Food Budget Challenge

[Sam_2.0]

I love using broccoli slaw as a noodle substitute for spaghetti. Even DD will eat it that way! I have to add in a lot of meat to the sauce or else I am starving soon after, but it's a great quick meal.

Sarcastic- broccoli slaw is just shredded broccoli stems. You can buy a bag of it already shredded for about $1 in the produce section with the bagged salads.

[Sam_2.0]

Aldi run. $43 for milk, cereal, flour sugar and eggs, and some junk food should get us through another week with the food we have left, if not two. Nanny cooked for us again this week. God bless her!!!

Sent from my SPH-L710 using proboards

[sarcasticgirl]

So we're over our food budget. BUT... this month we hit up costco and spent about $200 and about 75% of it was meat. So we still have lots of meat in the freezer that will last us a couple more months, we'll just have to supplement with chicken, since we don't but that at costco. 

Working really hard to pre-plan to keep costs down. Also need to inventory the pantry and see what is in there. we tend to ignore the pantry during the summer when everything is fresh veggies. I know we have couscous and quinoa etc. 

we're still doing better than last month! so that is a win! 

[Iggy aka IG]

Mid month shopping last night.  Spent 32.72 on fresh produce, milk for DH, cottage cheese, eggs, coffee for camping, 2 energy drinks, a free A & W Ten, tortillas and bacon.  Used a $1 and $2 off your entire order coupons, and saved 27% utilizing them and buying sale items. 

[chalupabatman]

I posted this on the big 2014 thread as well

Hello everyone! I just joined the WIR racers and would love to join you here as well!

Our biggest problem is our food and household portion of our budget. In August I really want to stay on track and maybe even come in under. It seems like by the 18th of the month we are left with little money and end up going over.

We have a freezer full of meat so all we need are sides, fresh produce, bread, dairy products and household products.
I think I will start buying the Sunday paper every week for the HBC coupons and split my shopping between 2 stores instead of 1.

[Iggy aka IG]

Much to my chagrin, I went to WW and the grocery store last night.  I wanted to wait until the new month, but we needed items for camping this weekend.

WW:  $12.49 for Windex, air freshener and more shelf liner for the camper.  Also a BD card for my mom.

Grocery store:  $32.74 for tortillas, fresh produce, cheese, eggs, brats and liquid hand soap.  Had an ecoupons for a free Hormel Compleates breakfast for DH and .60 off Private Selection cheese.  Total saved with sales and "Your Personal Price" $10.88 = 25% off my order.

July total spent on groceries/HBAs/cleaning $425.63.    Total saved w/ coupons and sales $147.88.

DH will be working out of town next week, so hopefully it will help the budget.

[Sam_2.0]

I will get my numbers together next week after I start the new payday cycle. I know we spent quite a bit going out to eat (sigh) but it is lower than it had been and we ate at home quite a bit too. One of my friends took all our freezer foods while we moved and I told her she could just keep them (since we were homeless for a month), but she brought them all back to me this weekend!! So we have a ton of fish and meat and veggies to eat up as well. YAY!

I've not plugged in the deep freezer yet since we moved, but I think the time has come to get that set up. Baby J will be here in two months and I want to get some easy crockpot meals stocked away before that happens. And I will need it to start storing milk for when I go back to work.

[chicg]

so my grocery total for July was $205, my eating breakfast/lunch at work was $64. This doesn't include going out for dinner, for me that's a social thing on dates or with friends, so I count that in my entertainment money. I went through my statements but I feel like I missed something, I did have a big shop right at the end of June, maybe that's what's making me think that.  I clearly need to cut down the buying food at work.  Either way, it's almost $200 less than last month which makes me very happy!

I think part of what helped me stay more on track was more frequent, focused trips instead of big trips.  Bigger shopping trips mess me up, I forget what I buy, end up with too much in the fridge, don't have a taste for what I bought weeks ago, etc.  With so much of what I eat being fresh produce, that doesn't last more than a week or so anyhow.

August goal is to stay under $210 for work lunches and grocery.  I started July right after a huge shop, I'm not doing that this month so it will be more of a challenge.

[sarcasticgirl]

First big grocery trip of the month... $217. Which makes me feel crazy since it is bigger than some people's entire monthly budget! But it is half of ours... And we'll only need to get fresh produce and eggs and milk, yogurt and such for the rest of the month. Our freezer is filled to the brim... Plenty of meat and frozen veggies. We also stocked up on dried goods... Lentils, beans, rice nuts etc.

I,m about to make some zucchini corn muffins and will toss some in the freezer... Also banana oat flax muffins.
Tomorrow I will prep a lentil bacon salad and cucumber black bean salad. New recipes that look promising, are healthy and pretty inexpensive! Also... Homemade granola, which everyone goes nuts for!

