July 2007 Grocery Challenge

Lizzieanne

I'm not doing too badly so far this month, I've managed to resist lots of purchases that I really didn't need. I only hope that I don't fall at the last hurdle, like last time!

Curv

rosieben wrote: »

I find it helps a lot to meal plan for the week and then make a shopping list and stick to it

This is by far and away the best advice for sticking to a budget, IMO. I'd really struggle to know what to buy if I didn't know what I was going to make and when.

I love this thread - it's saving me a fortune

Curv x

Curv

Lizzieanne wrote: »

I'm not doing too badly so far this month, I've managed to resist lots of purchases that I really didn't need. I only hope that I don't fall at the last hurdle, like last time!

Nice going Lizzieanne :beer:

What made you 'fall at the last hurdle' last time?

Lizzieanne

Curv wrote: »

Nice going Lizzieanne :beer:

What made you 'fall at the last hurdle' last time?

I last did the grocery challenge in May and I went on holiday on 1st June. In the last week of May I went over my budget by about £70 because I bought stuff for my Mum to use whilst she was here house and cat sitting.
I know that technically that shouldn't count, but I couldn't help but feel I'd blown it.

My budget is still far too high, but I'm aiming to bring it down in small stages month by month rather than aim too low and blow it.

Trouble is, I've taken to talking to myself in the supermarket and I'm attracting some weird looks!!:rotfl:
"Do you need that, Lizzieanne? No you don't - put it back!"
It's working, though. I used to buy so many things on impulse without sticking to my list and this forum is really helping me to realise that I could feed the 5000 with what's in the house, so I don't always need to 'pop out for something'.

:j

Curv

Lizzieanne - You are far less likely to blow it at then of this month then... unless you are planning another holiday?

What I found useful was to list everything I had in the freezers... it wasn't as tedious as it sounds and if two people work together it needn't take long at all - it took me and DH about fifteen minutes (added bonus was that he cleaned them up whilst he was looking in them ) Then I sat down and did meal plans using stuff from the freezers and tadaa: my shopping lists were automatically shorter.

That was about a month ago and I'm still using stuff out of the freezer. It really helps focus the mind and willpower when you see everything written down... and it goes without saying but sticking to your list in the supermarket is essential. I only go down the aisles I need to and even then I just go straight to the stuff I need and back out again. I've stopped treating it like the 'shopping experience' retailers would love us to have and started making it more like military maneouvres LOL.

Sorry for rambling

HTH

Curv x

rosieben

Lizzieanne wrote: »

Trouble is, I've taken to talking to myself in the supermarket and I'm attracting some weird looks!!:rotfl:
"Do you need that, Lizzieanne? No you don't - put it back!"

:rotfl::rotfl::rotfl::rotfl::rotfl:

rosieben

Curv wrote: »

What I found useful was to list everything I had in the freezers...

I did this and you're right, it was such a help with meal planning; I've bought hardly any frozen stuff for 3 months (need to defrost before I restock anyway)

I made a list of cupboard stock too and was appalled to find several tins and packets nearly out of date!! I'm using them up as fast as I can.

I had 19 tins of tuna and 14 tins of salmon in my cupboard!! its only me in the house and I dont like tuna and salmon that much!

Herbaholic

rosieben wrote: »

I had 19 tins of tuna and 14 tins of salmon in my cupboard!! its only me in the house and I dont like tuna and salmon that much!

LOL my cat would LOVE you Rosie! He gets a treat once a week of half a can of tuna, I get the other half with salad or on a sandwich and he looks at me like I'm being totally selfish! My stocks are dwindling as I bought loads when Mr T was doing a BOGOF on tuna. I'm about to go check cupboards and freezers, my meal plan has gone a bit astray this last week, so want to do another one with what I have in.
Have to try and save more pennies, I broke a tooth yesterday and now have dentist bills to find :eek: Not a happy bunny, its been a real trial to find an NHS dentist as well, but have managed to find one about 10 miles from me :mad: Most don't take even paying NHS patients and private dentist costs are a joke! Rant over.

I have found if I go shopping without my list I spend more, so now I don't leave home without it, sending hubby with the cash and a list is also a good idea, so he picks up the supplies whilst I make the tea or I'm cleaning. I laughed at Lizzieanne's comment, I talk to myself as well. Least you're not doing "eeny meany, miney mo" out loud to decide which special offer you'll pick up to save money yet! :rotfl:

Shortie

Curv wrote: »

I've stopped treating it like the 'shopping experience' retailers would love us to have and started making it more like military maneouvres LOL.

:rotfl: :rotfl:

I'm thinking 'Mission Impossible' music now! BUT, I know exactly what you mean. I used tolove meandering round the aisles before but I'm now in and out like a shot going to EXACTLY where I know I need to go. It's saved me tonnes of money doing this. I'll be stuffed if they change the store layout

ellie2912

thanks for all the tips.i've already done a meal plan,just hope we stick to it.
hopefully now i have this forum to inspire me,it should be a lot easier.:D