Back to budget basics

I was looking over the USDA's website about food budgets and decided that I am going to see how I stack up for a month.  I KNOW I spend less a month than what they consider "thrifty" but I would like to see just how much!

The latest month that the USDA has online is for the month of May.  For my current family of DH, myself, our 23 year old daughter whose is due to have a baby any day now, our 12 year old son, and 10 year old daughter. Per the site, our monthly budget should be $738.43.  I spend no where near that.  I might push near $400 some months, but most months are closer to $350.

I am going to keep track of my grocery costs for July (I had planned to in June, but forgot.) so that I can see how much of a difference there is in our numbers.

Grocery Budget Strategy -- Buying in Bulk

This is not just for grains, flour, sugar and such, but also cleaning products, paper goods and anything that I can freeze. This is where having a nice Price Book comes into play. A bulk purchase is a waste if the price per pound is not a savings. Don't assume that just because the package is large that the savings is there! Because of my price book, I know what the "normal" prices are and what the "sale" prices will be (within reason). Also, something to consider, if the product that you are buying in bulk can not be used before it goes bad, IT IS NOT A SAVINGS! 


Food thrown in the trash is no different than throwing money in the trash.

Days go by quickly......

I have been contemplating my shopping habits lately and feel the need to challenge myself where my grocery budget is concerned.

Starting May 1st, I am going to challenge myself to only spend $400 for the month.  This will include foodstuffs, paper products, cleaning products and pet items.

I will keep a tally and post here my totals.