dancinmama
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Post by dancinmama on Jan 4, 2011 21:06:12 GMT -5
If that could be converted to post form, I could put it as a locked sticky, so people coming here can get the basics, without feeling overwhelmed by the ~8,000,000,000 post GC thread. First, it was only that long because we were constantly talking about "the deals" day after day after day. I explained in the very first post of the proboards thread that all the posts were mostly obsolete information and to just jump in and join us. The J: Come on over. The gals would love to have a guy as a regular. We've only had one, for just a little while in the past. I PROMISE you'll get a lot of "special" treatment.
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The J
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Post by The J on Jan 5, 2011 11:39:30 GMT -5
If you don't mind, I'll dowload and sticky the info. And then maybe I'll join you ladies on the thread
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dancinmama
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Post by dancinmama on Jan 6, 2011 2:32:13 GMT -5
....."But I am very lucky because my DH realizes that value of what I do and really appreciates it even if it does mean that he sometimes has to wait to have that ribeye steak (for example). "..... We're about half-way there, but as I type this, dh went to the local (expensive) market to get good bread to go with dinner. I've/We've purchased sides of beef and pig. I do prefer that both economically and healthfully, but the last side of pig we got wasn't the best ever. I'm not sure what we'll do the next time that opportunity comes up. My late DFIL used to be a butcher and he said that there is a huge difference in the pork that comes from corn fed pigs and the pork that comes from slop fed pigs.
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dancinmama
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LIVIN' THE DREAM!!
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Post by dancinmama on Jan 6, 2011 2:33:03 GMT -5
If you don't mind, I'll dowload and sticky the info. And then maybe I'll join you ladies on the thread You're not afraid of us are you?
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Post by mtshastawriter on Jan 6, 2011 21:33:58 GMT -5
I agree that you have to watch what you spend at Costco and learn to eat from a pantry rather than from the grocery store shelves.
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The J
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Post by The J on Jan 7, 2011 21:44:31 GMT -5
If you don't mind, I'll dowload and sticky the info. And then maybe I'll join you ladies on the thread You're not afraid of us are you? Maybe just a little
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Wisconsin Beth
Distinguished Associate
No, we don't walk away. But when we're holding on to something precious, we run.
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Post by Wisconsin Beth on Jan 13, 2011 17:32:16 GMT -5
I'm downloading the info for DH, who does our shopping. I'll try to get him to join too but I never had luck getting him on the msn boards so I'm not going to hold my breath on getting him here...
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Post by caddy on Jan 14, 2011 10:53:33 GMT -5
jax,
I'm also new to grocery budgeting. I spend about $600/month on groceries for a household of two (plus two kids alternating weekends). I used to roll my eyes at coupons... like I want to spend time clipping coupons to save 20 cents, and usually I just forget about them til they expire. I make a run to the store about 2 or 3x/week and buy whatever I want, for whatever it costs that day. I eat mostly fruits/veggies, fish, tofu/beans and vegetarian protein. I don't eat much starch or cereals.. which can stretch a budget.
Anyway, I started meal planning and made a goal to shop only on Sundays. I joined CostCo. I've spent twice as much as usual at CVS this month, but I think I probably have enough mouth wash to last me the rest of the year.
I can't find much at CostCo that I want to buy, so far. The produce looks awful. Will this change with the seasons? Is this just bad winter produce?
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Post by jax on Jan 18, 2011 19:09:46 GMT -5
Not sure about the produce, I haven't bought any there in a while. And I wish I had. I just paid 6 bucks for two little bags of salad greens, and I could have gotten twice as much for $4 at Costco. I haven't meal planned for this week; haven't had the time - must make the time! jax, I'm also new to grocery budgeting. I spend about $600/month on groceries for a household of two (plus two kids alternating weekends). I used to roll my eyes at coupons... like I want to spend time clipping coupons to save 20 cents, and usually I just forget about them til they expire. I make a run to the store about 2 or 3x/week and buy whatever I want, for whatever it costs that day. I eat mostly fruits/veggies, fish, tofu/beans and vegetarian protein. I don't eat much starch or cereals.. which can stretch a budget. Anyway, I started meal planning and made a goal to shop only on Sundays. I joined CostCo. I've spent twice as much as usual at CVS this month, but I think I probably have enough mouth wash to last me the rest of the year. I can't find much at CostCo that I want to buy, so far. The produce looks awful. Will this change with the seasons? Is this just bad winter produce?
