The Grocery Game Challenge October 1-7, 2012-Giving Thanks!
It’s October already can you believe it with Thanksgiving knocking on our door and the scary monsters are anticipating the fun of trick or treating. It’s that time when we give thanks for all the blessings in our life and appreciate this beautiful world we have been given to live in. Take the time to thank those that have helped you in any way even if it is opening a door or making you smile. The power of the spoken word can make someone’s day a little brighter, especially those that don’t hear it often enough.
The Grocery Game Challenge has been going on almost all year now and we are a few short months away from seeing how we made out for the year. Although I suggest checking in every few months to make sure you are on track for the most part if you stick to your budget you should hit the mark.
We are aiming to ramp up our goals for next year and make some new changes with our grocery budget. We hope the changes will allow us to better get a grip on our expenses. I’ve also updated the grocery game template that will help us keep our shops nice and tidy each week and easy to follow on the rules page. I will post it below, as one fan noted they couldn’t copy paste it and that was my fault as I posted it as a photo. You can add in what you like ie: Total SCOP, Total Discounts, etc. It’s up to you but it’s nice to see it all in one spot at the end of each fans shop.
Template: Copy paste this each week.
Name Your Store ie: Zehrs
We had a slow start to the month as our freezer is filled to the rim but we also had to take the time to go through it all. If you haven’t heard of the Canadian Food Inspection Beef Recall that’s been going on this past few weeks it’s important you do. Apparently there has been E Coli a potentially deadly bacteria found in beef products and they have shut down an Alberta plant XL Foods Manufacturing until further notice. There is a list of stores and a list of recalled products that potentially have the tainted meat and you are urged to read the list and go through your freezer to check the dates. This is another good reason to download my freezer inventory list so you have all this information at your finger tips.
As we know Halloween is creeping up and with that brings Mr.CBB back to the kitchen to whip up some scary sweet treats. Stick around to see what I come up with… subscribe to Canadian Budget Binder so you get all my scary emails this month sent right to your inbox. We enjoy Halloween but are also feeling the spending pressures of the Holiday season approaching so we are focusing on both scary little people, turkey and Christmas shopping. Now is a great time to start your shopping and saving money in your budget.
Christmas is one of the biggest reasons credit card debt grows exponentially simply because there is no planning for heightened expenses over the holidays. This is another reason why Canadians are in debt so we need to have a plan of action in place to stop this cycle of debt.
- Do you budget for the holidays?
- What do you do to lessen the expenses?
Finally, This month if I get 5 new grocery game challenger posters join I will draw an extra winner for the month of October. I’d like to see that the people who do post their shops do it because they “want” to save money in the budget and that my prize is just that a perk.
I would like to see Canadian Budget Binder Fans around the world post their shops….
- To save money in the grocery budget.
- To hold themselves accountable for their shopping.
- To motivate not only themselves but others.
- To make like-minded friends who also post their shops.
- To understand where their money is going when grocery shopping.
- To think of other ways to save money in the budget.
- To spend some time in the kitchen exploring new recipes.
- To help with meal planning.
- To encourage other Canadians to join the Grocery Game Challenge Movement.
- To promote saving money wherever possible and make it a life-style change not something you feel you have to do, but something you should do.
What are your reasons for joining the Grocery Game Challenge?
Frequently Asked Question: Do I have to be Canadian to post my Grocery Shop? No, you don’t have to be Canadian to post your shops only to win a monthly prize. We have a few posters from around the world.
What are you waiting for? Join in and Save!
September Grocery Game Challenge Winner is…………… #10 shop belonging to Wingsze Blake. Congratulations WING and Congratulations to all of you who posted your shop, we are all winners… saving money is a big Win! So pat yourselves on the shoulder for investing in your finances and posting your shop. The biggest win of all.
Coupon Match-Ups
Here are your Coupon Match-ups for the week October 5-11, 2012 from around Canada compliments of Save Big Live Better. Just one of my favourite Couponing sites for finding the hottest grocery deals in Canada! Check it out!
Wal-Mart
- 1x bag of carrots Sale $1.00
- 1x bag of yellow onions Sale $1.00
- 1x Rutabaga $1.91
- 2x 1L Neilson Cream Sale $2.00 Each
- 2x Black Diamond Cheese Bar 500g Sale $3.77-$1.00 coupon wub 2
- 2x broccoli PM No Frills Sale $0.77
- 2x Eggs Sale PM Freshco $1.67-$1.00 wub 2
- 1x Spray Deodorant $3.28 was on sale came up reg price so I had them apply the Scanning Code of Practice (SCOP) so it was – FREE!
- Total Coupons Used: $2.00
- Total SCOP: $3.28
- Total Out Of Pocket: $18.33
Shoppers Drug Mart
- 2x Royale Bathroom Tissue Double Rolls Sale $3.99-$1.00 go-coupon
- Total Coupons Used: $2.00
- Total Out Of Pocket: $7.02
Weekly Grocery Game Challenge Results for Mr. and Mrs. CBB
- Total Grocery Budget for the Month of October: $190.00 or $63.33 per week for 3 weeks a month with one no-shop week.
- Total Coupons Used this Week : $4.00
- Total SCOP this week : $3.28
- Total Spent This Week:$25.35
- Total Spent So Far for October: $25.35
- Total
Over/Under spend this shop: $37.98 - Total
Over/Under spend for October: $37.98 - Total Left to Spend for October: $164.65
- Total Coupons Used In October : $4.00
Weekly Overview: We didn’t need too much this week so we have used up some of what we have in the house instead of piling on more. We’re hoping to set some new goals next year where if we overspend one month we make it up the next. I got this idea by another Grocery Game Poster, Mary who does this and it makes sense. If we have a yearly goal of $190 x 12= $2280 for example we need to stick to it even if that means we cut back the next month if we went over budget. The money has to come from somewhere so if it’s not budgeted in you need to make up for it. Don’t forget when making your grocery budget for all the birthday parties you might have to plan, holiday dinners etc. It’s better to estimate something than nothing at all. If you don’t use it then that’s extra money in your pocket. Smart! Thanks Mary.
