The Grocery Game Challenge #8 February 18-24, 2013~Buy Now or Buy Later
Image Courtesy of digitalart/freedigitalphotos.net
Buy now or buy later is something that runs through our minds when we are looking at the weekly flyers or when we are inundated with bargains at the shop that were unadvertised or are too good to pass up.
We ask ourselves 3 questions
- Is this the best price?
- Do we really need it?
- Can we afford it in the grocery budget?
Often we are faced with these dilemmas because we don’t want to pass up an opportunity to save our family some money. Earlier in 2012 we had guest blogger who shared their thoughts on knowing prices and how to that’s the key to saving money on your grocery bill which leads us to wonder whether we are taking the time to learn them. This week the milk is on sale at Food Basics for example for $3.88 and we have a $1.00 coupon off when you purchase any Lactancia milk. We use milk mainly for coffee, tea and cooking and typically will pay $4.19 at Shoppers Drug Mart to purchase our 4 litres of milk so we can get Shoppers Optimum points fast. With the $1.00 off coupon this week we would pay $2.88 for 4 litres of milk. So, we ask ourselves should we buy now or buy it later and how much should we get. The only problem is the coupon expires at the end of February 2013 and we don’t know if they will release another. We have the space in our freezer but we don’t have any money left in our stockpiling budget because we used it up on Black Diamond cheese bars.
We completed a freezer inventory on Family Day yesterday to refresh our list and to make sure the numbers were accurate. We decided that the milk is an amazing deal, we will use it and we have the coupons to make it an even better price likely the best we’d ever seen. We don’t need much this week by way of groceries as we have enough to create good food in our weekly meal plan. It’s not easy to decide sometimes what we should do but the point is that we are thinking and not impulse shopping tossing in all sorts into our grocery cart. When we let the great deals take over our minds and the feel good psychological effect starts to happen we tend to forget about the end result which could mean we spend more than anticipated.
Don’t let this happen to you as we’ve experienced it on many occasions and vow to never let it happen again. If you want to stock up, have a stockpile budget like we started in 2013 for the best bargains we can find and talk it out. Basically a stockpile budget is just some money we set aside every month in case of a good bargain comes up that we want to buy in bulk. If we don’t use the money one month it goes back into savings, we don’t carry it over. If you used up your stockpile budget like we have already we had to cut back on what we would purchase this week. So, stocking up at the best price is good but make sure you balance the extras so you aren’t spending money you will later regret.
How do you decide whether to buy nor or buy later when you are presented with a deal?
If you missed the awesome post on Canadian Budget Binder by our fellow grocery game player Pauline from Reach Financial Independence give it a read. Her post will not disappoint and you will learn what grocery shopping and food is like in Guatemala where she currently resides. She tells us how important it is to make the best of what is available when grocery shopping. The pictures are phenomenal….. just check it out.. you’ll love it.
Our Grocery Game Challenge Results
Food Basics
- 8 x Lactancia Milk 4 Litres Sale $3.88-$1.00 coupons
- 4 x 2 kg Granulated Sugar Sale $1.77
- 2 x 220g of white mushrooms Sale $0.88
- 1 x Broccoli Sale $0.88
- Reduced pack of 6 Avocados Sale $2.49 (Yes I’m making Guacamole this week, oh ya!)
- Reduced Pack of Tomatoes Sale $1.79
- Reduced Pack of Limes and Lemons Sale $1.29
- 5lbs of Onions Sale $2.97
- 2 x Pita $0.99
- 1 x Selection Sour Cream $1.99
Total Out of Pocket $45.27
Total Grocery Amount Budgeted For the Year : $2819.38
- Total Grocery Budget for the Month: $235.00 or $78.33 week with one no shop week per month or $58.75 for 4 weeks per month. (During the months with 5 weeks we just make it work)
- Total Coupons Used this Week : $8.00
- Total Discounts this Week: $0
- Total Checkout 51 rebates this Week: $0 Don’t Use this service
- Total Checkout 51 rebates this Month: $0 Don’t Use this service
- Total Colleague Discounts (CD) this Week: $0 I wish I had a discount
- Total Colleague Discounts (CD) this Month:$0 see above
- Total Gift Cards Given Used this Week: $0
- Total Rewards Points Used: $0
- Stockpile Budget: $20.00 Used: $20.00
- Total Spent This Week:$ 45.27
- Total Spent So Far for (Feb): $26.27+41.50 +45.27= $113.04
- Total Over/Under spend this shop: $33.06 under
- Total Over/Under spend for the month of (Feb): $ under 121.96 (so far)
- Total Left to Spend for the Month: $121.96
- Total Coupons Used This Month :$6.00+8.00+8.00
- Total to Carry Over Next Month : $ n/a We don’t carry over + only –
- Total Spent To Date This Year: $206.95 (Jan)+
Weekly Overview: Well we spent more than anticipated this week because of the milk and sugar being on sale but we still came in under budget. Next week is supposed to be a no-shop week for us so let’s see if we can pull that off, although anything could happen as there is still a healthy amount left in the budget to spend for February. Next week is the last shop for February ending Sunday, March 3, 2013.