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Firebird
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Post by Firebird on Jan 19, 2011 16:07:27 GMT -5
I remember something posted back in the day about a "grocery challenge handbook" that someone(s) put together. If that could be converted to post form, I could put it as a locked sticky, so people coming here can get the basics, without feeling overwhelmed by the ~8,000,000,000 post GC thread. It would be massively helpful for a lot of people (myself included). Yes please.
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dragon2008
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Post by dragon2008 on Jan 24, 2011 16:55:09 GMT -5
I joined the GC briefly, just before my year-from-a-very-hot-place-below-the-basement started. Since then, I've been trying to get back up on the saving horse (instead of just increasing my food budget when I go over).
Does anyone keep a list of what you regularly buy and the dates you get the good, better, best buys on those items?
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dancinmama
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LIVIN' THE DREAM!!
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Post by dancinmama on Jan 26, 2011 12:14:28 GMT -5
I joined the GC briefly, just before my year-from-a-very-hot-place-below-the-basement started. Since then, I've been trying to get back up on the saving horse (instead of just increasing my food budget when I go over). Does anyone keep a list of what you regularly buy and the dates you get the good, better, best buys on those items? dragon: We'd love to have you back over at the Grocery Challenge so please don't be shy - come on over and post. There are a ton of gals over there who will bend over backward to help you out. The list you describe above is often referred to as a price book. Many of the gals on the Grocery Challenge start out by keeping one to track prices. Eventually though they just pretty much know their rock bottom prices (the lowest sale price that you're going to get) and no longer feel the need to track prices. After being on the Grocery Challenge for a while, most gals can live off of what they have purchased very cheaply and already have in their pantries/freezers adding dairy and fresh fruits and veggies as needed (usually what is on sale from week to week). For example: Yesterday I got (4) rib eye steaks and over 4.5 lbs 80/20 ground beef for $7.13 (FOR ALL OF IT). I will make a meatloaf for dinner tonight (1/2 ground beef and 1/2 ground turkey). DH wants to make home made burgers. The rest of the ground beef will be made into taco meat (cooked and ready to go) and put in the freezer for later meals. I put the steaks (4 in all) 2 to a package for two separate meals. I have mashed potatoes in the pantry ($.37/box on clearance at CVS). I have free frozen peas in the freezer. So all I need to do is throw a salad together and I'll have a couple of really good meals (steak, mashed potatoes, veggies, and salad) and the cost will be less than $1 per person for a STEAK DINNER. Now, I can't ALWAYS get meats as cheaply as I did yesterday, but a lot of times I can get pretty close. So come on over to the Grocery Challenge. If you're lurking, PLEASE post - it benefits EVERYONE.
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Post by jax on Jan 27, 2011 16:23:36 GMT -5
Ugh, it's nearly the end of the month.
According to Quicken, I have spent $1,220 on groceries. And I know what the problem is.
Beer & cigarettes. I smoke a bit, and have a couple drinks in the evening, but my other half (super stressful job), is going through beer and cigarettes at an alarming rate. He's already gotten checked out by a doctor, clean bill but warned about the damage this could do as well as the stress.
But I just can't afford his vices. Mine either, really... I'm taking Chantix (just started last Monday) to help me quit, but by my estimates, I'm spending around $150 a week to keep him in the beer and smokes.
This has jacked my grocery bill by about 40%, and I've made it clear I can't do this anymore.