Finally, I want to Thank everyone who has participated, mentioned, tweeted whatever you have done to get the word out about Canadian Budget Binder and The Grocery Game Challenge. It’s because of all of your support I continue to turn on my computer and log in to this blog and to my social media outlets each and every day, so Thank-You. Happy Thanksgiving to All my Fans! –
XoXo Mr.CBB
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Related articles
- The Grocery Game Challenge Sept 17-23,2012- Bring On The Rain! (canadianbudgetbinder.com)
- The Grocery Game Challenge Sept 10-16 ~Almost Fall! (canadianbudgetbinder.com)
- The Grocery Game Challenge Sept 3-9,2012 Back to School! (canadianbudgetbinder.com)
- Are you a Grocery Store Snob? (canadianbudgetbinder.com)
Photo Credit: Copyright (c) <a href=’http://www.123rf.com’>123RF Stock Photos</a>
Store: Item Amount Coupon Disc Total Tax Weekly Sub-total
Giant Tiger (Sept 30)
Celery 1.47 1.47
Almonds (x3) 3 3
Onions 0.67 0.67
5.14 5.14
Sobeys Scotsburn Ice Cream 1.89L 2.99 2.99
Condensed Milk 2.59 2.59
Tropical Juice(4pk) 1.69 1.69
Deposit 0.4 0.4
Ginger Snaps 2.49 2.49
Skor Chipits 2.99 2.99
Cream Cheese X2 6.78 6.78
19.93 0 19.93
Giant Tiger (Oct 5th)
10lb Wh. Potatoes (x2) 3.38 3.38
Mini Tacos 3.97 3.97
Black Diamond Med. Cheddar 4.44 4.44
Yop 0.97 0.97
Green Peppers 1.27 1.27
White Sugar (2kg) 1.99 1.99
Olive Oil 3.97 3.97
Degree Anti-Persp. 2.97 2.97
22.96 0.39 23.35
Sobeys (Oct 6)
Applesauce 1.99 1.99
1L Juice 1.19 1.19
Deposit 0.1 0.1
Chopped Walnuts 2.49 2.49
Clementines 3.99 3.99
Haddock 6.22 6.22
Pear 0.66 0.66
16.64 16.64
65.06
For two adults
Weekly budget 100 amount spent 65.06 34.94 balance
less 3.35 overspent last week
31.59 carry forward
Hi Pam!
Wow, I can’t believe you caught up like that woohoo… I’m so proud of you. You have no idea how flushed I was to see all those updates dating back. You are truly dedicated to saving money in your grocery budget. I didn’t comment on them all but I did read them over. This week you had an overspend and a carry over so that’s good that you are tracking that way. Next year Mrs.CBB and I are going to tighten the belt and stick to the $190 a month for 12 months.. although it may go up with the inflation on food. This year was a big learning experience for us. What have you learned so far by posting your grocery shops? MR.CBB you get ballot #30
lol I don’t even use the Zantac…I can send it to you if you want! lol
that would require an address… maybe we could have a meet up point.. you leave the box I leave the brownies haha
original budget was $200 per month. (ugh…i’m way off) so, i’ve put a spending limit of $120 for the month of october. now keep in mind that this month will not be a usual month for us as we are well stocked with meat and veg in the freezer, the pantry is in good shape and we honestly don’t need much else. our avg monthly spending was $263 until we blew it last month $400 (eeek). also note that i had quite a few fpcs that i could use and a few of the kelloggs gas cards to help bring the oop down in the shopping this week….so it isn’t what i would call a ‘normal’ shopping week, although i’m not sure if i know what normal is anymore 😛 we are a family of ma & pa & teenage walking stomach and 2 kitty cats. i lump just about everything into the grocery categlory.
week 1 spending:
home depot
20 x 100 count glad kitchen catchers $2 + tax – $2 printable coupon
oop $5.20 (love that deal)
walmart
8 zantac $2.22 + tax – $3 coupon
1 french’s horseraddish mustard $1.77 – .75 coupon
6 aylmer accents $1 – $1wub2 coupon
oop $.09
walmart
10 colgate total advanced health travel size toothpaste $1 + tax – $1.50 coupon
10 zantac $2.22 + tax – $3 coupon
8 aylmer accents $1 – $1 wub 2 coupon
1 pineapple
1 oxo beef sachets $2.79
oop $.33
foodland
2 ritz bits cheese sandwich crackers 1.97 – $2 wub 2 christie products
2 peek freans cookies $2.50 ea – .75 coupon and a b1g1
ditaliano whole wheet bread $2.99 – .75 coupon
iogo yogurt $3.99 – $3.99 coupon ($4 coupon reduced to price of product) **was told today they will no longer do this and the purchase must be $4 or more
honey nut cheerios $4.49 – $1
montery jack kraft cheese bar $9.59 – fpc
less $5 wus $30 foodland coupon
less $3.05 balance on kelloggs gas card
oop $1.37
foodland
philly roasted garlic dip $1.97 – $1 coupon
lipton noodles and sauce $2.19 – fpc
2 peek freans cookies $2.50 ea – b1g1
1 tomato $.93
yoplait yogurt tubes $3.99 – fpc from cheerios box
cheerios $4.49
kashi cereal $5.99 – fpc from silk promo
kraft 24 ct white cheddar slices $5.99 – fpc
less $5 wus $30 foodland coupon
less$3.89 kellogs gas card
oop $0
foodland
broccoli .97
2 club house gray .99 ea
1 club house mix $1.29 – free wub 2 gravy
egg creations $2.99 – $1 coupon
v8 1.89 L $3.29 – $1 coupon
cheerios $4.49
kraft shredded habanero cheese 7.79 – fpc
yoplait tubes $3.99 – fpc
iogo tubes $3.49 – $3.49 *see note above
less $5 wus $30 foodland coupon
less $5 kelloggs gas card
oop $1.72
fooland
broccoli .97
bacon $3.99
bag of apples $3.99
yoplait tubes $3.99 – fpc
iogo probiotic yogurt tub $4.29 – $4
cheerios 4.49
philly garlic dip $4.49 – fpc
philly cooking creme $4.49 – fpc
-$5 wus $30 foodland coupon
– $5 kellogs gas card
– $1.11 balance from prev gas card
oop $2.62
Sale price for week $253.90
less coupons $224.52
less gift cards $18.05
TOTAL OOP $11.33
Hi Chickypoodles..