Some Coupons We Found This Week
How was your grocery shop this week? Post your shop exactly like how I did and let us all know.
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 players 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.
- Where can I find Canadian Coupons? Here are your latest Coupon Match-ups of the week including Checkout 51 from 25 Newspaper Inserts around Canada compliments of Save Big Live Better that you can use to help you save money in the Grocery Game Challenge.
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Related articles
- The Grocery Game Challenge #6 February 4-10, 2013~ What Foods Not To Eat, Organic and Gardening (canadianbudgetbinder.com)
- The Grocery Game Challenge Feb 11-17 Stock-up When You Can! Pancake Day! (canadianbudgetbinder.com)
- Shopping Tips We Use To Save Money (canadianbudgetbinder.com)
- If You Don’t See a Payoff with Coupons, You Won’t Use Them. So, Stop Beating Yourself Up! (twofrugalfairfielders.com)
- Are Coupons Really Worth All That Time And Effort (nationaldebtrelief.com)
- Best Day to Buy Groceries for a Bargain — Savings Experiment (dailyfinance.com)
canadian tire
10 x tilex sale $2 – $1.50 ea
1 x scrub bubbles toilet cleaner sale $2 – $2
tax $2.86
total $24.86
less coupons $17
less penny gain
oop $7.85
foodtown
1 x grocery ? $1.99
2 x uncle rays chips $2.49
tax $.65
total/oop $7.62
walmart
1 x snuggle fabric softener $3.20 – $1
5 x garnier hair colour $2 – $2 ea
6 x garnier body $2 – $2 ea
1 x kd smart $1 – $.75
10 x zantac $2.22 – $3 ea + an extra coupon taken off
tax $6.55
total $57.92
less coupons $56.75
oop $1.17
foodland
2 x 10kg flour $5.97 ea
total/oop $11.94
independent
1 x huggies $3.25
tax $.42
total/oop $3.67
bulk barn
montreal chicken spice $1.45 (big bag!)
ground black pepper $2.16
crushed chillies $.58
garlic salt $1.05
pistachios $9.73 (not sure what posessed me…)
tax $1.26
total/oop $16.23
giant tiger
8 x lactantia 500ml cream $1 – $.75 ea
total $8
less coupons $6
oop $2
no frills
1 x glad sandwich bags $1 – $1
6 x tilex pm ct $2 – $1.50 ea
1 x cin raisin bagels $1
2 x broccoli pm foodbasics $.88 ea
2 x mushrooms pm foodbasics $.88 ea
1 x reduced bag of tomatoes $2.99 (in hind site, i shouldn’t have bought these. $3 for cruddy tomatoes is too much)
tax $1.69
total $22.20
less coupons $10
oop $12.20
foodbasics
1 x cheerios $2.88 – $1
1 x classico sauce $1.87
1 x kraft dressing $2.79
total/oop $6.54
Total Grocery Amount Budgeted For the Year : $3600.00 for 3 people and 2 cats
•Total Grocery Budget for the Month: $300.00 or $75 week *4 shopping weeks this month
•Total Coupons Used this Week : $90.76 actual coupons + $0 store rewards
•Total Gift Cards Given Used this Week: $0
•Total Spent This Week: $69.22
•Total Spent So Far for (February): $79.19 + $70.53 + 69.22 = $218.94
•Total Over/Under spend this shop: $5.78 UNDER
•Total Over/Under spend for the month of (Feb): $4.19 -$4.47-$5.78
•Total Left to Spend for the Month: $
•Total Coupons Used This Month : $ 89.36 + $83.05 + 90.76
•Total to Carry Over Next Month : $118.45 (from Jan) **not sure what to do with this amount?