My other problem is that I haven't been able to bargain shop much as we've been going to a rental property (cabin in the mountains) we own every weekend to make repairs, and am exhausted all week. However, been using coupons when I can, and trying to work with what I have & utilize Target (much cheaper than my Safeway).
This sucks. I know how hard he's working to get this deal through, but I can barely save money.
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mercee
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Post by mercee on Jan 27, 2011 16:42:38 GMT -5
jax - How is the Chantix working for you? I've heard horror stories (& saw what it did to my mom). I wish you my best in quitting - it's a nasty vice but I understand (2nd-hand) how difficult it is to quit. Any chance you can limit the number of cigarettes / beers / drinks per day that you both have? Make the both of you pay for those vices out of your allowance vs the grocery budget? Or set $xx from your grocery budget and everything over that has to come out of your individual allowance (if you do allowances)? Good luck to both of you...
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Post by jax on Jan 27, 2011 18:11:59 GMT -5
I've used it once before - quit for 3 weeks, then allowed a bad mood to swamp me. It completely removes any enjoyment of a cigarette (and it is enjoyable or I wouldn't be doing it ) and suddenly I'm just holding a hot, dirty, stinky cigarette I have no interest in. I think it makes me a tiny bit aggressive, but I'm so easy going it probably just evens me out, lol. Yes, I'm going to buy him some cigs & beer in bulk (Costco) in a very limited amount, and when he goes through those, that's it. He has to buy whatever else he needs. Or pay me for it! Poor guy is on the phone from morning till night, no time to even eat lunch. jax - How is the Chantix working for you? I've heard horror stories (& saw what it did to my mom). I wish you my best in quitting - it's a nasty vice but I understand (2nd-hand) how difficult it is to quit. Any chance you can limit the number of cigarettes / beers / drinks per day that you both have? Make the both of you pay for those vices out of your allowance vs the grocery budget? Or set $xx from your grocery budget and everything over that has to come out of your individual allowance (if you do allowances)? Good luck to both of you...
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mercee
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Post by mercee on Jan 28, 2011 7:41:07 GMT -5
hehehe - I understand (again, 2nd-hand) the enjoyment of a cigarette - my mom smoked for 50 yrs (started at 12) & she just could never shake the habit long-term. Her last attempt was with chantix & after that, she said forget it, I'm going to die anyways, I may as well die happy. Course, she said that after every time her attempt to quit didn't work or when the docs tried to tell her to quit. I always knew she was ok after a surgery when the first thing she'd say to me is "where are my cigarettes, give me one" - haha That does sound stressful for him, but if he can go all day w/o a cigarette, why not all night too? I suppose it's the same way that I can go all day without a drink but need one when I get home - you just get used to knowing when you can & can't do something. I hope his job gets better soon & I hope that you have success with Chantix. PS - do you ever get coupons for cigarettes? My mom used to - that helped defray the cost some. I just threw out a packet of Basic coupons...
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Pants
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Post by Pants on Jan 28, 2011 8:54:53 GMT -5
jax--If you've ID'd that as the major issue in your grocery budget, that is simultaneously an easy fix and the hardest fix ever. I quit smoking more than three months ago now and have zero desire, after smoking a pack+ a day for 15 years--you CAN get there. Once you stop, it's like the money drain plugs itself right up. OUr budget magically equalized once we stopped throwing away $800/month on cigarettes. I know your DH works hard, but you should try to persuade him to quit too, or at least cut back. It's hard but I promise it can be done!!
