May 2017 Grocery Challenge

allmannerofthings

Niv wrote: »

Just a thought. If you love your Maccy D's have you considered doing the survey that's on the receipts? Takes a couple of minutes and you can get a big mac and fries for £1.99. You can still feed your habit (that's what I consider it for me anyhow) while saving a bit on the price. No limit how many times you can do this but you need to complete the survey each time (i.e you cant use the same code each time).

Thank you for the idea! We have indeed started doing this now you mentioned it. I didn't even know about it, never noticed the offer. I thought I'd replied to you a while ago but reading through it seems I didn't. Thanks very much, you've saved us a few quid :T

:(:( I am an abject failure, this first month I've attempted this challenge, with my current total at £387/£240 :eek: Although, I did pluck the target figure of £240 out of thin air, and I also said I think we usually spend £400 or more, so it would seem I'm right. It's been a great learning experience though, especially writing down everything we spend. I've discovered there is far too much fish and chips/McDonalds/Maltesers, crisps and Dr Pepper from the corner shop going on, so there's plenty of room for improvement!!

We have just bought our house and I am absolutely determined to overpay the mortgage as much as we can, so I'll be signing up for the June challenge with fresh determination.

Ginmonster

I bought some herbs today to make my son's favourite Jack Monroe's Not A Tagine recipe when I have my day with him on Thursday. I can use up a lemon that needs to go in that and keep him happy at the same time. While I was there I also got a load of cheese as my MIL is coming to stay next weekend and she would live off cheese given the chance (like I wouldn't!). £10.35 spent so now at £71.39/£100.

allmannerofthings

Ginmonster wrote: »

I bought some herbs today to make my son's favourite Jack Monroe's Not A Tagine recipe when I have my day with him on Thursday. I can use up a lemon that needs to go in that and keep him happy at the same time. While I was there I also got a load of cheese as my MIL is coming to stay next weekend and she would live off cheese given the chance (like I wouldn't!). £10.35 spent so now at £71.39/£100.

You sent me scurrying off to the kitchen with plans to make this tonight, but we've got no tinned tomatoes in. I might make it another day this week though, tomatoes are coming in my online delivery tomorrow. You're doing brilliantly with your target, well done!

Doom_and_Gloom

Spent £5.83 yesterday.

Dinner for me tonight is spicy vegetable rice with chickpeas.
OH will be having ham pasta with cheese sauce.

£132.02/£155
£22.98 left.

maisymoo5

Have spent a further £70.84 stocking up on meat bargains for the freezer from a farm shop. All nicely portioned into meals so should keep us going for a while.
Also spent £7.80 for a top up shop at Sainsbury
Total spend so far £168.84 our of a £300 budget.
If we can keep this up I will try reducing it again a little for June. Such a great forum for focusing the mind.

[Deleted User]

Don't worry too much about your overspend, allmannerofthings. The beauty of this challenge is that there is always the hope of another month to come. It won't be long before you start to make the necessary changes and you're within budget. Good luck in June!

allmannerofthings

Makethedayscount wrote: »

Don't worry too much about your overspend, allmannerofthings. The beauty of this challenge is that there is always the hope of another month to come. It won't be long before you start to make the necessary changes and you're within budget. Good luck in June!

Thank you! I really do feel quite pathetic, with nearly a £400 spend for two adults, that's so much compared to what a lot of people on here can do it for. It's not as even as if I haven't done it before - years ago I was a single home educating parent on a very low income and managed very frugally. I find it hard to get into that zone without "having to'. Roll on June and trying again! Thank you for the encouragement

mumofthetwins

So last spend of the month for me on Sunday .. £63 .. But that has stocked me for the rest of this week and today is a new month (way pay falls .. Yay)

ancientmum

Updated my signature. My month finishes on 30th May, so just under £30 left if I am to stay in budget,

Florence_J

£2.75 spent on squash, YS pattie and Bread.

£33.56 remains. New month on Friday.