You know we are going to do the same as you and Mary our other poster. When you go over one month the next month we have to make up for that overage so the end of year works out otherwise we still end up over budget. Although sticking to the monthly budget is the name of the game it’s not always a possibility especially if there are great sales to stock up on. Is that home depot deal still on? WHere is the printable coupons? That my dear is some wicked shopping.. wow!!! Keep at it and I know what you mean about not knowing what normal is… You get ballot #19 Mr.CBB
thank you for the ballot.
the glad coupon can be found on glad canada page. click on the pic called trashy affair for the $2 coupon, but it’s unlikely that you will be able to find stock at home depot at this point.
perhaps a budget of $200 a month was a little too ambitious. actually, probably not! i like to shop and have a hard time passing up deals!! gah!
Mr.CBB I haven’t even tried those brownies yet, lol, my girl wantd to try them and I agree yours are proabably 100 times better 🙂
Our lunches that we buy are included in our weekly food budget and there have been a few days when I have forgotten to pack a lunch and my sweetie isn’t coming to have lunch with me that day so I impulse buy lunch and usually upset that it is kinda a big waste of money (to me). Yes my work marked down lots of chicken so I took advantage of it eventhough our freezer is pretty full as is. But we had chicken wings sat night and fried chicken sunday for thanksgiving!!!! My new work doesn’t really mark down alot of beef and pork so I have to really watch the sales even more than normal.
Glad that we have managed to keep under budget 🙂 so thanks for being there keeping us accountable and encouranging us to keep on track!
No problem, I just thought I would ask as $4.99 for a sandwich was a bit much to me but sometimes things happen, don’t get upset…I’m the same way I think of all the ingredients I can buy for $4.99…. crazy but oddly enough the convenience does stick a knife in our budget. Good deals on the meat, you’re lucky to be in the midst of it all> I probably would overspend if I worked in a shop..lol Cheers Juanita!
1 – 7 Oct 2012
Independent
2x Marmellows $1.99 = $3.98
2x Chipits $3.00 = $6.00
1x Baking Soda = $1.29
2 x Choc Biscuits $2.59 = $5.18
1x Bacon = $2.99
1x Smoked Ham = $7.98
2 x Apple Juice 50% off = $2.98
Lots of regular Bananas = $4.37
Organic Bananas = $2.33
1x Mushrooms 50% off =$1.24
1x Stuffer Mushrooms 50% off – 1.99
•Total Coupons Used: $1.84 incl of Independent gas coupons
•Total Out Of Pocket: $39.01 (incl $0.52 HST)
WalMart
1x Becel = $1.99 PM with Canadian Tire
1x Box of Mooncakes = $5.00
1x Bag Organic Apples = $4.97
2x Rice Vermicelli $1.08 = $2.16
1x Cracker Barrel Marble Cheese = $4.44
2x Iced Tea $0.64 = $1.28
1x Baking Powder = $2.77
•Total Coupons Used: $0
•Total Out Of Pocket: $22.61(incl $1.17 HST)
Independent
4x Peek Freans Lifestyle Cookies $1.88 = $5.64 (1x 1 Box Free coupon)
1x Cracker Barrel Cheese = $4.99
2x Eggs $1.99 = 2.98 ($1.00 Off coupon)
1x 4L Milk = $5.69 (Ripoff! Needed for Tksgiving just in case)
1x Bread = $1.50
•Total Coupons Used: $4.38 incl of Independent gas coupons
•Total Out Of Pocket: $19.30
Weekly Grocery Game Challenge Results
•Total Grocery Budget for the Month: $240 (2 adults & 1 child)
•Total Coupons Used this Week : $6.22
•Total Spent This Week:$80.92
•Total Spent So Far for Oct: $80.92
•Total Over spend this shop: $ 20.92
•Total Over/Under spend for the month of Oct: $20.92
•Total Left to Spend for the Month: $159.08
•Total Coupons Used This Month : $6.22
Thanksgiving overspend! Biscuits, marshmellows for smores. Bananas, choc chips for campfire. We hosted 21 people for Thanksgiving dinner. Guess I don’t need too much sugary desserts for the next few weeks as we have leftover from all these.
I agree the milk was very costly ah well sometimes we need to buy stuff like that. You buy organic, how do you find that affects your budget? Has it driven your budget up much? We love organic but grow what we can in the summer as it so costly in the shops. Wow you had lots of people over for Thanksgiving. You won’t need any sweets you are right. Do budget in the extra expenses when you host large gatherings or just go with the grocery budget that you have and try to make it work? Great shopping … keep up the good work!!! Your budget is similar to ours at 190.00 for 2 people. You get ballot#13 Cheers Mr.CBB
It doesn’t affect the budget that much, cos I’m always on the lookout for sales. The Independent has 50% off various organics and produce every week, so that makes it cheaper or the same price as conventional. And the date dues are not even immediate, the store actually knows that people need time to finish their food, so they’re good in that respect. I started my first garden this year and have been totally enjoying my non-GMO seeds. I harvested carrots, beans, tomatoes. Oh, you can see some of my garden pics here if you wish
Good thing it was pot luck for Thanksgiving! Tho we provided the turkey, sausages, noodles etc. Im trying to do it within our budget and see how that goes. Let’s see if we come in on budget this week!
I like the 50% off racks and stickers and we try to always hit them up first before anything else to see what’s on them. I’m sure you can stick to the budget just have faith and don’t give in. This week is a no shop week for us and it can be hard to not go out to shop. It’s so worth it though.
Forgot to mention, some of my organic purchases can be seen here with a short write-up !story/7569f7d4-0120-4bf8-989d-c05fb0ef8c7b and !story/f249335a-3fff-4564-a873-633b3d9c82f6
Walmart
Napkins 1.47
Fleecy 3.87-1.00 c=2.87
Dog food 13.88-3.50c=10.38
•Total Coupons Used: $4.50
•Total Out Of Pocket: $17.22
Shoppers Drug Mart
Baby Cereal 3/9.99
Lysol Wipes 1.99
Coffee Cream 1.99-1.00c (cap was broken)=.99
Coffee 6.99
Stouffer Pasta 1.99×4=7.96
Milk 4.29
Rice Krispies 1.99
Tissue 0.69
Light Bulbs 4.99
Chips 1.88×3=5.64
Bread 1.99-1.00c=.99
Batteries 10.99-1.00c=9.99
Cheese 2.99-1.00c=1.99
Laundry Soap 2.99-1.00c=1.99
Dove Shampoo 2.99-1.00=1.99
•Total Coupons Used: $6.00
•Total Out Of Pocket:$62.47
Walmart
Gingerale 2.97
Tylenol Cold and flu 9.96
Cough Drops 3.37
•Total Coupons Used: None
•Total Out Of Pocket:$18.42
Walmart
Cat Litter 4.23
Cheese Pizza 5.00
Lunch meat 0.97×2=1.94
Pizza Sauce 1.87
Medication 8.97
Pacifiers 3.00
Buns 2.99
•Total Coupons Used: None
•Total Out Of Pocket:32.08
Weekly Grocery Game Challenge Results
•Total Grocery Budget for the Month: $600
•Total Coupons Used this Week : $10.50
•Total Spent This Week:$130.19
•Total Spent So Far for October: $130.19
•Total Over/Under spend this shop: $ I’m under by 20 dollars.
