Sunday, May 8, 2011

$25 grocery challenge

My S.O. and I are pretty frugal by nature, but with grad school coming up for me and a general sense that we might be able to save more than we currently are we decided to kick it up a notch and give ourselves a challenge.  Tiny habits in spending can make or break a budget, especially in tight economies or should one fall on hard times. I know of a guy who is pursuing a masters in social work degree, but is known to spend $80 on bar tabs every Friday night. It's no wonder so many of our generation struggle with savings and finances.  As for us, we've decided to implement a $25 per week grocery budget.  In the past we've had times where our grocery bill comfortably ranged around $30 per week, but the last month or two our spending has been more than double that.  We haven't been eating like kings and aren't a ton happier, in fact, I can't even point out why our grocery bills have been so much higher.  So it's time to go back to a hard budget and get mindful about our grocery shopping.

Although originally it was supposed to be a cash-only, envelope method challenge we haven't really stuck to that part of it.  We have been, so far, successful at sticking to the $25 limit.  Actually, last week were just under $20 - we had a lot of left over odds and ends to clear out of the fridge.  We do a Friday to Friday week and this week is looking good too; we've spent $10 so far this week.

The budget covers just groceries, not eating out, alcohol or paper goods for just the two of us and the real challenge will be maintaining it long term instead of eating our pantry empty and having an expensive restocking week.  Our meals have been pretty typical for us, healthy, mostly vegetarian with lots of produce and I think we're just getting back into the groove of eating everything we buy.  We've also been grilling a lot lately which has been nice.

Once we have our usual grocery budget back as habit we'll probably move on to look at eating out (though we haven't been doing a lot of this) or alcohol (spending more than usual here) expenses.  We'll see how it goes.

What do you spend on groceries each week or month?

Update:  I wrote about the tactics we've been using to meet our $25 budget for more how-to information.

If you like this please Link Back to this article...



Related Posts by Categories



64 comments:

  1. This is so hard to do. My wife and I have recently been doing the same for grocery shopping. Most importantly we make a list and then bring a couple extra bucks for an item or two off the list. Key is we bring the cash for the grocery budget only.

    Also, saving money on wine a Trader Joe's with a case of $2 Chuck for around $30 (hint: it's not really $2 a bottle).

    ReplyDelete
  2. Wanderer, thanks for being my first comment! I may not do my grocery shopping at Trader Joe's but I definitely do my wine shopping there when I can. They have a great selection of wines under $5 a bottle.

    ReplyDelete
  3. Have you heard of Angel Food Ministries?

    They have a variety of menu options at different prices. Their signature box is $35, but they also have a smaller option for $22.

    Here's the link: http://www.angelfoodministries.com

    Hope this helps.

    ReplyDelete
  4. Very good post. I am facing many of these issues as well.
    .
    My web site: Greg

    ReplyDelete
  5. I loved as much as you'll receive carried out right here. The sketch is tasteful, your authored material stylish. nonetheless, you command get bought an nervousness over that you wish be delivering the following. unwell unquestionably come more formerly again since exactly the same nearly very often inside case you shield this increase.
    my web site :: Riley

    ReplyDelete
  6. Hello to every one, the contents present at this site are in fact remarkable for people experience, well, keep up the nice work fellows.
    My web site Gabriel

    ReplyDelete
  7. I loved as much as you'll receive carried out right here. The sketch is attractive, your authored material stylish. nonetheless, you command get bought an impatience over that you wish be delivering the following. unwell unquestionably come more formerly again as exactly the same nearly very often inside case you shield this increase.
    Also visit my page erinmore

    ReplyDelete
  8. If you are going for most excellent contents like myself, only pay a visit this site everyday for the reason that it presents feature contents, thanks
    Also see my site - Kurtis

    ReplyDelete
  9. Thank you for the auspicious writeup. It in fact was a
    amusement account it. Look advanced to more added agreeable from you!
    However, how could we communicate?
    My web-site Lewis

    ReplyDelete
  10. Thank you for some other informative web site. The place else may I get
    that kind of info written in such an ideal method?
    I have a venture that I'm simply now running on, and I have been at the glance out for such information.
    Also visit my web-site - golden virginia tobacco

    ReplyDelete
  11. Yes! Finally someone writes about advanced blackjack options.
    Here is my site :: Totally Free slots

    ReplyDelete
  12. Hi, i think that i saw you visited my blog thus i came to “return the favor”.
    I'm attempting to find things to improve my web site!I suppose its ok to use some of your ideas!!
    Review my web blog ; acne scars fast

    ReplyDelete
  13. After going over a few of the blog posts on your web site, I truly
    appreciate your way of writing a blog. I bookmarked it to my bookmark site list and will be checking back
    soon. Take a look at my website as well and tell me what
    you think.
    Stop by my blog - Sherrill

    ReplyDelete
  14. Hello there, You've done an excellent job. I'll definitely digg it and personally recommend to my friends.
    I am confident they'll be benefited from this site.
    Take a look at my web-site : diablo 3 class guide

    ReplyDelete
  15. Hello there, just became aware of your blog through Google, and found that it's really informative. I am gonna watch out for brussels. I'll appreciate if you continue this in future.

    Lots of people will be benefited from your writing.

    Cheers!
    Here is my blog ; play slots online real money

    ReplyDelete
  16. What a stuff of un-ambiguity and preserveness of precious know-how concerning unexpected emotions.
    My web blog - Krystyna

    ReplyDelete
  17. Hello! Do you know if they make any plugins to help with Search Engine Optimization?
    I'm trying to get my blog to rank for some targeted keywords but I'm not seeing
    very good gains. If you know of any please share.
    Many thanks!
    Also visit my blog post ; usa online slots

    ReplyDelete
  18. I couldn't refrain from commenting. Very well written!
    My webpage win money by playing games

    ReplyDelete
  19. When someone writes an article he/she retains the image of
    a user in his/her mind that how a user can know it.
    So that's why this post is outstdanding. Thanks!
    My webpage: Nila

    ReplyDelete
  20. WOW just what I was searching for. Came here by searching for herbal supplement myths

    Visit my web blog Cristine

    ReplyDelete
  21. I love your blog.. very nice colors & theme. Did you design this website yourself or did you hire someone to do it for you?
    Plz reply as I'm looking to create my own blog and would like to find out where u got this from. appreciate it

    Stop by my web page: Alissa

    ReplyDelete
  22. Very good write-up. I absolutely appreciate this website.
    Stick with it!

    Feel free to surf to my blog: local seo services

    ReplyDelete
  23. Thank you for another excellent article. Where else
    may anybody get that type of info in such an ideal way
    of writing? I have a presentation subsequent week, and I am on
    the look for such information.

    Look at my webpage richcityhyfe.com

    ReplyDelete
  24. Hey.
    Would you mind sharing which blog platform you're using? I'm
    planning to start my own blog soon but I'm having a difficult time making a decision between BlogEngine/Wordpress/B2evolution and Drupal. The reason I ask is because your design seems different then most blogs and I'm looking for something unique.

    P.S. My apologies for being off-topic but I had to ask!

    My website ... Kerri

    ReplyDelete
  25. Hi there, I discovered your website via Google at the same time as looking for a similar subject, your website got here up,
    it appears good. I've bookmarked it in my google bookmarks.
    Hi there, simply become aware of your weblog thru Google, and found that it is truly informative. I'm
    gonna watch out for brussels. I'll appreciate should you continue this in future. Lots of other people will probably be benefited from your writing. Cheers!

    my website :: how to make money onlie

    ReplyDelete
  26. Do you mind if I quote a couple of your articles as long as I provide credit and sources
    back to your webpage? My blog site is in the exact same
    niche as yours and my visitors would genuinely benefit from some of
    the information you present here. Please let me know if this
    ok with you. Many thanks!

    My weblog :: online jobs sites

    ReplyDelete
  27. I'm curious to find out what blog system you're using? I'm experiencing some minor security problems with my latest blog and I'd like to find something more secure.
    Do you have any suggestions?

    Feel free to surf to my web blog ... publix online job application

    ReplyDelete
  28. Hi, i think that i saw you visited my site thus
    i got here to go back the desire?.I am trying to to find issues to improve my web site!

    I suppose its adequate to use a few of your concepts!
    !

    My homepage Tristan

    ReplyDelete
  29. Hello, i think that i saw you visited my blog so i came
    to “return the favor”.I am attempting to find things to enhance my site!
    I suppose its ok to use some of your ideas!!

    Visit my blog post starcraft 2 key generator

    ReplyDelete
  30. You are so cool! I do not believe I have read through
    something like this before. So nice to discover
    someone with a few genuine thoughts on this subject
    matter. Really.. many thanks for starting this up.
    This website is something that's needed on the web, someone with a bit of originality!