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Post by jax on Jan 30, 2011 20:42:57 GMT -5
Quit 3 months ago? Congrats, you must feel awesome! So, my other half actually went and bought his own carton of cigarettes the other day, with his own money. I think he finally "gets it", that he's bleeding me dry over here. (Also read him the riot act about what he's doing to his health last night) Right now, I'm sitting here going through my sales fliers and coupons, rooting through my freezer, to see what I need grocery-wise for the week. I'm no where near the racers, but I must admit it's kind of exciting to put my coupons in my organizer, and then actually USE them and plan my shopping list around what's on sale, what I need, and what I have a coupon for. ;D jax--If you've ID'd that as the major issue in your grocery budget, that is simultaneously an easy fix and the hardest fix ever. I quit smoking more than three months ago now and have zero desire, after smoking a pack+ a day for 15 years--you CAN get there. Once you stop, it's like the money drain plugs itself right up. OUr budget magically equalized once we stopped throwing away $800/month on cigarettes. I know your DH works hard, but you should try to persuade him to quit too, or at least cut back. It's hard but I promise it can be done!!
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mercee
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Post by mercee on Jan 31, 2011 12:30:13 GMT -5
I agree, jax, it is exciting to go through the coupons & see what deals you can get. I just started over at the grocery challenge a couple weeks ago & I'm having a blast! Course, I'm not really saving much on my groceries yet, but my personal care items stash is growing rather cheaply. Good luck! Keep at it! Stop over at grocery challenge - I promise it's not as bad as it looks! I skim through the posts on stores that I don't have (which is a lot, it seems - LOL) so it doesn't take too much time.
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Post by jax on Feb 7, 2011 21:55:26 GMT -5
Well Glory Hallelujah and pass the biscuits - my other half has seen the light!
I don't know what came over him, but he's finally realizing how much money has been wasted in this household over stupid things that could have gone to debt, saved up, whatever.
He's purchasing, for the most part, his own vices. And he's really on board with this whole thing.
I've also been paying close attention to the regular purchases we make, and how much things cost per unit. I'm beginning to be able to track more items than I was, and I think I might be ready to hound soon.
I doubt I've saved anything significant (oh wait, I bought a ton of top round at a great price, portioned it out per meal, and it's really nice meat, tastes great, anyway) but I do feel better already being more aware of what I spend.
And today I bought something I had a coupon for RIGHT THERE in my purse, and forgot. Hating that! I want my 3.50 back, hahaha!
Anyway, with being careful for the next week, I've added to my (very meager) little savings account and kept us in more food than anybody could possibly cook at pretty good prices.
;D
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mercee
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Post by mercee on Feb 8, 2011 13:44:07 GMT -5
**happy dance** I'm so happy for you!!!! The little things *do* add up!
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TrixAre4Kids
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Post by TrixAre4Kids on Feb 9, 2011 12:50:52 GMT -5
I *HATE* it when I have a coupon and forget to use it!
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donnafreedman
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Post by donnafreedman on Feb 10, 2011 0:00:10 GMT -5
Two things, Jax: 1. The neologism for splitting a side of beef with someone? "Cowpooling." :-) 2. Buy discounted Petsmart gift cards to pay for your furry friends' needs. Right now you can get them for up to a 10% discount. This goes for other items you use regularly, too (supermarkets, haircut places, PayLess shoes, Home Depot...) -- it's a built-in discount that, combined with sales and coupons (when possible) means you're spending less on stuff you need. Go to an aggregator site called GiftCardGranny.com, click on "buy gift cards" and check to see which company has the best deals for Petsmart (or whatever). For more info, check out this column I did for MSN Money: money.msn.com/saving-money/gift-shop-with-gift-cards-and-save-freedman.aspxAnd I agree with Dancinmama: You're taking charge now. Don't beat yourself up.
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TheOtherMe
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Post by TheOtherMe on Feb 13, 2011 20:58:18 GMT -5
I have a Sam's Club membership through my brother-in-law's business. I save the cost in gas alone. I buy thinks like toilet paper, paper towels, etc. in bulk. Since I live alone, I don't buy the large quantities of food as I would be tossing some out and that is wasteful. I do buy milk there, as it's over $1 a gallon cheaper than at the store in my small town. I only buy it hear if I totally run it. Then it's cheaper to buy it here than to drive 20 miles just for milk.
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