•Total Left to Spend for the Month: $469.81
I was under budget this week…..going to be a tough month to stick to budget as i will be travelling back and forth to a hospital so as i did save on groceries this month we did have take three times this week which is unusual for us….and the prepackaged meals are for the hubby if im not home….hopefully wont need much in this coming week as we were all sick so didnt eat much and still have a freezer full of food from last week due to our take out….gotta get back on track…hard sometimes..but still working towards it.
Hi Joanne!
I can’t believe the cost of batteries, what a rubbish price they are. Good thing you had a coupon at least. That Walmart shop signifies that someone was ill. You watch now that the winter is upon us coupons for all those products will be on the shelves. Reading the end of your post tells me about the illness now. I’m hoping you all feel a bit better. Keep your spirits up and do your best that’s all you can do. SO far so good and at least you are budgeting, always remember that. You can do this! Cheers Mr.CBB You get ballot #12.
Our weekly budget is $100 for food, cleaners and haba items.
Walmart
.97 french bread
$1.88 dads cookies
$2.97-$1C fiber 1 brownie
$2.10 coffee creamer
$3.97-$1C frozen pizza
$10.04 total oop
$2 total coupons
Superstore
$2.47-$1C philly roasted garlic cream cheese
$1.23 cake mix
$2.47-$1C astro yogurt
.88×2-.88 gravy mix
$1.69 seasoning mix(supposed to be free with the coupon zone coupon but it didn’t go through correctly and I was already home)
$6.98-$1C cheese brick
$1.07 salt
$2.28 green peppers
$1.98 red peppers
.86 romaine lettuce
$4.97-$5C iogo yogurt 12pk
$18.88 total oop
$8.88 total coupons
Save on foods
.99 rice crackers
$1.50×2 aylmers tomatoes
$5.99×2-bogo coupon $2C sch sausage rings
$7.98 total oop
$7.99 total coupons
Mcgavins
$14.97 buns, bread and treats
Sobeys
$4.28 egg nog
$4.66 roast chicken-clearance
$4.86 roast chicken-clearance
$6.08 chicken wings-clearance
$2.89 chicken wings-clearance
$2.99 chips
$4.99 sandwich
$1.25 pop
$32.37 total oop
Weekly totals
$84.24 total oop
$18.87 total coupons
Under budget again!!!
Happy that we are staying on track 🙂
Hey Juanita!
I have to come out and say those Fibre 1 brownies are rubbish… you can make your own brownies and cut a tiny slice for a fraction of the cost. It’s all portion control, plus mine taste a million times better than those. I know because we used that FPC on them a while back and they ended up in the bin. Great you found the cream cheese we’ve been looking for it and have yet to spot it. Now I know where to look! We Always read the receipt before leaving but sometimes we actually pull our cart over for a second as too many people are in the shop and it’s hard to concentrate. You could always call the manager or just bring your receipt in next time you go. SHops are pretty good about that. Looks like you scored the chicken clearance, good for you. Did you get hungry while shopping at Sobeys and pick up a sandwich for $.99 (just nosey)? All that and you came in under budget woohoo.. you know I never know what you all spend until I get to the end of reading your shop. Good for you mate.. keep up the hard work. Your end of year numbers will be awesome! Mr.CBB You get ballot #11~
I shop for 2 adults and a 22 month old toddler. Our budget includes all groceries plus household and baby items and is $100/week.
I was $50.93 over last week. I’m hoping to continually make it up.
Fresh Co
3 x distilled water 3 x $.99
OOP $2.97
SDM
1% milk $4.29
OOP $4.29
Giant Tiger
ML hot dogs (PM Fresh Co) $.98
Brizzolio buns $1.99 – $1.25 coupon
Coupons $1.25
OOP $1.72
Walmart
Sudocrem (diaper cream) $13.87
Zantac 6 x $2.22 – 6 x $3.00=$4.68 overage
Blush $2.97
Nexxus shampoo 12 x $2.22 – 12 x $3.00=$9.36 overage
Coupons $54.00
OOP $10.18
RCSS
Ahoy extras 2 x $1.50 – 2 x $.50 coupons
AJ syrup (PM Fresh Co) $1.97
Bicks pickles (PM Food Basics) 2 x $1.99 – $1.00 coupon
Campbell’s soups (PM) 3 x $.69
Catelli Smart pasta (PM No Frills) 2 x $1.47 – 2 x $1.00 coupons
Eggos (PM No Frills) $1.97
Old El Paso mild kits 2 x $2.69 – 2 x $1.00
Goldfish crackers 2 x $1.97
Phily cooking cream (PM Walmart) $2.47 – $1.00 coupon
Phily cream cheese (PM Food Basics) $1.88 – $1.00 coupon – $2.00 wub2 Kraft products CZ coupon
Redpath brown sugar 2/$4.00
Royale TP (PM SDM) 2 x $3.99 – 2 x $1.00
Source yogurt $4.97 – $1.00 coupon
Ziploc bags 2 x $2.00 – $1.00 wub2
Wonderbread 2 x $2.29 – 50% pink sticker -$2.30 – $2.00 wub 2 coupon
Chicken breast (PM Food Basics) $5.69 – $4.00 coupon (from OEP kit)
Chicken breast (PM Food Basics) $5.97 – $4.00 coupon (from OEP kit)
Bacon (PM Metro) $3.49
Apples $2.86
Banana’s $1.60
Carrots 3lbs (PM) $.99
Grapes (PM) $1.13
Apple $.76
Onions 3lbs (PM) $.99
Romaine $.99
Strawberries $3.48
Tomatoes $.75
Magazine $2.99
Tax Free day $1.75
CD $8.00
Coupons $25.00
OOP$47.53
RCSS
Trident gum 2/$5.00
Icing sugar $1.79
Freezies on clearance $.24 – 50% sticker $.12
Peek Freans (PM Walmart) 2 x $1.67 – $1.67 coupon
Quaker miniute oats on clearance $1.94
30 pack bottled water 2 x $2.97
Source yogurt $4.98 – $1.00 coupon
Trident layers gum $3.27
Strawberries $3.48
Coupons $2.67
CD $2.99
Gift card $20.00
OOP $5.18
Returned bacon +$2.90
$50.93 + $5.18 + $47.53 + $10.18 + $1.72 + $4.29 + $2.97 – $2.90=$119.90
Well I made up for some of the $50.93 over budget I carried from previous weeks. Now I am $19.90 over which seems more managable.