•Total Spent To Date This Year: $181.55 (Jan) + $218.94 (Feb to date) = $400.49
I must have missed that deal at CT. I’m going to have to get you to PM me smashing deals like that as I miss everything now with the blog and social media. Wow, you got hit with the pistachios … If you haven’t used your carry over you can do one of two things, forget about it unless you have that cash sitting in your bank account ready to be used for the grocery budget. Sometimes people spend what’s left in the bank account on other things so they really don’t have a carry over at all. If you are diligent with every penny and you have it carry it over to use it if you want or leave it. I hope that’s what you were asking. Keep at it and PM me if you hear of any good deals.. I need the inside scoop!!! You get ballot #39
I commend everyone for sticking to your budgets. Personally, I think you may be missing out on great bargains by restricting yourself to one week of no shopping.If you happen to be in the area, and can be diligent and only buy a true sale..go for it. Reduced food is never in a flyer.
If you can spare $50-$100 a month to stock up on sales & reduced food you will save more.As long as you don’t increase your eating habits because you now have “xxx” in the pantry/freezer.
When tuna (for example) is really cheap…buy a case.
That is why we now have a stockpile budget but there are people that don’t care to stockpile items as they won’t get through it fast enough before it expires. If we do find an unadvertised deal that is amazing we will get it but will have to remove something from the grocery budget. If we don’t stick to a plan then every little, but will add up to money we never intended to spend in the first place and for some that is money they don’t even have. We would be ok but someone who doesn’t have the cash might not so a plan is best even if that means not being able to cash in on the great deals.
Our monthly budget this month is $400 which I like to breakdown to $100 a week.
this week was not bad but a little worried for next weeks budget and going over with the hubby gone and me shopping/stockpiling on classico alfredo for $2 a jar 🙂
these shops are multiplies that I total up as one
Sobeys
.50×2 clearance bologna
$1.99×2-$2C clearance bacon
.79 mushrooms
$5×2 frozen stuffed chicken
$1.49×4-$6C canned fruit
$4.99×2-$2C 12pk yogurts
$1.99×3-$2C coffee creamer
$39.68 total oop
$8 toal coupons
didn’t need everything listed immediately but I got $15 worth of club sobeys points so I took advantage of it and can use up my points in march on 10% tuesday when i want to stock up on flavoured coffee for the hubby.
Superstore
.96×4 broccoli
$1.75 4pk green peppers
$2.68 4pk red peppers
$1×4-$4C soap refill – donation
$2.12×2 coffee cream can’t believe I didn’t use my coupons!!!! distracted at the till
$12.69 total oop
$4 total coupons
Save on foods
$2.99×2-$1C top dogs
$1.30 2L pop
$1 frozen broc/cauli cheese
$2.90 frozen whole chicken
$4.66 frozen whole chicken
$14.89 total oop
$1 total coupons
Walmart
$4.68 4L milk
$2×2-$2C yogurt
$2 salad dressing
$1.57 x2 salad dressing
$1.47 mushrooms
$1 cucumber
$3×7-$21C advil nighttime – donation
$1×2 rice cakes
$2×2-$1C yogurt
$5.47-$3C finish dishwasher tabs
$4-$1C havarit jalapeno cheese
$2.22×4-$12C zantac
$22.51 total oop
$40 total coupons
$89.77 total weekly oop
$53 total weekly coupons used
$288.70 total monthly oop
$103.54 total coupons used
$111.30 remainly for the month
Juanita,
We don’t buy the jar sauce but we do like the Classico pesto it’s amazing and was on sale for $1.88 last week at basics… all the sauces were. Awesome deal on the balogne and bacon. Where did you get bacon coupons? Where can I get a soap refil coupon? Gesh I’m jealous of your great coupons. I can see why you stocked up for the discount. Distractions at the til are why we may miss a scop or wrong price now we both pay strict attention but it can be so hard at times. You get ballot #35
Mr.CBB
we do like the jar sauce and by the time I buy all the other indgredients, like parm cheese, it is cheaper to buy the jarred sauce 🙂
the bacon coupons are $1 peelies that were on products last year and was given extras by the rep to keep, score right! my work we sell products at great clearance prices so we can get something for it instead of nothing and have to throw out the products, each store is different and it is up to them what they sell their clearance items at. I love to stock up and eat right away or freeze and have it on hand for a later date at super great prices.
the refill soap coupon was from an insert that expired on feb28
we are usually great at the till but that day I was shopping with a friend and her son and was way too distracted!!!!
Juanita 🙂
You’re lucky to grab those great deals at work. I would if i were you and it was a great deal. It’s true about the pesto the nuts and cheese can get costly so $1.88 is pretty decent price for a jar.
Hang in there Christine, I managed to be $35.63 over and there’s only 2 of us!
