made everyone loads of sausage sandwiches for lunch. They were gorgeous but were meant to be for sausage casserole for dinner tonight!! Spag bol again I guess.:rotfl: