The Grocery Game Challenge is drawing to a close for 2012 and Christmas festivities are about to begin in 2 weeks time. What a year it has been for all who have joined in to post their grocery shops with us. I’ve heard so many great stories from all of you about how some of you have lowered your grocery budget and have made better choices when grocery shopping. Others were able to stick to their budget and continue to strive and set goals for 2013. As the next couple weeks roll in and the festivities start to come to a high this challenge will still be posted so please check in or subscribe to the blog so you don’t miss posting your shop.
If you haven’t had a chance please read a guest post I wrote for my mate John at Frugal Rules titled 10 Ways to Stretch Your Grocery Budget. It really does showcase all the tips we’ve learned this year from all of you and from understanding our shopping habits. When the New Year comes in I will be posting a brand new year of The Grocery Game Challenge and this is the perfect time to join because you can track a full year of shopping with us. I’m excited to have everyone on board and ready to save money so they can put those savings towards other debts, help fund their retirement or other goals.
If you are like us and use coupons you might have alot of Free Product Coupons due to expire the end of December. We have about 10 or more so we are trying to use them up this week and next. Since we went way over budget in November I said in December we would try to make up for it leaving us a budget for 2 of $84.23 . Last week our Grocery Game Challenge shop totalled $38.36 leaving us $45.87 to spend.
What are your goals for your grocery budget for 2013? Will you post your grocery shop in the Grocery Game Challenge all year-long with me?
So without any more chatter here is what we spent yesterday!
Shoppers Drug Mart
- 1x Milk $4.19
Total Out of Pocket $4.19
Food Basics
- Oranges $2.00
- Case of Water Sale $2.44
- 3x Lactancia Cream Sale $1.99-$0.75
Total Out of Pocket $8.16
Wal-Mart
- 2x EggNog Sale $1.24
Total Out of Pocket- $2.48
Metro- received 2 Air Miles YA!
- 3x Meat Tortellini 1KG reg $5.49 Sale $1.99
- 1x Meat Ravioli 1KG Reg $5.49 Sale $1.99
- 1x 500g Gay Lea Cottage Cheese $3.59- FPC=FREE
- 1x Barilla Pasta Sale $0.97- $0.75 Coupon from insert =$0.24
- 2x Timothy Coffee- $7.99-FPC’s= FREE
- 1x Colgate Toothpaste Opti-White Sale $1.99-$1.00=$0.99
Total Out of Pocket– $9.45
Weekly Grocery Game Challenge Results for Mr. and Mrs. CBB
- Total Grocery Budget for the
Week:$84.23 (For the month of Dec) - Total Coupons Used this Week:$23.57
- Total Scanning Code of Practice: $0
- Total Spent This Week:$24.28
- Total Spent So Far for December: $24.28+38.36=$62.64
- Total Over/Under spend this shop: $N/A this month
- Total Left to Spend for the Month: $21.59
- Total Coupons Used This Month : $8.54+23.57=$32.11
Overall: Not too bad this week as we really don’t need too much but need to use up some FPC’s. We had a binder clean out and found so many great coupons that we hope we can use mainly for health and beauty and laundry but only if we find some great sales. I’m optimistic we will make it to the end of the month on this small budget.
Some Coupons we found this week!
FAQ’s- Grocery Game Challenge RULES…..
- 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.
- When does the Grocery Game Close each month?
The Grocery Game Challenge Closes at Midnight of the last Sunday of the last post for the month. You can post your shops all month-long.
- Does Your Grocery Budget Include Health and Beauty and Laundry?
Yes our Grocery Budget includes such items as shampoo, conditioner, laundry soap, fabric softener, dish soap etc. We don’t mind stockpiling items that won’t be effected by expiry dates or have long expiry dates but not so much food any more. It’s just one way to help cut your budget to save money.
There are many places you can find Canadian Coupons whether it be in store or via the mail.
Canadian Coupon Match-Ups- Match your coupons with flyer sales!
Here are your latest Coupon Match-ups of the week from around Canada compliments of Save Big Live Better.
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Related articles
- What Products To Stockpile For Maternity Leave (canadianbudgetbinder.com)
- Welfare Food Challenge- $26 A Week for 1 In The Grocery Budget (canadianbudgetbinder.com)
- How to Earn Optimum Points Fast at Shoppers Drug Mart (canadianbudgetbinder.com)
- Budgeting With Mr.CBB Got Us Back On Track! (canadianbudgetbinder.com)
Adeline says
Dec 10 – 16
Giant Tiger
• 1x Bag Red Potatoes = $0.99
• 1x Bag of Carrots = $1.00
• 1x 6 Pack Facial Tissue $4.97 – $1 Coupon = $3.97
•Total Coupons Used: $1
•Total Out Of Pocket: $6.60
SDM
• 1x Milk bag = $4.29
• 1x Dempsters Bread = $1.99
• 2x Eggs = $3.98
• 1x Oasis Drink $1.99 – $0.75 Coupon = $1.24
• 4x Butter @$2.99 = $11.96
•Total Coupons Used: $0.75
•Total Out Of Pocket: $23.46
Foodland
• 1x Pack of Pork Chops = $5.75
• 2x Whole Chicken $5.97 each = $11.94
•Total Coupons Used: $0
•Total Out Of Pocket: $17.69
Independent
• 1x Cornmeal = $9.87
• 1x Spiral Ham = $17.91
• 3x Bag Organic Potatoes $2.97 each at 50% off = $4.47 (Finally found organic potatoes!)
• 1x Napa Cabbage = $1.99
• 2x Rutabaga= $2.81 (Last nite was the 1st time I tried it – boiled & mashed them like potatoes)
• 1x Butternut Squash = $3.67
•Total Coupons Used: $3.11 Gas coupons
•Total Out Of Pocket: $37.61
Weekly Grocery Game Challenge Results
•Total Grocery Budget for the Month: $240 for 2 adults & 1 child + $48.48 carry over from Oct.
•Total Coupons Used this Week : $8.88 + $4.86
•Total SCOP: $0
•Total Spent This Week:$53.19 + $85.36
•Total Spent So Far for Dec: $138.55
•Total Over spend this shop: $25.36 (The spiral ham did it !!)
•Total Under spend for the month of Dec: $101.45
•Total Left to Spend for the Month: $101.45 + $48.48 carry over from Oct.
Canadianbudgetbinder says
Hi Adeline,
How was your holidays? Ours were great but we are back in action now. What are your grocery budget goals for 2013? I’m changing the grocery game post this week to Monday as I have a $100 cash giveaway on Tuesday with my budget update for the year post. You will also read about our grocery game budget and what we will be doing with that. You did well this month wow, $101.45 left to spend and you are still carrying over from Oct. Do you think your grocery budget is too high? Keep up the great work and Happy New Year! You get ballot #28 Mr.CBB
joanne tjerno says
Well i am a few days late again entering….have had two very sick children so havent had much time to be on my computer.. My weekend was pretty hectic….i had a bad experience at walmart in this past week so the store manager was nice enough to give me a gift card for my bad experience which i used to finish my xmas shopping (random stocking stuffers and extra bags and tissue paper) So happy to be done shopping 🙂 Heres my shop 🙂
Walmart
K.D. 1.00×2=2.00
Fruitopia 1.27×2=2.54
Frozen Lemonade 0.64×3=1.92
Frozen iced tea 0.64×4=2.56
Frozen pink lemonade 1.27
Fries 1.98
Burgers 9.47
Baby cheesies 2.77
Buns 2.50
Broccoli 1.47
Coffee Filters 2.47
Sandwich meat 3.97×2=7.94
Lean ground pork 3.50
24 cans of dr. pepper 5.97-1.00c=4.97
Yogurt tubes 1.97-0.50c=1.47
Yogurt 1.97-0.50c=1.47
Cookies 1.97×2=3.94
Dempsters bread 1.88
Cheese slices 2.97-0.75c=2.22
cheese strings 3.67-1.00c=2.67
Baby yogurt mels 2.94-1.00c=1.94
Villagio Hamburger buns 2.98-0.75c=2.23
Baby cereal 2.94-2.00c=0.94
Baby cheesies 2.77-1.00c=1.77
Total coupons=8.50
Total=70.93
Zehrs
Pasta 0.49×2=0.98
Coke 2.88
Milk 3.77
Lemonade 2.89
Butter tarts 3.29
Dinner rolls 2.99
Hot dogs 2.99
Chicken Burgers 5.99
Chicken strips 5.99
No coupons
Total=32.52
Shoppers drug mart
homo milk 3.79
Walmart
palmolive 3.00
homo milk 2.48
energy drinks 3.97×2=7.94
Total=15.17
Total Grocery Budget for the Week: 135.00
Total Coupons Used this Week: 8.50
Total Scanning Code of Practice: $0
Total Spent This Week: 122.41
Total Spent So Far for December: $234.45
Total Over/Under spend this shop: under by 12.59
Total Left to Spend for the Month: 305.55
Total Coupons Used This Month : $21.00
So not so bad….wont buy much this week if anything…besides homo milk for my little guy…..i work all weekend…and we have tons of food in the house 🙂 and since we dont cook xmas dinner i save a large amount there 🙂 Heres to hoping i make it under budget 🙂
Canadianbudgetbinder says
Hi Joanne
That’s ok if you are late to post.. I’ll just hunt you down.. ha! Sorry to hear you had a bad experience at Walmart but it sounds like in good faith they took good care of you, which was nice. Hey you get cheaper milk at Shoppers Drug Mart that we do.. dang it. We pay $4.29 or $3.99 on sale. You have lots left for the month which is not a bad thing. It seems we all go hell for leather in November and come mid- December not much shopping happens because we already have everything we need lol… Happy Holidays!!! You get ballot #23
Joanna Cheevers says
My grocery budget for the week is $80.77 for 2 adults and 1 child and includes all food, household items, personal hygiene items etc.
Food Basics
Schweppes gingerale – sale $1.88
Green pepper – $.39
Tomatoes (3) – $1.23
Broccoli – sale $.88
Lettuce – sale $1.27
Red pepper – $.71
Villagio bread – sale $1.99 – $1.75c
Selection chips – $1.69
Tostitos – $3.99
Kraft shredded cheese – sale $5.99 – $3c
OE Paso Fajita kit – sale $2.99
Boneless chicken breast – sale $5.56 – $4c WUB OE Paso
Highliner Cod – sale $6.99 – $.75c
Barilla pasta – sale 3x$1.00 – 3x$.50c
•Total Coupons Used: $10.75
•Total Out Of Pocket: $31.78
No Frills
NN Chips – $1.27
NN Cheddar Cheese – sale $3.77
Tetley tea bags – $2.99
Apples – $1.68
•Total Coupons Used: $0
•Total Out Of Pocket: $9.71
Walmart
Gingerale 24 case – sale $5.97
Fruite juice – 4x$1.37
Stove top stuffing – sale $.97
Betty Crocker potatoes – sale $1.47
Rice Krispie squares – sale $2.00
Kinder egg – $.98 – FPC
Clubhouse gravy – sale 2x$.88
Clubhouse beef stew mix – $1.34 – free when buy 2 gravies
Nestea 12 case – $6.47 – FPC
Bananas – $1.08
Cherry tomatoes – $1.97
Orville Red. Popcorn bag – $3.47 – FPC
Stages toothpaste – $2.35 – $.75c
Kids MyWay battery toothbrush – $4.98 – $1.50c
Dove hair serum – $4.77 – FPC
Drixall nasal spray – $4.92 – $2c
•Total Coupons Used: $21.28
•Total Out Of Pocket: $32.98
RCSS
Egg Creations – sale 2x$2.48 – B1G1c
Philly Cream Cheese – sale 3x$2.97
(hoping to get $4 back through Checkout 51, but including full price in my total for now)
Cheesy crab puffs – sale $4.99
Frozen Turkey – sale $11.56
•Total Coupons Used: $2.48
•Total Out Of Pocket: $27.94
•Total Grocery Budget for the Month: $350
•Total Coupons Used this Week : $34.51
•Total Spent This Week:$102.41
•Total Spent So Far for December: $133.27
•Total Over spend this shop: $21.64
•Total Under spend for the month of December: $28.27
•Total Left to Spend for the Month: $216.73
•Total Coupons Used This Month : $6.00+$34.51=$40.51
So I overspent for the week but I am still under budget when I take into consideration the leftover budget from last week’s shop. Still have some things to buy for Christmas baking, dinner and Boxing Day dinner with the entire family. Hope I can do it. This being such a busy month I did end up purchasing more ‘convenience’ type food this week. Although I have gotten much better, I still hope to use less convenience food in 2013.
Canadianbudgetbinder says
Hey Joanna C,
Great job with that bread coupon. Even though you underspent this week you had some leftover from last week. Next year starting in Jan we will track every penny and if we are over one month we WILL carry it to the next so we can stick to not only the monthly budget BUT the YEARLY budget which makes sense as that is where we get our monthly figure from. You can do the DInners, I know you can… in 2013 you will ROCK IT… we will all learn new recipes, cook more from scratch and challenge each other… look at JEN P… she made soup this week… I was over the moon proud of her!! That’s only the beginning.. lots in store for all of us. Cheers mate. Mr.CBB You ge ballot #21
Mary F Campbell says
Mr. CBB, I think we’ll plan to split an order of vegetable chow mein and an order of mushroom foo yung. I can steam up a mess of vegetables here at home and throw a little teriyaki sauce in the wok and we’ll have a real feast!
I like vegetable spring rolls too but the roughly $12 will only cover 2 dishes even with us picking up the food. It’ll have to be something to look forward to another time. 🙂
Canadianbudgetbinder says
That sounds like a smart plan! Never thought to do something like that. What is mushroom foo yung?
Christine Weadick says
Another week that shot hell out of the budget…..this needs some serious thinking about for next year!!!! I picked up a couple of cases of gingerale at the drug store this week as that was the cheapest price around for me. Everything else was at Foodland. There were some nice sales especially on the Thursday… one day only!!!