Dh and I both have been so crazed at work. I am trying to get a some ideas of things I can prep and have ready that are easy quick dinners so when we work a couple hours late we don't default to take out.

Sent from my Nexus 10

[marvholly]

Chicg
Big shops are SOOO much NOT my thing. I prefer to do weekly shops because I like my fruits, veggies & salad stuff to be reasonably fresh. That also allows me to shop the advertised specials buying exactly what is best, freshest & cheapest.

[Deleted]

Aug 2, 2014 16:50:16 GMT -5 sarcasticgirl said:

First big grocery trip of the month... $217. Which makes me feel crazy since it is bigger than some people's entire monthly budget! But it is half of ours... And we'll only need to get fresh produce and eggs and milk, yogurt and such for the rest of the month. Our freezer is filled to the brim... Plenty of meat and frozen veggies. We also stocked up on dried goods... Lentils, beans, rice nuts etc.

I,m about to make some zucchini corn muffins and will toss some in the freezer... Also banana oat flax muffins.
Tomorrow I will prep a lentil bacon salad and cucumber black bean salad. New recipes that look promising, are healthy and pretty inexpensive! Also... Homemade granola, which everyone goes nuts for!

Dh and I both have been so crazed at work. I am trying to get a some ideas of things I can prep and have ready that are easy quick dinners so when we work a couple hours late we don't default to take out.

Sent from my Nexus 10

I would love to be able to spend $217 for half a month.....I spend $250 a week (less if I don't buy any meat)....and that really isn't any stocking up.  5 people currently living in my house (me, DD20, DS19, DS15 and DS19's girlfriend).  that covers all meals at home and to take to work (DD works 12 hours days lifeguarding).  no eating out (rarely unless I have a Chipotle craving for lunch while at work).  no soda.  the boys eat a ton - DS15 will eat an entire cantaloupe in one sitting.  I buy some junk, but when it's gone it's gone until the next week's shopping trip.

[sarcasticgirl]

Aug 3, 2014 8:15:46 GMT -5 @singlemominmd said:

Aug 2, 2014 16:50:16 GMT -5 sarcasticgirl said:

First big grocery trip of the month... $217. Which makes me feel crazy since it is bigger than some people's entire monthly budget! But it is half of ours... And we'll only need to get fresh produce and eggs and milk, yogurt and such for the rest of the month. Our freezer is filled to the brim... Plenty of meat and frozen veggies. We also stocked up on dried goods... Lentils, beans, rice nuts etc.

I,m about to make some zucchini corn muffins and will toss some in the freezer... Also banana oat flax muffins.
Tomorrow I will prep a lentil bacon salad and cucumber black bean salad. New recipes that look promising, are healthy and pretty inexpensive! Also... Homemade granola, which everyone goes nuts for!

Dh and I both have been so crazed at work. I am trying to get a some ideas of things I can prep and have ready that are easy quick dinners so when we work a couple hours late we don't default to take out.

Sent from my Nexus 10

I would love to be able to spend $217 for half a month.....I spend $250 a week (less if I don't buy any meat)....and that really isn't any stocking up.  5 people currently living in my house (me, DD20, DS19, DS15 and DS19's girlfriend).  that covers all meals at home and to take to work (DD works 12 hours days lifeguarding).  no eating out (rarely unless I have a Chipotle craving for lunch while at work).  no soda.  the boys eat a ton - DS15 will eat an entire cantaloupe in one sitting.  I buy some junk, but when it's gone it's gone until the next week's shopping trip.

In my house it is only me and dh... And our dog. His food isn't figured into our food budget lol

Sent from my Nexus 10

[hopetoberich]

I want to keep my food bill under $3000 for the year. 
Dh does help out by buying quite a bit too.
I think I am under budget for the last couple months. I have stopped myself going to the fridge when bored, or nothing much going on.every time we open that fridge it costs us money and neither of us are close to being underweight. So self control is on my list, un less I have ice cream in then its a free for all

[Deleted]

Aug 3, 2014 16:03:36 GMT -5 sarcasticgirl said:

Aug 3, 2014 8:15:46 GMT -5 @singlemominmd said:

I would love to be able to spend $217 for half a month.....I spend $250 a week (less if I don't buy any meat)....and that really isn't any stocking up.  5 people currently living in my house (me, DD20, DS19, DS15 and DS19's girlfriend).  that covers all meals at home and to take to work (DD works 12 hours days lifeguarding).  no eating out (rarely unless I have a Chipotle craving for lunch while at work).  no soda.  the boys eat a ton - DS15 will eat an entire cantaloupe in one sitting.  I buy some junk, but when it's gone it's gone until the next week's shopping trip.

In my house it is only me and dh... And our dog. His food isn't figured into our food budget lol

Sent from my Nexus 10

yeah, if it was me it would be a LOT cheaper....DD goes back to school later this month so that should save a good amount.  she keeps finding all these great recipes that have me buying lots of stuff.

