January 2013 Grocery Challenge

minicooper272

jem1980 wrote: »

Hello, I know it's a bit late but haven't actually bought any groceries yet in 2013 (whoop!). Please can I join? I really need the motivation. I have reduced spends a lot over past 6 months but need to be consistent and keep track. We are 2 adults, plus 3 kids age 6 and under, and I would like to set a £200 budget for Jan, with the hope of gradually reducing to £150 a month once I see how we do - is that the best way of doing it? Thanks :-)

However works for you! I did similar for my 1st month, and set a target of what I thought I would usually spend, it simultaneously made sure I put a few things back, but spent roughly as normal. I thought it worked well! But don't be surprised if you come in a little over what you think in your first month... That's why we have the challenge!

tessie_bear

hi....£11 spent in lidl today but seemed to get quite a lot of fruit and a bag of their half price museli if thats how u spell it...will need to get some veg next week and some milk but not too much...hopefully

i have done a 2 week meal plan..usually only do a week but had a bit to use up so thought i would do 2 weeks

i also descale the kettle with vinegar and as for reduced stuff i find it hit and miss....if u have a fav shop perhaps go in at different times and see whats what....the grabbit board has pointers to more general reductions eg christmas stock 75% off...im a coward as far as evening shopping in the winter is concerned dont like the dark carparks so prefer to shop early which means less bargains but hey ho

hth tess

meg72

nicolula87 wrote: »

Is that white vinegar?? Thanks!

I dont use the white I just use the ordinary brown malt, works just as well, the white is 3 times the price.

WelshWoofer

Just back from Mr T and managed to stick to the list and spend only £10.41:)
Virtually all of the shopping was F&V and I resisted the naughties aisles!

Surprisingly it was really really quiet - cashiers waiting for customers, nobody at the self checkouts - could whizz up and down the shop really quickly. Its normally like a battle ground on a Saturday morning - where have all the shoppers gone? Don't think anyone has any money and are trying to avoid the shops - even B&M was dead.
Might be a good day to pop back for reduced things later on this evening?

Waywardbird

£1.69 today. Had to buy some ibuprofen so went to little shop nearby while walking the dog and paid more than I normally would but wasn't up for walking too far as my chest is sore and I feel awful

Solstice_3

Popping on quickly to report NSD for yesterday. Will be back later as have to buy a few things this afternoon. Tried My SUpermarket for the first time but found it hit and miss - a lot of items Tescos sell weren't showing up, it did make me think though I was going to do an online shop but with delivery charge it makes it more expensive than walking to Sainsbobs so am going to go there instead and check out Lidls on the way to see if I can get anything cheaper. Need to rewrite shopping list with Sainsbobs prices on it so I can compare. Have a good day everyone xx

zafiro1984

Wise words Minnicooper, I did something similar a couple of years ago abut then lasped after a good few months, so here I am back for a second time, trying to get back on track. My freezers and stockcupboards are full to bursting so this time I have set my budget at a level which allows me to buy fresh fruit and vegs but to mainly live out of the freezers - one at a time - each could do with a good birthday (defrost) once empty.
I know I will have to increase my budget at a later stage but hopefully I should have a better idea by then on what we use frequently and what is a luxury. - well that's the plan

Mrs_T_M

I finally have a full inventory (and I can mark off the bought bread now, yipee!) of everything we have, so I'll hopefully be having at least two NSD's (today and tomorrow), then will probably need milk, eggs, and bananas next week.

I need to make a meal plan for the rest of the month to use up most of everything we have.

gien

Did a supermarket shop today for 99.34 € giving a total of 131.54 for the month so far. I used up a voucher from before christmas so saved 17€.
I hadn'i intended to go but wanted a 'Galette des Rois' for tonight and decided to move my shopping date forward.
Next SM shop should be next Friday

Plethora_2

Is it too late to join in on this?
(Sorry if it is, I'm a bit of a newbie)
If so I'm going to aim for £75 for the month - haven't spent anything yet as been at my partners over the uni break, and with only me to feed that should be more than enough, but I do have a friend from home up for a few days so must get enough in.