I think sometimes that re-stocking after the holiday season when supplies have run down some is a little more expensive than the budget allows and takes time to get things topped up again. Come summer when fruit and veggies are cheaper, we can make headway again. 🙂
I think you are doing great! Your CBB cheerleader is pulling for you. 🙂
Grocery Game Challenge Feb 18-25, 2013
Food Basics
⦁ Orange Juice x 2 @ 2.49 each = 4.98
⦁ Meat Slices 4.29
Total Coupons Used: $ 0
Total Out of Pocket: $ 9.27 (incl. tax)
Shoppers drug Mart
⦁ Milk 4.19 – coupon for 1.00
⦁ Eggs x 2 @ 1.99 each = 3.98 – coupon for 1.00
Total Coupons Used: $ 2.00
Total Out of Pocket: $ 6.22 (incl. tax & !bag!)
Metro
⦁ Chick peas 0.95 – coupon for 0.50 (I WILL learn how to make hummus!)
⦁ Cucumber 0.99
⦁ Clementines 4.99
Total Coupons Used: $ 0.50
Total Out of Pocket: $ 6.45 (incl. tax & !rounding up by store!)
Walmart
⦁ Grape tomatoes 1.97
⦁ Grapes 2.65
⦁ Bananas 1.01
⦁ Tomato 0.59
⦁ Juice Boxes 2.00
⦁ Granola Bars 1.94 – coupon for 1.00
⦁ Batteries 3.57
⦁ Hummus 2.27 (couldn’t find tahini paste for my recipe and craved hummus for lunch!)
⦁ Cheese 4.99 – coupon for 2.00
⦁ Puddings 2.97
Total Coupons Used: $ 3.00
Total Out of Pocket: $ 21.68 (incl. tax)
Bulk Barn
⦁ Chocolate chips 3.00
⦁ Icing sugar 0.52
⦁ Quinoa 6.65
⦁ Flour 1.38
Total Coupons Used: $ 3.00
Total Out of Pocket: $ 8.55
Food Basics
⦁ Cheerios 2.88 – coupon for 2.00
Total Coupons Used: $ 2.00
Total Out of Pocket: $ 0.88 (I got a B1G1 Free coupon for the movies from the cereal box!)
Walmart
⦁ Toaster Strudels x 3 @ 2.00 each = 6.00 – coupon for 0.50
⦁ Chocolate bars x 4 @ 0.50 each = 2.00
⦁ Orange Juice x 2 @ 2.00 each = 4.00 – coupon for 1.50
⦁ Nachos 3.17
⦁ Oranges 2.47
⦁ Carrots 2.47
⦁ Bananas 1.24
⦁ Ketchup x 2 @ 3.00 each = 6.00
⦁ Pizza sauce 0.77
⦁ Potatoes 5lb 1.77
Total Coupons Used: $ 2.00
Total Out of Pocket: $ 28.56 (incl. tax)
Weekly Grocery Game Challenge Results
•Total Grocery Amount Budgeted For the Year: $5520
•Total Grocery Budget for the Month: $460
•Total Coupons Used this Week : $1.09
•Total Spent This Week: $81.61
••Total Spent So Far for February: $ 104.96+191.26+87.21+81.61=$465.04
•Total Over/Under spend this shop: Under $ 33.39
•Total Over/Under spend for the month of February: Over $5.04
•Total Left to Spend for the Month: $ 0
•Total Coupons Used This Month : $ 2.00+25.30+1.09+12.50=$40.89
•Total Spent To Date This Year: $ 441.38+465.04=$906.42 (still under $13.58 for year)
•Weekly Overview: Under budget again this week, but that one week where I WAY overspent made it really hard to come back from that… I got a real lesson in using up what we have on hand and counting every penny in order to stay in budget for the month – which we ALMOST did!! I am very happy with our results this year, using the accountability of this Grocery Game Challenge. Thanks CBB!
Hi Annasklar!
How are you? I’m excited to read you want to make hummus. I have my recipe on the blog if you want one that is super easy to make. I like to buy the big bags of dry chick peas which is cheaper and easy on the budget. The beans last a long time in dry form so you don’t have them sitting in cans in your pantry. I still need to get that quinoa. I keep saying I will be forget. So close, you went over $5.04 for the month.. that’s awesome though, I’m proud of you and you saved yourself $40.89 by using coupons on items you bought. I’m glad to hear that the accountability works because it does for us and many others. I know not everyone is budget savvy or likes to budget but maybe, just maybe if we take one area and focus on that and people see the importance of it, improvements that are made etc it will leak over into the entire budget. One step at a time I say!!! Keep up the amazing work .. and if you stay under budget next month by $5.04 you are still on track to reach your yearly target!!! You get ballot #34 Mr.cBB
Finally got here ….it’s been that kind of a week…..only had 2 shops this week but both were Foodland. Not great budget wise but that’s life….
