2012 Grocery Budget Reduction Challenge

**BeachFun** · 03-04-2012, 05:51 PM

Today I sat down and totaled what was spent on groceries in February. The good news is that I came in under my budget of $300. I spent $268.98 (including dinner for company 3 nights). Next, I decided to total how much was spent eating out. The bad news is that we spent $441.01. That included 2 meals because we were out of town. All I can say is "ouch" and we will really need to do much better.

This month I am going to keep my grocery budget the same and try to spend 1/2 of what we spent last month ($220) dining out.

**pcaltman** · 03-05-2012, 03:40 PM

Hi all,
I would love to join you. Have been spending way too much of food and family at my house. Time to lower the bill and put more to debt

Trying to get through the week with only spending $20.

March - $400 (This is a big jump so we will see, but needs to be done)

Spent - $148.35

**pcaltman** · 03-07-2012, 08:43 AM

Hi all, it's Wednesday and I have not even spent my $20 yet. Things are getting tight. I am out of butter and eggs so I know I will need them. I ment to get some today, but I don't know if I can make it to the store

We will see, way too busy.....

**pcaltman** · 03-08-2012, 12:48 PM

Hi all, So ended up at the store and spent $30, but got a lot. I am making Tarragon chicken Saturday and it calls for wine so now on the list will be a bottle of $3 wine (I know very expensive ha) anyway doing ok, went over but close so very happy about that

Hope everybody else is doing well.

**wunsagin** · 04-01-2012, 12:54 PM

I've been WAY under budget for the year so far, still going to keep it at $250 for April food only. I hope we start to see good sales on bbq supplies.

**piney** · 04-01-2012, 01:38 PM

Was under budget again in March only spent $136.52 even a small stockpile help keep budget down.

**pcaltman** · 04-02-2012, 09:40 AM

Ok my new challenge this week is to spend no more then $75. That's to include Easter dinner as well. God wish me luck. Trying my best, but things are tight right now......I can do this

**EmilyD** · 04-18-2012, 03:04 PM

My challenge for this is $140.00 per pay period:

Includes:
HBA
Paper
Vitamins, probiotic, joint juice
Cat food and litter
Dog food
Stockpile

**EmilyD** · 04-22-2012, 11:59 AM

I had to raise my gas budget, so added another $10 into groceries as well. New budget for 2 weeks is $150.00.

So far I have spent $113.00

**EmilyD** · 05-08-2012, 06:02 PM

I have spent the $150 budget both pay periods, however
I had a lot of "stockpile" involved. Mine was totaled by the split.

Next payday, I am hoping to spend 130.00.

**pcaltman** · 05-09-2012, 10:38 AM

Hi all,

Have $40 to get through the week for food. This is what I have planned all from Costco then use up what ever I have in the frig:

Dog food $26
Flour $8
Eggs $4

**KimZ** · 05-12-2012, 07:12 AM

Hi all I'm new to this challenge - but here's my goal for the rest of this month:

$525 this includes lunches, dinners, cleaning supplies, petfood, paper products etc!

FYI this is a HUGE reduction to what I usually spend and if I told you - you would cringe - but we do eat 90% organic and I personally am going back to eating paleo

**KimZ** · 05-12-2012, 01:29 PM

Spent $172 today,,,, stocked up on Juice for DD shouldn't need any until July

**pcaltman** · 05-14-2012, 08:37 AM

Hi all,

Hope everybody had a great Mother's Day

I was going to get mom a gift or gift card and thought about it. Instead I got her flowers and a card. Saved a lot of money

Don't mean to be cheap, but have to stick to the budget you know. Did end up spending more on food. Mostly my mothers day dinner (buffalo wings). Oh well, still did well. This week I think I want to see if I can get away with spending no more then $25. Wish me luck

**beks37** · 05-19-2012, 10:44 AM

To catch myself up with this thread, I will post my monthly spending on groceries. There are 2 adults in my household and 4 children (every other weekend). We feed the kids 17 meals a month approximately.

Spent/Budget - Over/(Under)

January $224.50/$252.00 - $27.50 Under
February $211.11/$200.00 - $11.11 Over
March $117.45/$188.00 - $70.55 Under
April $243.28/$188.00 - $55.28 Over
May $157.13/$188.00 - $30.87 Under (so far)

I coupon a lot! I buy things on sale and stock up so that we don't have to buy things full price. When I go grocery shopping, I buy sale items and then I buy perishables for the week (milk, bread, fruits, veggies)