My total so far for the next weeks GGC is $53.13 so I am on pace to make up my overage!! 🙂
Hey Jen!
I’m shocked and jealous that you can find the Zantac and the Nexxus… well Mrs.CBB is. I use the Zantac for my heartburn but can never find it and free is good. Way to go this week Jen… you can do it for next week just stick to the plan and if you see you are going over look in your cart and ask yourself how badly you need some of the stuff. Can you live without something? Congrats and keep it up!! You get ballt #10
Mr.CBB
Hey Mr CBB, drink apple cider vinegar & water for your heartburn.
Really? I never thought to try that thanks. My doc gives me meds as well. Cheers Mr.CBB
Yup just check out online on apple cider vinegar & heartburn..basically doing it the natural way instead of the other stuff that still masks the symptoms etc.
Mr. CBB, Here is this week’s shop
Monthly Budget=$350
City Market
Whole Pineapple 3.99-1.00
4.65lbs Red Grapes 7.39-4.60
1.69lbs Bananas .93
3lbs Apples 3.99
Lettuce head 1.15
1lb frozen blueberries 4.29-.29-.70 coupon
Watermelon 2.31
Special K Granola Bars 3.46
Amy’s Tomato Soup 2×2.79
Campbells Soup 2.69-1.44
Campbells Soup 2.07-.82
1bag Kroger cheese 3.89-.20-1.50coupon
1lb Kroger CoJack cheese 5.89-2.56
Pizza Mix Kit 4×1.69 (Was manager special but only shows markdown price, regular price around 3.50)
Pot Roast 4.69
Kroger String cheese 3.49-1.00 coupon
Kroger hash Browns 1.99
Danimals Yogurt Drinks 4.99
Blue Diamond Almond Milk 2.99
Lean Pockets 2.34
Bake Shop Cookies 1.00
V8 Splash 2.08
Red Baron Pizza 3.50-.51
Lunchables Turkey and cheese 3 x1.66-.66
Kroger Barbeque Sauce 1.19-.19
King’s hawaiin rolls .99
Club Crackers 2 x4.29-2.30-1.00 coupon
blueberry bread 1.39
French Bread .89
Wheat Thins 2.77-1.50coupon
5lbs russet potatoes organic 3.49
-$5 off total order coupon
-$2 Bakery coupon
All the bread was on manager’s special but the regular price did not ring up, so I don’ t know what the savings on that was.
Total with tax =87.91
Total Card and coupon savings 31.75
Safeway
Pork Tenderloin 8.99-6.00-.29 coupon
Total with tax 2.90
Total card and coupon savings 6.29
WalMart
V8 fusion 2.98
Jiff Crunchy Peanut butter 3.98
Soy Milk 3.98
Total with tax 12.25
Local Produce Stand
tomatoes roma and slicing, cucumbers, corn
12.30
Total Spent 115.36
Total Saved 38.04
Remaining Budget for the Month =234.64 with two more shops to go. I should be good. I bought some closeout things this time that will hold us for a while. We’ll see!
Hi Kim!!!
Welcome back to the Grocery Game Challenge! We are getting more and more people interested and I’m thrilled to see some of my original players from the beginning making some amazing feats with their grocery budget. What is your challenge with grocery shopping? Why do you overspend? Do you bring a list with you? Do sales entice you? How do you plan to stick to your grocery budget? With 2 more shops to go if you stick to it mate you have this one in the bag. You have more than enough cash to get you through to the end… although what hurts us sometime are those stockpiling events on sale items like toilet paper. THis week for example I believe it’s 30 rolls for under $5 so most will stock up which could put a dent in the budget. What we are working on doing is in cases like this just trimming the budget best we can and sticking to it. If we go over then we transfer that overage to the next month to make up for it. We really want to see the numbers at the end of the year add up to what we set out in our budget. I hope you continue to post your shops Kim and that you reach for your goals like Mrs.CBB and I are trying to do. Thanks mate and keep up the hard work. Happy Holidays. Mr.CBB
My grocery budget for the week is $92.31 for 2 adults and 1 child and includes all food, household items, personal hygiene items etc.
Food Basics
Fruite drink – sale 2x $.88
Broccoli – $.88
Large bag red onions – $2.50
Raspberries – sale $1.50
Tenderflake pastry – sale $1.99 – $1c
Acorn squash – $.99
Chicken breasts – sale $8.60 – $1.50c (ziploc)
•Total Coupons Used: $2.50
•Total Out Of Pocket: $15.95
Foodland
10lb Potatoes – sale $1.97
Rosemary Focaccia Bread – $2.49 – $1.25 (reduced 50%)
Royale 6 boxes facial tissue – sale $3.97 – $1c
Royale 12 roll 3ply TP – sale $3.97 – $1c
•Total Coupons Used: $2.00
•Total Out Of Pocket: $10.18
Walmart
Philadelphia cooking crème – sale $2.47 – $1c
Tostitos nacho chips – sale $2.00
•Total Coupons Used: $1.00
•Total Out Of Pocket: $3.73
Real Canadian Super Store
Crackerbarrel mozzarella cheese – sale $4.44
Iogo yoghurt – sale $4.98 – $1c
Canada Dry Gingerale 24 case – sale $5.97
Nestea Zero 12 case – $6.47 – FPC = $0
No Name Chicken Broth – sale $1.27
Resolve spray & wash – sale $1.97 – $2c
Wheat thins stixs – sale $1.98 – $.75c
Wonder whole wheat hamburger buns – sale $1.98
Schneiders mini sizzlers – $3.99
Schneiders fat free ham roast – sale $7.89 – $10c (from Schneiders)
Prime Rib Roast – sale $10.10
Family Pack extra lean ground beef – sale $10.06
Green beans – sale $1.08
Brussels sprouts – sale $.99
4lb bag apples – $3.97
Mini watermelon – $2.98
•Total Coupons Used: $20.22
•Total Out Of Pocket: $50.92
•Total Grocery Budget for the Month: $400
•Total Coupons Used this Week : $25.72
•Total Spent This Week:$80.78
•Total Spent So Far for September: $80.78
•Total Under spend this shop: $11.53
•Total Under spend for the month of September: $11.53
•Total Left to Spend for the Month: $319.22
•Total Coupons Used This Month : $25.72
Weekly Overview: So I had a good week even with purchasing a fair amount of meat as there were some good sales. I luck out this weekend as we always go to a relative’s house for Thanksgiving dinner so I did not have to buy any groceries for the meal which is an added bonus. We no longer subscribe to the local newspaper so I no longer get most of the grocery flyers. I can still see them by going online but I don’t have them to take to the store to price match. I could have saved a little more at RCSS by ad matching had I some of the flyers.