Jackson’s
2 cases pop@ 3.33-6.66
Foodland Dec 8
1 sour cream-2.89, 1.00 coupon
2 Cheerios@2.97-5.94
3 Oatmeal Crisp@2.97-8.91
2 yogurt@3.99, 1-.50 coupon
1 cider mix-3.99
2 kolbassa chubs@3.99-7.98
4 toilet paper @4.44, 1-.50 coupon, 3-2.00 coupons
1 4l milk-4.79
1 pack smokes-9.69
Total$71.01 with $8.00 in coupons
Dec 11
2 lemons @.75-1.50
2 pineapple tidbits@1.59-3.18
1 seafood sauce-1.98
1 pack beef liver-2.19
1 box baking soda-2.69
1 triscuits-2.79
2 Oatmeal Crisp@2.97-5.94
1 unsweetened coconut-2.98
1 box cream of wheat-2.99
1 bag brown sugar-3.29
1 raisin bread-3.79
1 toilet paper-4.44
1 4l milk-4.79
1 pack rice-4.99
1 jug water-5.49
1 jar honey-5.79
3 bottles Tide@5.97-17.91, 3- 1.00 coupons
1 pack smokes-9.69
Total- $87.59, $3.00 in coupons
Dec 13, hitting the sales
6 boxes KD@2/$1.00-3.00
10 bananas-1.78
1 unsweetened applesauce-1.48
1 box candy canes-1.79
2 Oatmeal Crisp@2.97-5.94
1 bag lemons(6)-2.99!!!
1 raisin bread-3.79
2 toilet paper@4.44-8.88, 2-$2.00 coupons
1 4l milk-4.79
1 cheesecake-5.49
2 chicken nuggets@5.99-11.98
1 pack smokes-9.69
Total-$60.25, 4.00 coupons
Dec 14
1 applesauce-1.48
1 jar pickles-1.79
1 triscuits-2.79
1 pack dog treats-2.79(for Niki next door)
4 cases pop@2.97, 2- $2/WUB2 coupons
1 celery hearts-2.99
1 raisin bread-3.79
1 cider mix-3.99
1 frozen stir fry veggies-4.29
1 4l milk-4.79
1 pack unsweetened chocolate sq-4.79
1 frozen raspberries-4.99, 2.00 coupon
1 block cheese-5.99
2 Tetley teabags(216 count)@6.97-13.94
2 tins coffee@6.97-13.94
1pack ML chicken breasts-12.21,2.00 coupon
Total- $90.87, 8.00 coupons
This gives me a total of $316.38!!! $166.38 over for the week!! OUCH!!! But there were $23.00 in coupons. On the good side there were some very good sales (toilet paper, chicken nuggets, bananas, KD, cereal, Tide) and some things I had good coupons for which helped. This week they have the pop on sale that started Friday so I can use those $2.00 off when you buy 2 cases coupons I have. I’ll be putting a good size dent in those coupons!! I’m rather ticked off at myself as I did so well in Sept, Oct and Nov….December it went to hell. I need to do some thinking about this one. I’m thinking I might up the amount a little and hold over the funds any time I go under for the week. Use that money for stock-ups and Dec shopping. The liver made for a cheap meal, good thing everyone here will eat it.
Canadianbudgetbinder says
Hi Christine!
Lots of our budgets have been shot to hell and back but that’s ok documenting your expenses is what WILL help you. Next year you now have figures you can go by to see how much you realistically need in your budget OR you have to cut back on what you buy and figure out a game plan. If you want to UP your budget add everything you’ve spent while posting your shops and see how much you spent.. if you are missing some months you can average them out from what you spent the other months and come up with a figure that works into your budget. I think carrying over is a great idea if that is what you think will help you. It’s going to be an awesome year Christine I can feel it!!! You get ballot #19! Mr.CBB If you need help let me know and I’ll help you.
the farmgirl files says
I have posted my meals for this past week again. This is a good experiment for me because I am now for a certain using up all the food in the fridge. Tonight after packing Dearest lunch for tomorrow all that remains in the fridge is fruit and condiments. A good feeling. Start fresh meal planning tomorrow.
farmgirl
Canadianbudgetbinder says
Thanks for sharing, you are an inspiration to me as I hope I am to you. I hope the fans come over to read your site! Mr.CBB
Jen P says
I shop for 2 adults and a 2 year old toddler. Our budget is $100/week and includes baby items, laundry, health/beauty, etc.
I am carrying over $88.03 from last week to use for Christmas.
I’ll start off with a return I had to make. I’ve been using Tresemme shampoo and conditioner for about 15 years. I have recently had a bad reaction to it (they changed the formula and it caused quite a rash…pretty sure it was from Tresemme anyways ) and I had quite a stock of it in the closet from the last time it was on sale. RCSS let me exchange it. I ended up starting my shop with a $66.99 credit (12 bottles returned).
