If you are just tuning in, we are doing a major budget challenge this month. We are trying to spend as LITTLE as possible out of pocket on groceries and eating out this month.
Week three did not go as planned. We ended up spending a lot more out of pocket than expected – mostly due to last minute plans, that meant we ate out more than I would have liked. We were also down to the bare minimum in the fridge, so we did spend more on groceries this week (which I expected). Monday was also my husband’s actual birthday, so I splurged on a cake and some fancy beer on Monday – which I was happy to do, he deserves it. 🙂
SHOPPING TRIPS MAY 16 – MAY 21
Here was our original menu plan and expected shopping trips.
Here’s what we ended actually ended up spending this week:
QFC – $22.77 – I’m really happy with all the deals I found at my local QFC. We got a ton of healthy food for just $22.77. You can get the details about the shopping trip here.
SAFEWAY – $9.82. Again, I was super happy with what I was able to get for just $9.82. We did great.
FRANZ OUTLET – $7.98 – We were completely out of bread. At $1.16 a loaf, this is not rock bottom price, but I prefer the bread that isn’t really close to sell by date. So I don’t get the cheapest bread at the outlet, these were 5 for $7, then I got a FREE loaf with purchase. And the extra $0.98 would be those silly donuts, for my kids, who were with me while I was shopping (I am such a sucker). This bread will easily last us a month.
SAFEWAY – $37.45. Let me explain this one. I had plans to bake my husband a birthday cake Monday afternoon, but then we ended up having to go to the doctor (urgent) on Monday afternoon. This meant a last minute trip to the store to get a $9.99 Tiramisu cake and $2.99 ice cream. Then I spent $6.68 on birthday cards from me and the kids because our afternoon of handmaking them was spent at the doctor’s office. And I got some fancy-pants locally brewed beer for $9.48. Oh and some tortillas (for fajitas later in the week) for $1.99. This is life. We have last minute needs that might require a change in plans . . .and ultimately more “change” from our pockets. But you know what? The cake was amazing (my husband’s favorite) – much better than I would have made. And we had a very special family celebration for my hubby’s birthday!
MEALS
Here are some of the meals we ate this week:
I did a horrible job photographing meals and meal planning this week.
Wednesday night – Grilled halibut with lemon and capers. Yum.
Thursday night – This was fend for yourself night. We had soccer practice. So we had all sorts of things – including yogurt, cereal, sandwiches – it was whatever you wanted. 🙂
Friday night – We got a last minute call to sign our papers for our house refinance. By the time we were done, it was past dinner time and we went to Olive Garden. We had a $25 gift card. Ended up spending $30 after gift card and tip.
Saturday night – Taco salad. Took my son on a date night to LEGO Adventure night at the Children’s museum, on the way home, we got ice cream cones, spent about $3.50.
Sunday night – Enchiladas. I should have taken a photo. I used an enchilada filling that I had made last month when I got my Zaycon chicken and pulled it out of the freezer. It was delicious!
Monday ended up heading to doctor’s office after school. Which meant buying lunch – spent $20 at Subway. For dinner, we had leftover enchiladas, plus cake and ice cream for dad’s birthday.
Tuesday night – I think we’ll have something in the crockpot. With chicken.
This week did not go as planned, but does life ever? Things like last minute appointments meant we ended up spending more than planned – and that’s okay. We save where we can, that’s what matters. I’m committed to sharing what we’re spending and you can see it’s not always perfect. It’s not always frugal. But that’s life and we just do our best.
WEEK 3 TOTALS
- Gift card – $25 gift card used at Olive Garden
- Grocery stores – $78.02 on groceries
- Eating out – $53.50 eating out
MONTH TOTALS TO DATE
- $136.74 out of pocket on groceries ($37 was apples)
- $42.77 on groceries and eating out with a gift cards (not out of pocket)
- $83.18 eating out
We have 10 days left in the month. We can do this. I would be giddy if we could come in under $200 for groceries and I think this is totally possible. Later today I’ll share my menu plan and shopping trip plan for WEEK 4.
Please note: This doesn’t include all of our living expenses. I’m only reporting the amount we spend on groceries and eating out – as that is where we are focusing our efforts this month (although we are being more conscious with all purchases!)
I’d love to hear from you! How are you saving money this month!
Kshauers says
So just out of curiosity how do you do “stockup” items in your budget… So your 200 is food only right? No soaps razors … Habba items? I mean pasta at Albies super cheap do you count buying a stock up amount onto your budget? Or us this just for your weekly meals? Trying a cash system as of this week just struggling on finding category’s to place what money gets counted as what
Heather Clarke says
We don’t normally do this sort of budget challenge – it’s this month and it’s only on food that I’m calculating costs. We actually haven’t had to purchase any toiletries this month, except we did have toilet paper ship from Amazon thanks to Subscribe and Save. I would say that you should have a budget for toiletry items that is separate from your food items.
Angela says
You go girl! You are doing so great! Thanks for being brave enough to share that you are not perfect. Rock on sista!
Kelli says
Heather, you guys are doing GREAT!!! We all have “stuff” happen and that’s just life. You seem to do very well rolling with the punches. I’m impressed! Have an awesome Memorial Day Weekend….I bet we will see some good deals on BBQ type stuff????