Happy Thanksgiving!
Hi Joanna!!
Welcome back to the GGC! I love how you are using the template, thanks it makes it so much easier for me to evaluate and I’m sure for yourself. This week you used a whopping $25 in coupons, that’s great to see the savings stay in your bank account. Often we forget that all those savings would have come from our budget if we didn’t use those coupons. You are also under budget for the week, so impressed with everyone this week! We don’t get the local paper but are lucky because we get flyers separate and for free. How much did the subscription cost you per month? What are your plans now that you don’t get the flyers in terms of price matching? Can you print out the ad from online? There has to be an easier way for people so I don’t know why the shops just don’t have a master list each week of their competitors so we don’t have to lug these bloody newspapers around. Cheers and Happy Thanksgiving to you and the family.
Mr.CBB
You get ballot #7
Here is this weeks run
Foodland, Sept 30
wafer cookies-1.49
Gherkins-1.79
cole slaw-1.99
2 frozen veggies for stir-fry@2/5.00- 5.00
bread-2.99
2 broccoli@2/3.00-3.00
raison bread-3.19
Lynch cider mix-3.99
smokes-9.69
Total-$34.91, no coupons
Foodland Oct 3
4 bananas-1.67
10lb potatoes-1.97
raison bread-3.19
triscuits- 3.49
Lynch cider mix-3.99
iogo yogurt-3.99( 1.00 coupon)
2 ziploc freezer bags@4.29-8.58($1.00 coupon when you buy 2)
4l milk-4.79
5gal jug water-5.49
smokes-9.69
turkey-16.76
Total-$64.50, $2.00 coupons
Country Bulk Oct 3
Raw peanuts-7.15
sunflower seeds-2.85
parm cheese-8.31
Total-19.61, no coupons
Foodland Oct 4
3 sugar@1.77-5.31
2 Royale tissues@3.97-7.94(2-$1.00 coupons)
2 Royale TP@3.97-7.94(only had 1 $1.00 coupon)
Total-$20.25,$3.00 coupons
Total for the week$139.27(under$10.73)with $5.00 coupons.
The sugar and Royale products were a one day sale so I grabbed them. The turkey will be cooked on Sunday and I’ll try to keep track of how many meals we get out of it. I have cranberries in the freezer for the sauce and bits and pieces of bread I’ll get out to make the dressing. I’m trying to think of a nice dessert to make then too out of the cupboard…. maybe a chocolate pudding cake, won’t need to buy anything for that unless I get some ice cream to go with it. The cider mix is a little pricey but the oldest boy likes it in the cooler weather as he doesn’t care for hot chocolate.. oh well. I’ll be looking for sales on that to stock up. Tomorrow Foodland has butter on early bird sales for $2.77 so I’ll be getting some of that first thing.
Hey there Christine, I hope all is well and welcome back… let’s take a look at your week.
So you came in under budget, congratulations. It seems most are doing well so far this month. It’s time to get into gear and save, save, save. We also stock up when there is a good price and sometimes that can hurt our budget so we are working hard to make sure we make up for those stockpile days. Good idea to track how many meals your turkey will give you. Please let me know. That’s a great deal for butter. We stock up starting now for any baking we do for the holidays as prices just sky rocket especially for butter and nuts.
Keep at it Christine and Happy Thanksgiving to you and the family.
Cheers Mr.CBB
You get ballot #7
Total Paid: $54.01
Coupons used: $102.75
Tax saved from no tax day: $10.90
Food Basics
Frozen peas 2×1.99=3.98
peppers 1.50
nappa cabbage 3.20
sweet potato 0.78
cucumber 0.88
broccoli 0.88
bok choy 1.88
m&ms 0.99×5 -FPCx5=free
Zehrs (No Tax Day)
friskies cat food 2×11.79
glade refresher 6.99- 6.00=0.99
kashi cereal 5.99 – FPC= FREE
kashi cereal 5.29-FPC=FREE
Lindt chocolate bar 2.50 -FPC= free
tropicana 2×3.33 – BOGO = 3.33
Nivea lip balm 2×2.29=4.54
Garnier body lotion 4×7.99- 4FPC= FREE
St Ives body wash 3.99-1.00=2.99
Vaseline petroleum jelly 3.29
whiskas wet food 12×0.63- 6xBOGO
(**tax saved=10.90)
Walmart
printing paper 4.50
old el paso 4×4.00- 4xFPC=free
pet stain spray 6.93-2.00=4.93
cat food 10.99-FPC = FREE
m&ms 4×0.99 – 4xFPC=free
Lindt bar 2.50-FPC=free
Monthly budget: $240 for 2 adults
Total Spent So Far for Oct: $54.01
i am still trying to adjust our monthly budget, the first month i set it to $190, blew it for $80!, 2nd month, i set it to 220, ended up i blew $78 (but i stocked up on coffee for 6 months!), so this month i am setting it at 240 and see if i can do it! keep up the good work Wing-sze!!! 🙂 and you mr CBB, and everybody at CBB, keep it up and lets work together!!!! go CBB go! we are A team!!!!
Hey WING!!!
