Thursday, March 24, 2011

My grocery trip savings

Ok, for any of you that read about my quest to save some money at the grocery store this week, here is my update. I buy groceries every two weeks with an occasional trip in between. I have been averaging $250-$260 every two weeks for our family of six. This includes all paper supplies, all health and beauty supplies and food; everything we need to buy is included. Well, last grocery time, I didn't do so well and spent about $300, crying So, I was determined to bring it back down. Several months ago I could go for closer to $200 every two weeks but as prices have gone up, obviously my spending has as well. Today I didn't do as well as I wanted to, because I did find some good deals and stocked up on some stuff instead of sticking to only buying what we needed for the next two weeks. But, I'm ok with that because being a good steward definitely includes getting good deals on the things we use when I can. I also decided since I wasn't spending alot on food this time, it would be a good time to stock up on a few other things. Included in this are freezer bags for my freezer cooking and supplies to make homemade baby wipes and homemade cleaning wipes and window wipes. So even though I spent more than I had originally wanted to, I am still pleased with all I got for what I spent. Are you sitting there yelling at me "Alright already, quit stalling and just tell me!"? It isn't that exciting really but here it is, $210. big grin I'm pleased because it is less than normal and that was my goal. So, how much do you spend each week or month or however often you shop? And if you tell me, include your family size too because that makes a huge difference :)

PS.- Remember I said I had made pantry lists this week? I also took the time to update my lists as I put my groceries away, so I know exactly what I have of everything at a quick glance! I have them on the front of my fridge for quick reference. It is great. Now if I can just remember to mark when I use something, all will be well :)

7 comments:

  1. Wow, you did great!! On average for our family of 6, we spend about $250 every 2 weeks, but sometimes more, sometimes less. This last week, I just went shopping for a week and spent $175 because I bought some things to make freezer meals. Thanks for sharing!!!

    Blessings,
    sara

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  2. I totally spend too much, and don't know how to do less...I already shop all the sales and coupon, etc. The state I live in is more expensive than most so that may be why. We are a family of 6 and spend about $150 once a week.

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  3. Loved reading your blog. I found it on building a heritage. we have a family of six too. I grow alot of my produce and can it. But my grocery bill is still 200 every two weeks. I think its fun to see how much we can save when we go to the store.

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  4. April, I don't know if I can help you much because we aren't in the same areas and stores and prices can vary so much. However, I will tell you, I don't use coupons at all. I shop at a store called Aldi's ( www.aldi.com ) and they don't carry the brands that the coupons are for. I have found I spend more when I try to use coupons because I buy the more expensive brands or items I don't normally buy. I look for the cheapest price, usually off brand and buy that. I know some people have good luck with coupons, but I haven't. (unless I combine coupons with really good sales) I also have been trying to get to using more beans and brown rice in our recipes and less meat. That also saves money. I don't buy packaged foods, pop, chips or processed foods very often at all. We also are trying to use more cloth napkins, less paper plates, etc. Hopefully that helps a little. Sorry it is such a long comment.
    Blessings,
    Rashel

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  5. Chelle, thanks for leaving me a comment and for letting me know how you found me. That always interests me, knowing how people heard of my blog. Anyway, sounds like you are doing great with groceries. I haven't been doing so well the last few years with gardening and canning but really do intend to do better this year. I did however get blessed with some friends letting us pick all their grapes, apples and pears. So I made batches of grape jelly, sliced apples, sliced pears and some delicious pear honey. We are still enjoying that and it is such a wonderful feeling opening up a jar of something you have canned.
    Blessings,
    Rashel

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  6. Yeah I do all those things! But we don't have an Aldi's in our area. I think it's the state I live in, and also the fact that I have to eat gluten free. That definitely raises the bill some!

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  7. April, I kind of figured you did and I also wondered about your gluten free. That really does raise the budget. Just keep trying what you can and God will reward you for your effort and heart.
    Blessings,
    Rashel

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