RCSS
After 8’s (PM) $4.99 – $1.50 coupon
BD cheese bar (PM) 2 x $3.97 – 2 x $.75 coupons
Bick’s baby dills (PM) 6 x $1.99 – 3 x $1.00 wub 2 coupons
Cambell’s cooking cream soups (PM) 3 x $1.00
Cheesestrings (16 pack) (PM) 2 x $4.44 – 2 x $.75 coupons
Diet Coke (24) $5.97
Highliner haddock (PM) $6.99 – $1.00 coupon
BD light cheese slices (PM) 3 x $2.97 – 3 x $.75 coupons
Egg whites $2.99 – $1.00 coupon
PC PM cream cheese $2.88
Snickers/Twix snack size bars 5 x $.50
Yogurt $4.97 – $1.00 coupon
Turkey gravy 2 x $.98
Diced tomatoes (PM) 2 x $.88
Unico Jumbo shells $1.99
Country Harvest bread $2.99 – 50% pink sticker $1.50
Steak $4.69
Apples (PM) $2.17
Bananas $1.34
Broccoli (PM) $1.00
Carrots 3lbs (PM) $1.00
Salad $1.29
Strawberries $3.97 – $3.00 coupon
Thomas A&H spinbrush (PM) $4.98 – $1.50 coupon
Dove shampoo with bonus conditioner (PM) $5.92 – $2.00 coupon
Dove soap (PM) $1.94
Mascara 2 x $4.73
Magazine $2.99
Coupons $19.25
CD $12.01
Total $93.05 – $66.99 credit =$26.06 OOP
I was a little mad at myself…I have $100 worth of RCSS gift cards and I keep for getting to use them! Lol
Dollarama
Chocolate 2 x $1.00
OOP $2.26
WagJag
6 toothbrush heads $25
OOP $25
Food Basics
Pistachios 10 x 2/$5 – 10 x $1.00 (some of these are actually part of Christmas gifts but since I have extra in the grocery budget they are coming out of it instead of the Christmas gift budget)
Coupons $10
OOP $18.25
Bulk Barn
Walnut pieces $10.04 (on sale and saved $2.53)
OOP $10.04
$26.06 + $2.26 + $25 + $18.25 + $10.04=$81.61 spent this week
$100 – $81.61=$18.39 left over this week
$18.39 + $88.03=$106.48 now left to carry over for next week
At this point with what I have left from carrying the previous week over and having $125 in RCSS gift cards (the hubby got a $25 one from work yesterday) I won’t be going over my December grocery budget! 🙂
Canadianbudgetbinder says
Hey!
So did you have to produce the receipts for those bottles of shampoo? That’s great they took them back as that would suck to be left with all of those and a rash when you use it. What will you use now? Where is the After 8 coupon from? I’ve been looking for them but didn’t see any this year. Next time you shop Jen.. use your bloody gift cards lol.. you are so funny! Those walnuts are costly as you saw. I try to stock up when they go on offer which will be great for you when you teach your son your new recipes and set some traditions for him 😉 Keep it up Jen!!! Next year.. you will rock it! 2013 here we come!!! Can you believe you did this almost a year? What are your goals for 2013? What will you cut back on spending your money on so you can tackle more debt? You get ballot #18 Mr.CBB
Jen P says
No I didn’t need a receipt but I had to exchange, no credit or gift card, etc. I tried Dove instead lol. I got the After 8 coupons in a trade but I recently got more on the back of a box of Rice Crispies. I remembered to use most of the cards this past week. You’ll see…I’m going to post my other shop now 🙂
Donna R. says
I think the plan will be to leave the budget at $800.00 officially. Hubby and I have agreed that whatever doesn’t feed our kinfolk will be applied directly to our furnace loan as this is the next item of attack in our journey to debt free. Our goal for Jan 1,2014 is to be completely debt free apart from our mortgage. We have approximately $18000 to get rid of (offical amount will be listed on Jan 1, 2013. It is a huge challenge we have set for ourselves but in my experience, the loftier the goal, the more intense the effort to achieve it will be and to paraphrase Dave Ramsey “gazelle focus will speed us on our way to success”
Canadianbudgetbinder says
You know I have no doubt that you will fire through that Debt Donna just because you are being proactive about it. I think once you start chipping away at it and see the number go down it will motivate you to work at it harder. That’s how we were able to save enough to pay our mortgage off in under 4 years. I look forward to your journey!! Mr.CBB
Mary F Campbell says
Dec 10-16
Safeway
1 Pomegranate $1.25
1 bunch green onions $0.69
Total Safeway Shop $1.94
Save On Foods
1 – 4 L Chocolate Skim Milk $5.99
2 pkgs Dempster Greek Style Pita $7.98
1 Green Giant Frozen Mixed Vegetables $2.50
1 Green Giant Frozen Green Beans $2.50
2 Knorr Vegetable Soup Mix $4.98
2 pkgs Bran Muffin Mix $9.98
16 oz Organic Sliced Mushrooms $4.98
1 Low Fat Pillsbury Crescent Rolls $2.50
1 pkg candied smoked salmon $8.99
2 pkgs – 24 rolls Purex Toilet Paper $13.98
2 red peppers $2.44
2 cartons sour cream $5.58
1 pkg spinach $3.49
1 pkg Valley Select frozen broccoli $3.99
2 Walla Walla Onions $2.23
1 pkg Western Family Butternut SquashAngolotti $8.49
1 pkg Western Family Peas $2.49
1 dozen Western Family large eggs $2.79
1 pkg Western Family Thick cut bacon $3.49
2 can Western Family Water Chestnuts $2.00
5 lb bag Yukon Gold potatoes $3.99
1 pkg Yves frozen Veggie Burgers $7.49
2 pkgs Raw White Prawns (Buy 1 get 1 free) $13.99
HST $1.59
Total Save On Foods Order $128.43
Our Grocery Budget for 2 Adults: $190 per month…
$190/4 = $47.50 per week
with at least 4 no shop weeks per year!