Welcome back mate… have a seat on the leather couch and make yourself at home lol…
Thanks for all the kind words of support Wing, it means alot. I’m happy to see you are playing with your budget so it is realistic, something that alot of people fail to do. If you can handle the $240 in your budget and that is what you typically would spend then go for it. There’s ‘no point overspending each week if you have to up the budget. So far you are at a cool $54 .. let’s see if October is THE month for you.. keep at it,head up, plan and stick to it.. you can do this GO WING GO!!
You get ballot #6
Mr.CBB
Mr. CBB… our Christmas/Holiday treats fund has $91.90 from this month in it so that we can basically do lunch with Larry’s mother and sister and another couple of lunches with two of our friends. Usually $30 per lunch is enough including the tips.
I have another $100 currently set aside so that we can buy some extra little treats – like some nuts, dried fruits, etc for a little holiday baking and still have enough for our Christmas dinner & my birthday supper on Dec 26th. Our Xmas dinner will be in Portland (2 x $9.99 + tip) and my birthday will be at a favorite soup & salad spot for about $20 for both of us because we use a discount member’s coupon that comes out each week. These extra Christmas funds, I have been setting aside $10 each and every month.
I use the regular grocery budget of 3 weeks x $47.50 for the rest of the month of the month of December, because the last week of December we are away again! AND, since we aren’t back from this coming vacation until November 13th, I’ll also have 2 weeks of grocery budget available for saving…in my “just in case something wonderful comes up” that we want to do. For example, we always enjoy a nice holiday movie in the theater but there hasn’t been one in a few years.
As we are away for the Christmas holidays, we have one week of our December grocery budget that we will not use (Dec 22-Jan 1). These funds I plan to keep for our New Years Eve in Portland.
So here’s how our 2012 holidays funds shake down, not including the gift cards I still have from last Christmas, that we could use if we wanted a splurge:
(3) Lunches over the holiday season $91.90
Xmas baking treats $60 + (2) dinners $40 = $100
Xmas Just in Case Fund from Nov 1-13 grocery budget = $47.50+$47.50 = $95 extra if we need it – otherwise we’ll save it for next year.
New Years Fund from Dec 22-31 grocery fund $47.50
My pumpkin puree is to make a batch of pumpkin-pecan-crystallized ginger muffins for the Thanksgiving weekend while hubby and I enjoy our morning tea. He loves a morning muffin! I also like to have a spare can on hand of the puree.
I’ve already got my canned & frozen cranberries for Christmas… so next up I will be picking a jar of mincemeat so that I can make Christmas muffins when we get there. Now that smells divine when they are baking!
Ok I’m starting the challenge this month! Not done with my shopping this week, shikes Thanksgiving, let’s see how that goes.
Hi Adeline!! Congratulations on taking the first step to taking control of the grocery budget. You will be posting with some of the greatest fans ever… they are such a motivational bunch and we have all been saving money just by posting and holding ourselves accountable. I look forward to your shops and if you have any questions at any time simply email me. Cheers Adeline. Mr.CBB
This Challenge sounds epic! I may well join in and add it to my Sunday Review! I already drive my wife mad at the shops that I am so Frugal… this would only escalate this!! Would also be interesting to compare Uk and Canadian pricing!
Absolutely love this idea of tracking through your template. I may well join in (add it to my Sunday review or something)! I drive my wife mad being so Frugal at the shops and this will only escalate this! Would also be interesting to compare the UK and Canada pricing…
Me mum calls me at least once per week and tells me how rubbish the prices are getting in the UK. When they came to visit me here back a few years they were amazed at how cheap food was. They were also shocked at how we can use coupons here to lower prices and the amount of deals. Sometimes we don’ t know how well we have it here. Would be awesome to compare. Where are you living? Mr.CBB
I read mortgagefreeinthree.com and the UK has this company called ApprovedFoods… I am so jealous! It’s a seller of close to expiring and already expired foods. Some of the deals are amazing! Personally, I don’t care if my couscous is past the date or not. There’s free shipping or 5 pound shipping at certain price points too. (PS – Elaine’s blog has an affiliate link that she’d very much appreciate people using… plus I highly recommend her blog!)
Hmm, not sure if my comment was lost in the ether or not! I read mortgagefreeinthree.com and learned about Approved Foods in the UK from it. I’m very jealous! They sell close to expiring and expired products at crazy low prices, with occasional free shipping and 5 pound shipping at certain price points. I wish we had something like that in Canada (anyone know how we could start that business?! seems a bit like Liquidation World?). Definitely tell your mum to check it out + Savvy Scot I hope you know about it already! (PS: Elaine’s blog has an affiliate link which I’m sure she’d appreciate folks using, plus I love reading her blog, so check it out too!)
No Frills
Sardines (2 cans) – $1.36
Yogurt – $3.49
Crackers – $1.88
Milk – $2.17
Hamburger Helper (1 box) – $1.79
Eggs – $2.53
Canned Corn (2 cans) – $1.54
Frozen juice – $1.79
Kidney Beans – $0.99
Orange Juice – $1.49
Frozen punch – $0.63
Butter – $2.97
Tortilla Chips – $2.29
Condensed Milk (2 cans) – $3.96
Canned Pumpkin – $3.49
Instant noodles (2 pkg) – $1.36
Rye Bread – $2.49
Cooked Frozen Shrimp – $3.99
Cooked Bone-In Ham – $11.64
Cabbage – $1.24
Cranberries – $1.36
Apples – $1.55
Pineapple – $1.49
10lb bag potatoes – $3.29
Squash – $0.59
•Total Coupons Used: $0.00
•Total Out Of Pocket: $61.90
Weekly Grocery Game Challenge Results
•Total Grocery Budget for the Month: $200 (two person household)
•Total Coupons Used this Week : $0.00
•Total Spent This Week:$61.90
•Total Spent So Far for October: $61.90
•Total Over/Under spend for the month of September: On Budget
•Total Left to Spend for the Month: $138.10
•Total Coupons Used This Month : $0.00
With Thanksgiving coming up, we are hosting a dinner. Generally we pay for some of the dinner out of spending money since we won’t be eating all of it. I’ll only report items we bought with grocery money on this form.
Hey!
Welcome!
So you essentially have the same budget as Mrs.CBB and I for the month. Do you shop every week? Everyone seems to be buying Pumpkin Puree this week lol. I think I will pick up a can because I want to make something special in the kitchen, likely a cake for Halloween. Your grocery list looks like ours as we aim to keep it to the basics veg, fruit,grains,beans,noodles,eggs and the odd bits and bobs… I think that really helps keep the costs low for us when we stop buying “this and that” and stick to the basics.
