January 2016 Grocery Challenge

lushlifesaver

FoxFace wrote: »

I always take my budget out in cash and don't spend any more than I have! I also find updating here daily helps massively

Another thing I find is that if I try to have as many NSD's as possible, it makes me more determined to find a creative way around a missing item, rather then just nipping to the shop to buy it; I try to wait an extra day or two and then have a little top up. I take a shopping list and rarely deviate from it.

Do you find it easier to work with cash? I always think that maybe I should in order to control my budget more but then panic and think I won't manage it!

t14cy_t

43 quid spent since 31st dec, as have had to buy dogs supplies ie tinned food and dental sticks!

FoxFace

lushlifesaver wrote: »

Do you find it easier to work with cash? I always think that maybe I should in order to control my budget more but then panic and think I won't manage it!

Very much so I think it's partly the "panic" that keeps you within budget though :rotfl:

Last year when I was on the GC, it was through absolute necessity... some weeks I had £20-£25 to feed the four of us for a week... so there was certainly no option to just pop the debit card in and spend over the budget... there was nothing to spend

Now I have a little extra money, I treasure it... I think taking the cash out is like telling myself that this is all the money I am willing to spend on food. I remind myself that my current £70pw is MASSIVE compared to some of 2015, it makes me not worry so much... It also makes me try harder to plan and work hard to stay within budget

I'd suggest that you maybe try it one week and see how you get on... it might not be for you Maybe keep a separate purse just for grocery spends? Good luck

candygirl

Spent £17 in ALDEE today, on salad bits, cheeses, eggs, butter etc Also got a half price box of xmas crackers for little DGS as he's obsessed with them

mrsd

Please count me in. I'm aiming for £250 for this month. Was doing well then Christmas came and all the family came home....

Living_proof

So far so good with just £12.11 spent and that includes washing powder which will last months. Wine comes from a separate budget so not included but we will be going 'dry' later this month so that should save even more. This is a five-weekend-month so the temptation to shop is higher than ever, but really must take it easy.

mrs-moneypenny

I agree with foxface, I find drawing out money once a week and work to that budget helps. As you can see what you have. My goes to out if I overspend and start using the card to pay as its not like real money. (Till you get you bank statement!)

Did jacket pots for lunchtime and tea tonight is an improvised recipie from the list
The broccoli pasta bacon and cheese bake but I've done cauliflower pasta cheese and veggie bacon bake with him roast potatoes
Ds1 has a friend round so offered it them friend said it sounds nice yes please, ds1 said it sounds rather experimental.

Itsa_Longshot

I've been slacking with these challenges of late, so it's time to pick them up again! I'm going to keep going with my previous target of £27 per week, so the monthly target for January is £135.00.

The first shop was a success - £23.90 spent. This was after a £5 voucher, but also included a few cleaning items which will last a while, and enough frozen goods for the rest of the month.

Little_Miss_Naughty

A No spend day for me.
It actually feels good not to be spending!

nannygladys

Only been shopping one day so far, so feeling quite positive so far, perhaps my £80 for January will last after all

nannygladys