This week we spent 1.94 + 128.43 = $130.37 and are therefore over $82.87 on the week
We have spent this month => $47.29+ $130.47= $177.66 for 2 weeks so we are $82.66 OVER so far this month.
I will turn this around though because the next 2 weeks, I am planning NO SHOP WEEKS and that’ll bring us to $12.34 UNDER budget for the month of December as at Dec. 30th.
I may use those funds for some Chinese food take-out for our New Years Eve and finish the year right on target. 🙂
Canadianbudgetbinder says
Hi Mary!!
Well you went over a bit with this shop but I know you are going to bounce back because you are pretty smart with your money. Just like you already point out those no shop weeks will more than help you achieve that goal. This month for us has been hard catching up from last months overage but it will be worth it. In 2013 our budget will be to a T and carry over of overages so we stick to it all year long. You get ballot #17. I haven’t had Chinese take-away in a long time. What’s your fav? I love egg rolls! Mr.CBB
Donna R. says
Hi Mr. CBB,
Here is my submission for the grocery game this week. As I already told you I attended the 20X point event at Shoppers Drug Mart on Dec 8. Since I purchased groceries and had already submitted my accounting for that week, I have included the grocery portion of my bill in this week’s list. Some of the items I purchased will be Christmas stocking stuffers so they are going into the gift column of my budget.
Again, my budget is $200.00/week for 5 adults (including 2 starved teenage boys) and an equally starved fat cat (she weighs 17.6 lbs. – down from 19.3 when we got her this summer!) I also have been purchasing more snack type items (for Xmas) than I would dream of purchasing.
One last note: Shoppers Drug Mart is the closest store to my house and has a decent grocery section. I seem to have been in there a lot this week. My policy is to purchase ONLY ITEMS ON SALE and preferably with a coupon. I also have started buying a gift card before shopping to get the extra Optimum points (Thanks to a tip from Mrs. January).
Dec 8 (20x event)
1 x Maple Leaf Lard sale 1.49 – SCOP = FREE
2 x Tampax 2.99 – 1.00 coupons = 4.98
2 x Wheat Thins 1.88 = 3.76
1 x Arm & Hammer toothpaste 2.49 – 1.00 = 1.49
2 x Bick’s pickles 2.99 – 1.50 coupon = 4.48
1x Duracell battery 5.99 – 2.00 coupon = 3.99
1 x Clear shampoo 5.99 = 5.99
1 x Degree deodorant = 4.29 – FPC = FREE
1 x shrimp ring = 5.99
2 x Dove body wash 4.99 – 1.00 coupon = 7.98
1 x Dermasave gel = 11.99
2 x Garnier Fructis leave-in Conditioner 2.50 – 1.00 coupon = 4.00
1 x Skintimate shave gel 3.49 – 1.00 coupon = 2.49
1 x Biodetic cream = 9.99
Total OOP = 67.13
Coupons used = 14.79
Dec 10
2 x 1 lb. butter 2.99 = 5.98
2 x facial tissues 0.59 = 1.18
2 x Royale toilet tissue 4.88 – 1.00 coupon = 8.76
Total OOP = 17.34
Coupons used = 1.00
Dec 11
1 x eggs = 1.99
1 x 4L milk = 4.19
1 x Hershey kisses 3.49 – 0.50 coupon = 2.99
Total OOP = 9.17
Coupons used = 0.50
Dec 13
2 x LB mouth wash 3.49 = 6.98
4 x Lay’s potato chips 1.88 = 7.52
1 x Simply Food mozzarella sticks = 5.99
Total OOP = 22.38
Coupons used = 0.00
Dec 15
1 x 4L milk = 4.19
Total OOP = 4.19
Weekly Grocery Game Challenge Results:
Total Grocery Budget for the Week: $200.00 (For the month $800.00)
Total Coupons Used this Week: $16.29
Total Scanning Code of Practice: $1.49
Total Spent This Week: $120.21
Total Spent So Far for December: $337.48 + 120.21 = 457.69
Total Over/Under spent this shop: $N/A this month
Total Left to Spend for the Month: $342.31
Total Coupons Used This Month: $83.99 = 16.29 =$100.28
Canadianbudgetbinder says
Hi Donna!
We are the same with Shoppers Drug Mart. We only get items on sale or what we have coupons for especially when participating in the 20x points events. Honestly we haven’t spent our points all year. Christmas seems to be a time where people spend more for the holidays so I expect to see grocery budgets go up like ours did last month. You have a great budget to work with each week but with lots of growing mouths to feed. With $342.00 left to spend this month I have no doubt you will be able to stick to your budget although I’m just starting to get to know you and your shopping. You did well with coupons wow $100 back in your pocket!!! Good For you. What is your goal for 2013? Did you want to lower your budget by a small amount say $50 a month which would be a huge savings at the end of year or simply to stick to the current budget? You get ballot #16 Cheers Mr.CBB
Juanita says
We have been doing well keeping in budget 🙂 and still learning to say no and know it will go on sale again!