[marvholly]

singlemom
I LOVE trying nw recipes but VERY seldom clip/copy one that needs ingredients or spices I do NOT regularly use. WAAAY too mch waste.

[Deleted]

Aug 4, 2014 6:11:27 GMT -5 marvholly said:

singlemom
I LOVE trying nw recipes but VERY seldom clip/copy one that needs ingredients or spices I do NOT regularly use. WAAAY too mch waste.

well some of what I've bought can be used in multiple recipes (ground cumin - for some reason I only had the non-ground, I finally bought ground and used it in 2 recipes I made yesterday and have another recipe I make regularly that uses it).  but these are things more like non-run-of-the-mill cheese, a specialty pasta, fresh herbs, etc.  I'm willing to spend the money if it's something that they'll eat. 

[sarcasticgirl]

I have no problem buying ingredients I do not normally have on hand for a new recipe. I bought queso fresco this weekend for a recipe.... Not something I typically buy, but something I will totally use.

Sent from my Nexus 4 using proboards

[Deleted]

Aug 4, 2014 8:01:56 GMT -5 sarcasticgirl said:

I have no problem buying ingredients I do not normally have on hand for a new recipe. I bought queso fresco this weekend for a recipe.... Not something I typically buy, but something I will totally use.

Sent from my Nexus 4 using proboards

I bought orechiette (spelling probably off) - I probably could have substituted some other type of pasta but it was the first time making it.  I also bought Manchego cheese - not sure what type of cheese it is but may be able to substitute something similar next time.  My hope is always that the recipe is yummy and I'll make it again so will use the ingredients.

[sarcasticgirl]

Aug 4, 2014 8:07:12 GMT -5 @singlemominmd said:

Aug 4, 2014 8:01:56 GMT -5 sarcasticgirl said:

I have no problem buying ingredients I do not normally have on hand for a new recipe. I bought queso fresco this weekend for a recipe.... Not something I typically buy, but something I will totally use.

Sent from my Nexus 4 using proboards

I bought orechiette (spelling probably off) - I probably could have substituted some other type of pasta but it was the first time making it.  I also bought Manchego cheese - not sure what type of cheese it is but may be able to substitute something similar next time.  My hope is always that the recipe is yummy and I'll make it again so will use the ingredients.

manchego is a spanish sheeps milk cheese. It is manna from heaven... if you don't like it, I can take it off your hands!!! it is my favorite 
if you do like it, I can give you a couple ideas on how to use it, other than just shoving it in your mouth at warp speed (my preferred method)

[Sam_2.0]

I am going to get this menu for future reference: www.iamthatlady.com/gluten-free-aldi-meal-plan/ 25 meals for $150!! And all pretty decent too.

[Iggy aka IG]

First grocery trip of the month last night for fresh produce, eggs, and canned chicken (for my lunches) purposes.  Had $29 to spend, spent $26.74, and saved 18% buying things on sale and buying my Personal Price items.

[Sam_2.0]

Well, I just got the data from Mint - I've spent $295.22 at the grocery store for this month and obviously went over my $200 goal. Included in that was $71 for trips for entertaining stuff (beer, stuff for DH's friends, etc) and a trip to the market across the street for lunches for the week ($17), so taking out that $88 brings me a bit closer to what I had planned on and we still have some food left for meals since we were starting from a completely empty pantry. Still really want to get it closer this month and need to keep better track of money spent on "entertaining" food (last minute beer/pizzas when DH invites people over).

But what makes me want to puke is $1074 for food total. THAT IS $780 FOR FRIGGIN RESTAURANTS! Needless to say we've found the budget leak and DH is on my shit list right now. I am so overwhelmed by that number that I just don't even know what to do. It was about $25/day for fast food, restaurants, coffee shops. I seriously feel sick to my stomach.

[chicg]

Sam, don't get sick to your stomach : )  You found the leak in the budget, now just try to fix it.  No use crying over spilled milk, just learn the lesson.

Don't forget everyone that if you're trying to reduce grocery bills, making recipes with specialty ingredients usually isn't a great idea.  See if you can get an overall sense of the recipe and sub ingredients that you already have or plan a few new recipes with those new ingredients so you don't let the unused portion go to waste.  Spices are usually a big culprit, if you're not adventurous in the spice department, try buying a blend (Italian, greek, Mexican, etc) instead of 10 jars of specific ones.  Then if you like the recipe and plan to cook more that way, you can add the individual spices. 

Mmm Manchego - that's a staple in my house, YUM.

Sarcastic - what do you do with it besides just shove in your mouth at warp speed? Also, have you tried any of the Bellevitano cheeses?  I feel like you'd like them if you like manchego.  The raspberry bellevitano is my favorite (I think it's a parm/cheddar blend, has the consistency of a chunk of parm) and the lowest price is at Mariano's, or Stamper Cheese at the farmer's markets (Stamper is usually at the downtown markets if you ever go to those). 