What would you say is your eating style at home?
Do you ever use coupons or would you if you saw some you would use?
You have a healthy budget left for the month, looking forward to see how you make use of that and if you can stick to it!
Cheers
Mr.CBB
You get Ballot #4 for our monthly draw!
Hey Mr. CBB,
I can’t believe it’s October already!! 🙂
This is my week’s shops:
Mom 40
Walmart
Swiss Cheese Slices 4.37
Onions 1.25
Chips 1.37
Total Coupons
Total Out of pocket 6.99
Total Grocery Budget for the Month: $200.00
Total Coupons Used this Week : $0
Total Spent This Week:$ 46.99
Total Spent So Far for October: $46.99
Total Over/Under spend this shop: -$3.01
Total Over/Under spend for the month of October: -$3.01
Total Left to Spend for the Month: $153.01
The E. Coli warnings has me a bit nervous, as I am not 100% sure when I bought my supply. I will definitely have to keep better records of this going forward! We have already used half of it up with no signs of illness, so hopefully we didn’t get a contaminated batch.
I want to try to incorporate some coupons going forward so I will check your coupon link and see what I can save on. I, unfortunately, don’t receive any of the flyers, so I can’t utilize the price match, but I will see what i can do to rectify this as well.
I noticed that you included deodorant in your shop; do you generally include household items in the shops as well?
Have a good week!
Vicky
Hi Vicky!
I know October.. it was June just yesterday wasn’t it. Ha! We are not big beef eaters here but we do have some.The only beef we may have bought was with the $4.00 off coupon from the old elpaso we picked up in the summer for the kids and didn’t eat yet. Those coupons were a revolving door for us but now we wish we got the chicken instead. The freezer inventory has helped make the search easy as we always mark down dates and what we have in our freezer for easy reference.
Yes check out Save Big Live Better also on my blog she wrote a couple guest posts this one is Where to find Canadian Coupons and all the links… you can order them right to your home.
Yes we include household items in our shop but we have so much of it we don’t have to buy it often. We used coupons in 2010-2011 when they were high value, or the stores had awesome prices and people weren’t couponing as much. Then came that silly tv show and every Tom, Dick and Harry started couponing and the shops and mfg took it into high gear with smaller coupon denominations, and instead of 50% off stickers in some shops you now see 30% and deals are not the same however every penny counts. We have close to 100 jugs of laundry soap so you won’t see us buy that ever.. and on and on. We do buy toilet paper when it’s on sale even though we have lots because my theory is get it while you can. You will be wiping your butt until you die so stock up. We will stock health and beauty and cleaning but not so much food.. the odd stuff but not alot as we simply don’t eat it all and it goes off and in the bin. Meal planning will be our saviour as will eating fresh fruits, veg, grains, pasta etc and staying away from any crap in boxes as much as we can help it. That’s part of our goal. No more cookies etc.. if we want it we will make it from scratch that way it’s not always in the house so we keep eating it. We don’t need that stuff anyhow but it’s a personal decision as some enjoy eating snacks, we aren’t big on them unless it’s fruits, veg, cheese or nuts. Sometimes we make tortilla chips…super easy and dip them in homemade salsa, spring onion, and sour cream and top it with cheese for a snack..
Glad to see you added in the $40 which I think is proper to do as it is part of the grocery. Do you believe your $200 with the $40 is attainable? How do you plan to stick to that goal?
You get ballot #2 for the month!! Keep up the good work and remember if it’s not on your list, ask yourself why you need to have it.
Mr.CBB
Great point on avoiding credit card debt during the Holiday season Mr. CBB! I am actually doing a post on that very topic next week, so great minds do think alike! 🙂
I think for the most part we all share similar posts but we all have our own experiences which no one could ever take away and those very experiences and the way we express ourselves are what keep our fans on the edge of their seats. Cheers mate.. look forward to your post. Mr.CBB
I don’t think any Zehrs exist in GTA 🙂
You guys did a great job with your budget. Isn’t it nice to see cash leftover at the end…my fave part! Your template is great too and FREE << the best part!!
Hey Eddie,
It’s something simple that we put together to keep organized. Life doesn’t have to be too complicated as long as we are organized and know where everything is. Cheers Mr.CBB
Grocery Accounting for October 1-7
Superstore
1 pkg NM wax paper $4.48
1 large pkg coleslaw $3.98
1 large pkg green salad $3.98
Total Spent at Superstore $12.98
Save On Foods
2 bananas $0.53
1 Becel Light $5.99
1 large 1% cottage Cheese $4.99
2 pkgs Green Giant Brussel Sprouts $5.00
2 cans pumpkin puree $3.98
1 Western Family Toupie Ham Quarter $8.99
2 Western Family Garlic Sausage $6.99
Total Spent at Save On Foods $36.47
Wong’s Farm Market
1 Package Green Beans
1 package strawberries
2 Navel Oranges
2 Bartlett Pears
2 Golden Delicious apple
4 field tomatoes
12 vine tomatoes
1 head Celery
2 bunches broccoli
8 carrots
1 zucchini
1 yellow squash
2 large onions
5 lb yukon gold potatoes
1 cauliflower
2 red peppers
12 pickling cucumbers
Total Spent at Wong’s Farm Market $26.50
Total Out of Pocket This Week: $75.95
Monthly Grocery Budget = $190/4 weeks = $47.50 per week
Actual October Grocery Spent: 75.95 + $22.15 overage at the end of last month = $98.10 for the week so I am now $50.60 over on the week.
BUT, I will point out this will be my final grocery shop for this month, as we are leaving on vacation in a week & will be drawing from our “vacation budget” for food / meals out while we are away.
This means that for my October final figure I am back in the black… October budget of $190 – $98.10 = $91.90 UNDER FOR THE MONTH and I will save this for our Christmas & New Years grocery treats.
Way to go Mary! I think this is one of your biggest shops to date. I want to pick up some pumpkin puree myself so I can make something in the kitchen. What do you do with yours? I’m jealous you are heading out on vacation but I know one day my time will come. So you are under budget this month…. and smart idea to save it in a Christmas/New Years Grocery Treats fund. Do you put money in this fund all year long? What types of treats would you buy? Keep up the amazing work Mary, you are an inspiration. Mr.CBB
You get Ballot #1 for the month ya!