    Check out my web blog diaper Rash home Remedies

    ReplyDelete
  31. Hi, Neat post. There is an issue with your website in web explorer, may test this?
    IE nonetheless is the market chief and a big component of other
    folks will miss your magnificent writing due to this problem.


    Check out my site :: turismo rural

    ReplyDelete
  32. I savor, result in I discovered just what I was looking for.
    You have ended my 4 day lengthy hunt! God Bless you man.
    Have a great day. Bye

    my web blog: diarrhea remedies

    ReplyDelete
  33. Hey! This post could not be written any better! Reading through this post reminds me of
    my old room mate! He always kept chatting about this.
    I will forward this post to him. Pretty sure he will have
    a good read. Many thanks for sharing!

    Here is my web-site - Tigara Electronica

    ReplyDelete
  34. I'll immediately clutch your rss as I can't
    to find your email subscription hyperlink or newsletter service.
    Do you've any? Please allow me understand so that I may just subscribe. Thanks.

    Look at my web page; online ways to make money

    ReplyDelete
  35. Now we prefer those dairy products, salt, dairy, soy and dairy free.
    Sometimes summer creeps up on you and you just don't lose weight, any restricted carb plan will work, at least. On the other hand, proponents of the diet I gain weight grains and processed substances allows your body to continue to enjoy all your favourite foods, drinks and social life.

    Also visit my web site: http://www.flixya.com/

    ReplyDelete
  36. Nice post. I was checking constantly this blog and I
    am inspired! Extremely helpful info specially the remaining section :)
    I take care of such info a lot. I was seeking this certain info for a very lengthy time.
    Thanks and best of luck.

    my site - mouse Click the next page

    ReplyDelete
  37. Good day I am so happy I found your web site, I really found you by error,
    while I was browsing on Google for something else, Regardless I
    am here now and would just like to say many thanks for a
    incredible post and a all round enjoyable blog (I also
    love the theme/design), I don’t have time to browse it
    all at the minute but I have bookmarked it and also included your RSS
    feeds, so when I have time I will be back to read a great deal more, Please do keep up the excellent work.


    Review my web page Alycia

    ReplyDelete
  38. Heya i am for the primary time here. I found this board and I to find It truly helpful &
    it helped me out much. I hope to give something back and
    help others such as you helped me.

    Here is my web-site :: Unknown

    ReplyDelete
  39. I need to to thank you for this great read!!
    I certainly loved every bit of it. I've got you bookmarked to look at new things you post…

    My webpage :: Edith

    ReplyDelete
  40. I needed to thank you for this fantastic read!

    ! I certainly loved every bit of it. I have
    got you book-marked to look at new things you post…

    Feel free to surf to my blog Deltfdepste.Livejournal.Com

    ReplyDelete
  41. It is not my first time to visit this web page, i am visiting this web
    site dailly and take good facts from here all the time.

    Also visit my web site :: Aileen

    ReplyDelete
  42. Does your website have a contact page? I'm having a tough time locating it but, I'd like to send you an email.
    I've got some creative ideas for your blog you might be interested in hearing. Either way, great site and I look forward to seeing it develop over time.

    Feel free to surf to my blog ... Kandace

    ReplyDelete
  43. Hey! I'm at work surfing around your blog from my new apple iphone! Just wanted to say I love reading your blog and look forward to all your posts! Carry on the excellent work!

    Feel free to visit my website ... Stretch Marks

    ReplyDelete
  44. We're a group of volunteers and starting a new scheme in our community. Your site provided us with valuable information to work on. You have done an impressive job and our entire community will be thankful to you.

    Here is my homepage ... http://www.jamoramareviewexposed.com/trendy-clothes-for-women

    ReplyDelete
  45. Hi my friend! I want to say that this post is amazing,
    nice written and come with almost all significant infos.
    I would like to see extra posts like this .

    my blog post Anderson

    ReplyDelete
  46. Superb website you have here but I was wanting to know if you
    knew of any user discussion forums that cover the same topics discussed in this article?

    I'd really like to be a part of group where I can get responses from other experienced people that share the same interest. If you have any recommendations, please let me know. Thanks a lot!

    My homepage Kit

    ReplyDelete
  47. For newest information you have to pay a quick visit internet and on web I found this web page as
    a best web page for newest updates.

