My January numbers . . .

**alabamagirl** · 02-01-2006, 01:52 PM

I've never kept track or participated in a grocery challenge because I had no idea what I spent! I recorded everything in January and saw that I spent nearly $500.00 for groceries and we spent almost $300.00 eating out. This is for two adults and we have two grown sons - one of which is usually visiting over the weekend.

This number seems high to me but DH doesn't think so. What's an average amount we should be spending per meal - or is their a US average of money spent on food?

I think these are the two areas I can most cut down on when I retire in a few weeks.

TIA,

Debbie

**Mojjo** · 02-01-2006, 02:03 PM

I found this

http://grocery.lifetips.com/subcat/6...s/budget-info/

For a family of 4 (me, DH, SS, and DS) we spend $275 every two weeks. This last week I actually had a lot leftover. We don't eat out much for our area. Probably twice a month...and not high end stuff either.

**homesteadmamma** · 02-01-2006, 02:04 PM

I'm not sure where you live. If you have 4 adults eating, your grocery bill probably isn't all that high, although you could probably cut back in some areas.

It's the eating out that is high!!!!

**alabamagirl** · 02-01-2006, 03:01 PM

Thanks for your responses! I did read the article and it says for a family of three adults the national average is about $435.00 per month. We are just two adults, but our grown sons are over lots on the weekend. For next month I'll shoot for $400 - I can at least be average! LOL. As far as the eating out, I'll trim it from $300 to $200.00.

Debbie

**AmyBoz** · 02-01-2006, 08:17 PM

For a family of 4, we spend approximately $275 a MONTH on groceries, (we eat well...pork chops, ground beef, roast, chicken, vegetables, etc.) and when times are tight, we don't eat out at all. When times aren't tight, even then, we'll only eat out about once a month. Doesn't work for everyone, but those are our numbers.

**happymommy** · 02-02-2006, 07:44 AM

I wanted to wish you good luck on reducing your food budget.

**alabamagirl** · 02-02-2006, 10:42 AM

Thanks happymommy!

I think you do great Amy. I'll start participating in grocery challenges and try to decrease it some every month. (The eating out also)