Yes I splurged and got the downy, I used 2 10x sobeys points on my purchase and made money in points so I don’t feel too super guilty about it. We had used up all the samles we had for them and haven’t had any fabric softener for months now and even when we use bounce sheets I get shocked all the time, lol, and since I have to hang dry all my work clothes so they last longer than a month I thought maybe it will help with the static and maybe smell yummy cause not everyone wants to smell like meat and fish 🙂
Juanita says
our weekly budget is $100 for the week
I tried to stockpile a few things this week to help with next years food budget.
walmart
$1 2lb onions
$1.62 peppers
$1.97 croutons
$2.73 tums
$1.27×10-$7.50C barilla pasta
.88×2 gravy mix
$1.68-$1.68C spice mix
$1×4-$4C toothpaste-donation
$14.62 total oop
$14 total coupons
Superstore
$2.10×2-$1.50C coffee creamer
.72×2 hunts paste
.97×2-$2C hunts sauce
$1.05 kidney beans
$2.47 pc condesened milk
$1.99×4-$6C softsoap handsoap-donation
$9.89 total oop
$9.50 total coupons
Sobeys
$1×2 crispy minis
$1 bagette
$1×3-$2C hellva good dip
$1×2 garden salad
$1×2 mushrooms
$1×4 canned veggies
.50×4 lemons
$1×2 cucumbers
$1×3-$2C sour cream
$5.19 4L milk
$6.59×2-$6C coffee
$3.99×2-2fpc hot rods
$3.99-$4C iogo yogurt
$6.99-$1C downy unstoppables
$4.99×2-$2C cheese
$2.49×6-$10C febreeze
$4.99×2-$2C frozen pizza
$1×5-$5C pantene-donation
$3.99-scop pantene-donation
$5.49-scop pantene-donation
$1.99-.x4-$4C bacon
$3.79 semolina
$3.99 almond extract
$67.76 total oop
$45.98 total coupons
$9.48 scop
$92.27 weekly total oop
$78.96 weekly total coupons/scop
Under budget again 🙂 Now fingers are crossed we can keep it that way for the next few weeks!
Canadianbudgetbinder says
Hey Juanita
That’s great news that you came in under budget woohooo. I’m sure you will be able to keep it that way because you are determined. If you have too much figure out what you can do without for a week so that you don’t go over your budget. Maybe you can add it in the following week or maybe you won’t need it at all. I see you got that Downey unstoppables.. I love it but it’s so expensive..reminds me of the UK fabric softner. Keep up the great work… fingers crossed for ya! You get ballot #14 Mr.CBB
the farmgirl files says
family of 7,plus 2 dogs and 2 cats, budget $300./month
Grocery Budget $300.00
Start Amount this week $115.60
Total Amount spent this week: $83.45
Coupons:0
Total Amount left to spend this month:$31.60
Almost Perfect:
Hot Chocolate 1.97
Bread dough(2) 5.94
Shoppers:
milk (2) 8.58
Independent:
Dog food 13.78 ( with tax)
Vermont ham 6.49
blackberries 1.67
spinach 4.99
banana (50% off) 1.52
No Frills:
yogurt 2.97
hash browns 1.99
cat food 6.98
graham crumbs 1.97
cheese 3.77
margarine (2) 3.98
chocolate chips 6.99
broccoli .87
clemintines 4.77
cucumber .97
potato PM Superstore 2.49
tomato (2).76
Total 83.45
I have $31.60 left to spend this month. This is dicy as one never knows what will come up. However the house is full of food, and all I really need to get isdog food ,cheese and fresh fruit. I will NOT be shopping the week of the holiday. So next week will consume the remains of my money.
farmgirl
Canadianbudgetbinder says
Hi Farmgirl!!
You are at the end of the money for the month like we are as we have very little left but I think we can pull it off. Like you say though anything could turn up and we won’t be shopping either so we’re banking on that. Next year will be a far better year for CBB and we have other new fans who have told me they are joining because they want to save like all of us. Cheers mate you get ballot 13
Club Thrifty (@ClubThrifty) says
Half way through the month and you’re at $62! You’re doing well. I can’t wait to see what the holidays bring:)
Canadianbudgetbinder says
Hopefully not more than what we have to spend.. lol.. we don’t need much though. maybe milk in the next week again as we have plenty of FPC’s for bread free product coupons and a few others.
mycanuckbuck says
I’d love to join in – but alas, Mr. Canuck Buck is not onboard with grocery savings, and it’s not worth arguing over. I’d love to hear how couples who have differing opinions on this topic sort them out!