    Feel free to visit my web page ... Pirater Un Compte Facebook

    ReplyDelete
  48. No matter if some one searches for his vital thing, so he/she needs to be available that
    in detail, therefore that thing is maintained over here.


    Feel free to visit my web site :: Mildred

    ReplyDelete
  49. Thank you, I have recently been looking for
    info approximately this subject for ages and yours is
    the greatest I've discovered till now. But, what concerning the conclusion? Are you certain in regards to the supply?

    Here is my web blog: Unknown

    ReplyDelete
  50. you're in reality a just right webmaster. The web site loading velocity is incredible. It seems that you are doing any distinctive trick. Also, The contents are masterpiece. you have done a great task on this topic!

    Also visit my web site :: Efrain

    ReplyDelete
  51. Hi, I do think this is an excellent blog. I stumbledupon it
    ;) I am going to revisit once again since i have book-marked
    it. Money and freedom is the greatest way to change, may you be rich and continue
    to guide others.

    My web blog: recycling facts

    ReplyDelete
  52. Fascinating blog! Is your theme custom made or did you download
    it from somewhere? A design like yours with a few
    simple tweeks would really make my blog shine. Please let me know
    where you got your theme. Kudos

    My page ... Ryan

    ReplyDelete
  53. Yesterday, while I was at work, my cousin stole my apple ipad and tested to see if it can survive a twenty five foot drop, just so she can be a youtube sensation.
    My apple ipad is now broken and she has 83 views. I know this is totally off topic but I had to share it
    with someone!

    Take a look at my webpage psn code generator

    ReplyDelete
  54. I love your blog.. very nice colors & theme.

    Did you make this website yourself or did you hire someone
    to do it for you? Plz reply as I'm looking to construct my own blog and would like to know where u got this from. appreciate it

    Here is my web-site :: dry scalp treatments

    ReplyDelete
  55. Hi everybody, here every person is sharing such familiarity,
    so it's pleasant to read this website, and I used to visit this website every day.

    My site Mabel

    ReplyDelete
  56. Drinking a glass of water, at least in the acute and dangerous period, can be treated with Bentonite Clay poultices.

    May the rest of your life, naturally, without the
    use of Suboxone Best Body Detox Systemification. You'll wake feeling ready to go to the gym. Positive ions are released while the process is and how it works.

    Here is my site; Vance

    ReplyDelete
  57. hi!,I love your writing very so much! share we be in contact more about your article on AOL?
    I need a specialist on this space to resolve my problem.

    Maybe that's you! Taking a look ahead to look you.

    Feel free to visit my blog post diarrhea remedies

    ReplyDelete
  58. Hey very nice blog!

    Also visit my web-site: PS3 Jailbreak 4.41

    ReplyDelete
  59. Can you tell us more about this? I'd love to find out some additional information.

    Also visit my weblog - dragon City Hack

    ReplyDelete
  60. This paragraph is truly a pleasant one it helps new the web users,
    who are wishing for blogging.

    my web blog :: http://www.Youtube.com/watch?v=2_5b_nVI6X4

    ReplyDelete
  61. Thanks for sharing your thoughts about 125 ltv second mortgage.

    Regards

    Feel free to visit my webpage - candy crush saga hack

    ReplyDelete
  62. It's the best time to make some plans for the future and it is time to be happy. I've read this post
    and if I could I want to suggest you few interesting things or suggestions.
    Perhaps you could write next articles referring to this article.

    I want to read more things about it!

    Here is my web-site: Elvia

    ReplyDelete
  63. Hey would you mind stаtіng which blоg platform you're working with? I'm going tо start my οwn blog soοn but I'm having a hard time making a decision between BlogEngine/Wordpress/B2evolution and Drupal. The reason I ask is because your design and style seems different then most blogs and I'm looking for sοmething unique.
    P.S Sorry for being off-topic but I had tο аsk!


    Alѕο viѕit my site: reputation management

    ReplyDelete
  64. Hello! I understand this is somewhat off-topic
    however I had to ask. Does building a well-established website like yours
    require a large amount of work? I am brand new to running a blog but I
    do write in my journal every day. I'd like to start a blog so I will be able to share my own experience and views online. Please let me know if you have any kind of recommendations or tips for new aspiring bloggers. Thankyou!

    my website jailbreak software ps3

    ReplyDelete