Feb 16
1lb margarine-1.79
2 Triscuits@ 1.99- 3.98
1 dog treats-2.79
2 4 packs mini frozen pizza@2.99– 5.98
3 raisin bread@ 2.99- 8.97
1 15lb potatoes-3.97
1 cider mix- 3.99
1Oatmeal Crisp- 4.49 -.75 coupon
1 butter- 4.69
2 4l milk@ 4.79- 9.58
1 canister hot chocolate mix- 4.99
1jug water- 5.49
1 case ginger ale- 5.78, -2.00 coupon
1 inside round roast- 8.27
1 pack smokes- 9.69
Taxes- 2.89
Total -$84.59, $2.75 in coupons
Feb 21
1 broccoli crowns- 1.91
1 jar unsweetened apple sauce- 1.98
1 Triscuits @1.99- 3.98
1 baking soda- 2.69
1 18 pack eggs@ 2.88- 5.96,-1.00 wub2 coupon
1 raisin bread – 2.99
2 bagels@3.89– 7.78
2 cider mix@3.99– 7.98
1 green pepper- 1.10
1 Cheerios, multi grain-4.49
1 lb butter- 4.69
2 4 l milk@4.79– 9.58
1 bag rice- 4.99
1 water- 5.49
1 peanut butter- 5.49
1 case ginger ale- 5.78, 2.00 coupon
1 10 kg bag flour – 5.97
1 pack smokes – 9.69
Taxes- 3.05
Total $92.39, 3.00 in coupons
Total budget for month-$600.00
Total budget for year -7800.00
Total coupons for week- $5.75
Total spent this week- $170.64
Total spent this month $170.98+170.64+176.98= $518.58
Total over/under for week- 26.98 over
Total over/ under for month – 81.42 under
Left foe the month- $81.42
Coupons for the month- 14.21+7.80+5.75= $27.76
Total carry-over -$68.08
Total year to date- Jan, $818.08+170.98+170.64+176.98=$1336.68
I went over again, even with out counting the carry over. I don’t have a whole lot left to spend for the month no matter how I look at it. I had thought maybe to stay under as we were away with appointments a few days this week but I did have to get a couple of things for the boys to eat while we were gone. There were some sales too. The eggs were a one day sale, and the flour was on too. Flour is one thing I don’t want to get too low on as it can be used for so many things to help the budget. The roast was cooked today and I’ll get three meals out of that. The cider mix was a low stock up as the first one I bought this week was cranberry/apple, not a fave but drinkable. They were out of the plain apple so when they got it in I made sure we got some. This is define aptly a long term effort and I keep trying. I will get this done!!!!!!!! One way or another. I will get it the way I want it to work!!!!
Hey Christine,
Good deal on the margarine, we noticed how pricey it’s been here at Food Basics and No frills honestly the same as butter when it’s on offer which is more often than margarine in my opinion. We also noticed 1kg of Peanut butter is now $7.19 and nearly fell over when we saw that price. At least you got in some coupons this shop even though you were left with foodland to shop with which you seem to get some good deals every now and then so it’s not all that bad. You seem to be able to stretch your meals which is good and same with us and flour, we like to have it on hand at all times. I know you are trying Christine, don’t give up, just think smart, ask yourself if you need it or if it can wait until next week or when it goes on offer. YOu can do this, I know you can?!! You’re a smart lady, I can tell. Keep at it my friend. Mr.CBB you get ballot #33
Week of Feb 18 to 24, 2013
•Total Grocery Amount Budgeted For the Year: $190 x 12 = $2,280.00 for 2 adults
•Total Grocery Budget for the Month of Feb: $ 190.00
•Total Grocery Budget for the Week: $ 190.00/4 = $47.50 with FOUR “No Shop”
Weeks Per Year
Whole Foods – Bellevue, WA – Shop #1
1 box Maple Buckwheat flakes cereal $2.99
1 bag Pamela’s GF Cornbread & Muffin Mix $4.99
1 GF Alfredo Sauce $3.99