Canadianbudgetbinder says
Sounds like a great guest post to me 😉
kathryn says
Sometimes you just can’t get people to save money.They equate it to being cheap.
Do you shop groceries alone, or does your partner go too? Do you have a certain budget to spend? I’ve know people who buy generic brand cereal and put them in the brand name boxes, or use plastic containers, without any complaints. Maybe you can suggest to your partner, whatever savings you are able to make, you will split evenly. Sometimes they need a visible incentive.Find out what the non-negotiable foods he requires, and find ways to save on that too.
SingleMomsIncome.com says
I just got moved into my new place so next week when things start to settle down I will join you in your grocery game challenge. I’m pretty excited to have a group to keep me motivated to keep the grocery bill low. I am going to shoot for $200 a month.
Canadianbudgetbinder says
That’s AWESOME!!! We can’t wait to have you join! Our group of posters is small about 10 or so now but we are growing the more people get to know about it. Most of us have posted our shops all year and have seen a decrease so it’s been a great year for all of us. Your budget will be in line with our budget and Mary’s and Vicky’s budget from what I can remember! Cheers! Mr.CBB
B says
Hey Mr. CBB!
Is that case of bottled water you bought at Food Basics? It looks like a good price, but if you are looking to stretch your December food budget could you have used tap water + travel mug as an acceptable substitute?
I don’t use coupons all that often, but I would like to start using them more. I recently did a consumer product survey and got several interesting coupons – one of them was a $5 off *ANY* Arctic Gardens frozen vegetables product. Just out of chance I wandered through the frozen food section and found that the AG 1.75KG bags were on sale for $6.99. Well, $6.99 – $5 = $1.99, which I think is a good score for something that size.
When I say I don’t use coupons often, it’s usually because I go sale shopping. I hate buying things for full price – especially things that I can be frozen or have a long shelf life. I try not to stay married to any single brand, so when I go shopping for X, I usually buy whatever has the best unit price.
Canadianbudgetbinder says
Yes I have to buy water for work so I have no choice. We have a filteration system at home so we use that to fill our bottles here. We also participated in the survey and received some great coupons. It’s worth the time to fill it out. We don’t like to pay full price either so we certainly shop the sales. We don’t have many coupons for food per say as we stick to the basics. We are not brand specific either. Thanks for your comments. Cheers Mr.CBB
Vicky says
Hey Mr. CBB,
I think you will be able to make it until the end of the month! Especially if you do a no-shop week like you normally do.
This is my shop for the week:
Superstore
Cheese (x2) 9.94
Pasta Sauce (x2) 1.92
Gum 1.96
Chips 1.97
Broccoli 1.68
Carrots 0.97
Cauliflower 0.98
Cucumber 0.99
Mushroom 0.98
Onions 1.00
Organic Field Greens 1.99
Organic Spinach 1.99
Parsley 0.77
Spinach 1.48
Total Coupons
Total Out of pocket 28.62
Total Grocery Budget for the Month: $200.00
Total Coupons Used this Week : $0.00
Total SCOP : $0.00
Total Spent This Week: $28.62
Total Spent So Far for December: $77.86
Total Over/Under spend this shop: -$21.38
Total Over/Under spend for the month of December: -$22.14
Total Left to Spend for the Month: $122.14
Definitely running out of proteins from the freezer, but it has been nice to actually be able to clean it out. Keeping an eye out to see if there are any good deals to be had on them, but nothing yet.
Have a good week! 🙂
Canadianbudgetbinder says
Hey Vicky
Thanks for the motivation> I’m hoping while we are away for the week of Christmas that will be our no shop week. You did well this week. You eat very well on your budget. What do you say to those that say that a budget like $200 a month must mean one is not eating healthy? You get ballot #11
Vicky says
It’s such a touchy subject! There are a lot of people out there who are living on a food stamps allowance (similar to what you did earlier this year) and they’re blogging about how hungry they are. When you look at their shops, you can see how much money they could have saved and it is pretty obvious that they’ve never really thought about their meals before, as they’re not getting the proper balance to feel full. I know when you did it, it was pretty tough, but it was doable, especially the crazy creative meals you threw together!
Anyways, eating healthy on $200 is definitely doable, but definitely requires more time and effort as I have to meal plan around the deals every week, and I’m definitely spending more time in the kitchen!
Have a good one! 🙂
John S @ Frugal Rules says
Looks good Mr. CBB! We really like to take advantage of the sales these next few weeks as there are really some good deals to be had. We have some good coupons as well to use, so it should make for some nice savings. Thanks again for a great post on my site today!
Canadianbudgetbinder says
John, I’ve been following many fans who post their shops in the Grocery Game Challenge and I am so proud of them. They truly are saving money and putting food on the table and that’s what counts. If you read these fans are even donating to the less fortunate and that’s a great group of people. Too many people hum and complain about coupons but you know… it’s made life alot easier for many, many , many families. Cheers John and looking forward to hearing about the savings you will have for your family in 2013~~ come post your shops…. Mr.CBB