February 2013 Grocery Challenge

Solstice_3

Just popping in report final amount. I technically came in under target at £206.39 however I spent grocery money on other things and had to take grocery money out of another pot, my whole aim of grocery challenge is not not do this so I did not do so well this time round. I have a separate budget this time round for "other" things and I think I might think about using a separate purse for grocery money and only keep a weeks money in there at a time so I can't overspend.

maman

Solstice_3 wrote: »

I have a separate budget this time round for "other" things and I think I might think about using a separate purse for grocery money and only keep a weeks money in there at a time so I can't overspend.

Solstice, reading your post got me thinking. I've never done the challenge before but I'm thinking ahead to March. I have read the first couple of pages of instructions but wanted to ask a few questions, please.

I tend to shop weekly to a meal plan which I've based on what I've already got in so my list is just essential extra ingredients and basics like milk BUT.... I also buy any offers that I see which I know I'll use up (non-perishable/can be frozen). This can be when I'm doing my weekly shop or if I'm near somewhere like Poundland or Iceland or Farmfoods. I'm really building my storecupboard as I go along with good price groceries. This is how I can make a good value meal plan based on my stores with a few fresh bits added.

I know it saves me money in the long term but how do you account for this in the monthly challenge? One week/month I might buy lots of 'offers' others none.

Also, I know it's called a Grocery Challenge but do most people include cleaning stuff and toiletries? Booze? Any other exceptions?

I suppose some of the answers are down to personal choice but others experiences would be helpful.

TIA:)

Sweetie83

Maman - In my weekly budget I allocate certain amount of money each week to cover everything. So for example 'seasoning' I allocate £1 a week and buy say stock cubes so that I add to my store cupboard every week. They I've allocated £2 for baking (e.g. stork/flour and sugar/icing sugar) that way ever week again I add to my cupboard. toiletries £1, veg £3, fruit £3 and so on. This way for me I find it helps spread the costs more evenly and helps me to budget.

Sligo

she_who_can_not_cook wrote: »

Roger the rooster lol

By name and by nature!! You'd want to see him trying always to be walking in front of the hens. It does his little head in if one of them gets ahead of him. Goes hurtling past her and pecks her back into submissive order!!

We also have a cow called B*tch-face!! None of your cutesie names at our ranch. I'm informed by DS that she's nasty and kicks and looks at you bad!! Some days I know how she feels!;)

Ruby789

Just wanted to quickly report in my figures so far,

Jan: 78.80
Feb: 40.00

Zend

For the January challenge I overspent by £40:eek:. Febuary I have set my limit to £100 again. So far I have spent £70 only:j, probably due to the fact that we have both been in bed with the flu for two weeks. See, having flu does have a good side!

cattysmum

Just a small spend today at wilkies on cling film and baking parchment which came to 2.24. Went in cs and found a lovely olive oil bottle for 1.99 so not a bad day. Will update siggy.

WelshWoofer

I have overspent this month - I'm up to £125 of a £120 budget with about £10 worth of shopping still to get on the weekend. I seem to be going wild in the aisles of Mr T's!
So, next month I going back to alternating between Mr T and Aldi - I'm a veggie and Aldi isn't good for veggie products but ok for everyday stuff so I'll try to have a "cheap week" then a more of a "stock up" week and alternate between the two.

GreenFairy

More veg and vegan bits today, including tofu, nooch, two bags of gluten and a tub of dairy free ice cream. Will tot up in a bit. Shouldn't need anything else til the weekend, when I will need yet more veg and milk.

katholicos

No grocery spends today. Shoved various veg and some lentils in the slow cooker and added curry powder etc. the kids have had some for tea and say it is nice, i have had a cheese roll, might have more of an appetite later.

Am on a roll with my nsd's at the moment but mostly from being bed bound for a number of days. Will soon be back to the spendy days no doubt! Lol!