In my last grocery challenge post I had .23 left to spend. You would have thought with only five days left, I wouldn't have went over budget. But, I did, by $32.17.
I had previously thought I would only have to buy some milk, but I had forgotten about Thanksgiving! We ate with Barb and her family and I had to bring something, so part of the money I spent went to buy that. Then, while I was at the store, I saw a good sale on pork chops, so I bought a few packs. So at least we have a little meat to start December with.
In the end, I ended up spending a total of $242.17. I guess that's not too bad for my first time trying to work within a grocery budget. Some of you have asked what my goal for December is. Well, I'd like to try again for $210. I hope I can do it, but with Christmas coming, I'm not sure. But, I'm gonna try. I'll keep y'all posted as to how I do this month also. If anyone has any helpful hints, I'd appreciate them!
Monday, December 1, 2008
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7 comments:
I think you did awesome! Besides, buying the pork chops on sale may end up making your December budget easier to stick to. I personally think that it is best to have a little wiggle room in your budget, if you can manage it, so that you are able to take advantage of such sales and/or meet unexpected needs (like Thanksgiving ;) - I almost forgot to buy for it too!)
Hey, I think you did great! Especially if it's your first time working with a grocery budget. I went waaay over budget this month!
Sounds like you did a great job! But don't beat yourself up if this was your first time trying a set budget. It may be an indicator that it is too low. For a long time I had one that I kept going over by just a few dollars. It finally clicked, that I simply needed to raise the budget. So try it again for another month or two and if you keep going over then you will know that it is too low of one for your family.
I know a lot of people are shooting for really low food budgets on the web, but each family is different and in different seasons. One reason my budget is so much higher than others is because I have children with severe allergies. We go through nearly 2 gallons of milk a week and 2 gallons of soy milk too. Plus soy cheese and regular cheese. Add to the "non-dairy" products the diapers we use and you can see that I need to spend 30-35 each week on milk, bread and diapers. Our budget for a family of 6 is $125 a week right now. For a few months I beat myself up for not spending less than $100 a week, but my husband pointed out this need we have for milk, bread and diapers. Our youngest son may grow out of his allergies and I pray this someday happens. That and diapers would easily lower us to our ideal goal of $100.00
But my point is...I tried a budget for awhile that was not working. When I raised it I found a more comfortable and easily attainable goal. It feels good to have it where I can achieve it in a comfortable way. It even feels better when I get below it! Which does happen!
Just keep trying and keep up the good work!
I think you did a great job! Especially for your first time trying. Keep up the good work.
Nancy,
Thanks for stopping by our blog! I'm glad that you enjoyed our Thanksgiving story.
As for the grocery budget, I'm not sure what advice to give since I don't know what you're accustomed to having. However, I can share with you what has worked for us in the hopes that some of it might help you. (BTW--Our budget is $300/month which includes diapers for two and pull-ups for another one at night.)
1) We cut back on meat. We typically have meat about two to three times a week. Casseroles tend to extend meat a bit further. I can get two meals out of a whole chicken by using part of it in a casserole and using some of the other for a meal. It doesn't make for a lot of meat during the meal, so I make other things that have a lot of substance.
2) We drink primarily water. The kids are only allowed to have one cup of juice and milk each day.
3) We cut out a lot of processed foods. We eat fruits and vegetables for snacks which tend to be more filling. The kids eat a lot less of them than they would other snacks :P
Anyway, the others have good points too...depending on what area you are in, you may have to evaluate your budget...if you have more money available, you may want to consider raising your budget a bit in a few months.
I'll look forward to reading about your gardening adventures in the new year. We've done one the past two years, but I still haven't had enough to put much up.
Warmly,
Elizabeth
You're doing just great! Wow ~ quite an inspiration.
Smiles,
Lea
I think you did a great job. Food is very expensive these days. Keep up the good work!!
Thanks for stopping by our blog!!
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