I recently found out my one kitty is pretty sick and I'll be spending about $150/mo on his care, so I have to really focus on reducing my food budget, again.  I'm at $126 for the month right now, $200 is my goal, including food when I'm at work.  I REALLY need to cut down on that.

[whoisjohngalt]

I way overspend in July.

At this point I'll just be happy if my total annual number is less than last year's bc for the last 3 years it has been going up up up

[Deleted]

Aug 7, 2014 9:38:38 GMT -5 chicg said:

Sam, don't get sick to your stomach : )  You found the leak in the budget, now just try to fix it.  No use crying over spilled milk, just learn the lesson.

Don't forget everyone that if you're trying to reduce grocery bills, making recipes with specialty ingredients usually isn't a great idea.  See if you can get an overall sense of the recipe and sub ingredients that you already have or plan a few new recipes with those new ingredients so you don't let the unused portion go to waste.  Spices are usually a big culprit, if you're not adventurous in the spice department, try buying a blend (Italian, greek, Mexican, etc) instead of 10 jars of specific ones.  Then if you like the recipe and plan to cook more that way, you can add the individual spices. 

Mmm Manchego - that's a staple in my house, YUM.

Sarcastic - what do you do with it besides just shove in your mouth at warp speed? Also, have you tried any of the Bellevitano cheeses?  I feel like you'd like them if you like manchego.  The raspberry bellevitano is my favorite (I think it's a parm/cheddar blend, has the consistency of a chunk of parm) and the lowest price is at Mariano's, or Stamper Cheese at the farmer's markets (Stamper is usually at the downtown markets if you ever go to those). 

I recently found out my one kitty is pretty sick and I'll be spending about $150/mo on his care, so I have to really focus on reducing my food budget, again.  I'm at $126 for the month right now, $200 is my goal, including food when I'm at work.  I REALLY need to cut down on that.

yeah not trying to reduce my grocery bill - takes too much work. 

[Iggy aka IG]

Aug 7, 2014 9:41:55 GMT -5 whoisjohngalt said:

I way overspend in July.

At this point I'll just be happy if my total annual number is less than last year's bc for the last 3 years it has been going up up up

[sarcasticgirl]

chicg- I actually might have some bellavitano in my fridge right now. it is difficult to find a cheese I'm not in to. For manchego... my favorite combo is figs or fig jam. There's a great app I like to make with small slices of baguette, fig jam or preserves spread on the slice, topped with some manchego and proscuitto. I've also been known to make an entire sandwich like this. Hannah's Bretzel has something similar if you've ever had lunch there. I once made manchego crackers and ate them with fig jam and bits of prosciutto. I also like it stuffed in dates, chopped with a salad that contains fruit. (can you see a theme here?!?) there's something about the sweetness of fruit and the manchego that pairs so well... better than so many other cheeses. IMHO. I also just use it like i would any other cheese... shredded on an omelet, in potatoes au gratin. I have a recipe for manchego croquettes that I have been wanting to try, but I feel like that could be pretty dangerous. Man... I am out of manchego! I would totally slice some up and slather fig jam on it right now if i had some! 

[Sam_2.0]

Got some groceries yesterday. $79 and it included some cleaning supplies. A lot of fresh produce and meats to go with what we already had to make meals. Should be able to go two weeks on this provided we actually eat at home. Took snacks to the ballgame and ate before we left yesterday. Been working on eating leftovers as much as possible so we wont waste food. This month will be better!!!

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[sarcasticgirl]

Shopping today and spent way more than anticipated. $50 at the produce market and $110 at the grocery store. So $169... I think we have like 30 left for the month. *sigh*
But. I have been in the process of bulk cooking. I am going to batch cook frozen burritos, granola bars, some lasagnas and muffins. I am working on keeping s stock of quick easy and healthy ish foods that we can grab when we are swamped. If spending a bit more upfront now keeps the eating out budget down, I consider it a success.
we won't need the store again this. Month except for milk and some produce, so we may still make it in budget.

Sent from my Nexus 10

[Iggy aka IG]

I absolutely must stay within my $300 budget this month!  If not I will punish myself, LOL! 

I shop City Market and did the majority of my grocery shopping last Friday.  The goal was to buy things if I had a coupon, or if they were on sale.  I saved 28% overall, and used 17 paper coupons, 8 of which were rounded to $1.  I also used 10 downloaded e-coupons.  One of the e-coupons was Buy $75 Worth of Groceries get $15 Off Your Order!!!    I have 11 Your Personal Price items on my receipt.  Total spent $234.19.

I need to go back tonight and buy HBAs and a few cleaning products (Cascade, Woolite).  I plan on keeping track to not go over the $300.