The Bare Bones Budget: Grocery Challenge Update

My goal for the month of June was to spend $400 per month on groceries for our family of 5 hearty eaters. We are on week two, and things are going well! Last week I spent $112 at the grocery store, which is a little over my goal but I am happy with that!

My doubts about being able to get our food bill down are fading and I am actually feeling like we can do this!

Here are a few things I learned from last weeks shopping trip:

1. Meticulous planning is needed to stay within budget.

Winging it is never going to work. Planning my menu and grocery trip is taking me longer, but without a plan I will definitely fail!

2. Bring cash only

I have been afraid of needing something and not having the ability to pay for it, or having to make another trip later to get it. But because I have that “cushion” I have thought of a few things here and there off list to pick up. I think this is why I have gone over a little each week. So this week, it is cash only!

3. Stick to the list!

This is a no brainer, but I don’t always write everything on my list, such as snack items. A few times I have noticed a really good deal on something so I bought it. I think this is another reason I have gone over.

4. Don’t shop when I am tired or hungry

Starting a new diet and heading to the grocery store was not my greatest idea ever. I was hungry, tired and craving a few goodies. Bad combination!

5. Do like the restaurants do

Fill ‘em up with salad and bread before the meal. Each night I have been serving a nice mixed green salad (thanks to my garden!) and some homemade bread. I am finding I have more leftovers when I do this, and their bellies are full. I can see this as a money saver!

6. Dessert with our meals makes it feel special

This may sound silly, but I am finding my family feels more satisfied if I have dessert after each meal. I don’t know why that works, but it does! I usually do dessert once or twice a week, but I am going to try to incorporate more this week and see how it goes.

I am excited to have found another mom on an ever more ambitious mission than I am with her grocery budget. I recently found Gayle who runs the Grocery Cart Challenge and has set the goal to feed her family of 6 on $60 per week! That includes two teenagers and a hungry husband, along with two other children. And she is doing it. That was very encouraging to me!

My skepticism at making this work is fading. As a matter of fact, I know I can do it. And now I am wondering, maybe we can go even lower?

Be sure to visit Gayle and Frugal Friday for lots of money saving ideas!