1 GF Cheese Sauce $3.99
2 GF Beef Gravy Mix $5.98
2 GF Turkey Gravy Mix $5.98
1 pkg Frozen 7 Grain English Muffins $3.69
2 GF Frozen Baguettes $7.99
1 pkg GF bagels $4.99
1 pkg GF hot dog buns $3.99
•Total Loyalty Card Price Reductions: $0.00
•Total Checkout51 Savings: $0.00
•Total Coupons Used: $0.00
•Total Seniors Discount $0.00
•Total Air Miles Earned = 0
•Total More Points Earned = 0
•Total OOP: $48.58
$48.58 Grocery Expense
Franz Bakery Outlet – Kirkland, WA – Shop #1
3 loaves Franz GF White bread ($5.99 per loaf less seniors discount $1.80) = $16.17
•Total Loyalty Card Price Reductions: $0.00
•Total Checkout51 Savings: $0.00
•Total Coupons Used: $0.00
•Total Seniors Discount $1.80
•Total Air Miles Earned = 0
•Total More Points Earned = 0
•Total OOP: $16.17
$16.17 Grocery Expense
Franz Bakery Outlet – Bellingham, WA – Shop #1
1 loaf Franz GF 7 Grain Bread $5.99
•Total Loyalty Card Price Reductions: $0.00
•Total Checkout51 Savings: $0.00
•Total Coupons Used: $0.00
•Total Seniors Discount $0.00
•Total Air Miles Earned = 0
•Total More Points Earned = 0
•Total OOP: $5.99
$5.99 Grocery Expense
Safeway –Shop #1
1 Signature Club Pizza ($9.49-$1.50 Price Reduction) = $7.99
•Total Loyalty Card Price Reductions: $0.00
•Total Checkout51 Savings: $0.00
•Total Coupons Used: $0.00
•Total Seniors Discount $0.00
•Total Air Miles Earned = 10
•Total More Points Earned = 0
•Total OOP: $7.99
$7.99 Grocery Expense
THIS WEEK:
•Total CANADIAN OOP Spent This Week: $7.99 – $10.00 found in parking lost so
Ahead $2.01 & applying to overage
•Total U.S. OOP Spent This Week: ($48.58+ 16.17+5.99) = $70.74
•Total Gift Cards USED this Week: $0.00
•Total Cash In Wallet Hiding Spot for Emergencies: $15.00
•Total Gift Cards In Reserved for Future Use: $20.00
•Total 2013 Stockpile Reserve: $0.00
•Total 2013 US GROCERY CASH: ($99.79 – $70.74) = $29.05 << Need to top up
before Easter
THIS MONTH:
•Total Loyalty Card Price Reductions in FEB: $44.48
•Total Checkout51 Savings in FEB: $0.00
•Total Coupons Used in FEB: $0.00
•Total More Points Earned in FEB: 248 Points
•Total Air Miles Earned in FEB: 10 Miles
•Total OOP Spent in FEB: ($200.40 – $2.01) = $198.39
THIS YEAR:
•Total Loyalty Card Price Reductions This Year:
(Jan $40.04) + (Feb $44.48) = $84.52
•Total Checkout51 Savings This Year: (Jan – $0.00) + (Feb – $0.00) = $0.00
•Total Coupons Used This Year: (Jan – $60.46) + (Feb – $0.00) = $60.46
•Total More Points Earned This Year: (Jan 265) + (Feb 248) = 513 Points
•Total Air Miles Earned This Year: (Jan 57) + (Feb 10) = 67 Miles
•Total OOP Spent This Year: (Jan – $217.24) +
(Feb – $176.61+23.79 – $2.01 FOUND MONEY= $ 198.39)
= $35.63 OVER
WHERE WE STAND:
•Total Over/Under spend this week: No funds Available
•Total Over/Under spend on the month of FEB: $35.63 OVER
•Total Over/Under This Year: $35.63 OVER
•Total Left to Spend for the Month:
($190.00-27.24 overage from Jan-$176.61-23.79 spent in Feb)= ($37.64 less $2.01 found
money) = $35.63 over
•Total to Carry Over Next Month: $35.63 OVERAGE so far
OVERVIEW FOR THE WEEK:
I had a small shop week here in Canada BUT we found $10.00 in the parking lot so we got our pizza, 10 Air Miles and still had $2.01 left over and we are applying that to our overage.
I had $99.79 US set aside for grocery shopping this month and actually spent $70.74 So I still have $29.05 left in the kitty for US grocery shopping at Easter. I need to top this up so I am reducing our March savings for vacations by $100 and adding it to my US Grocery reserve.
REVISED BUDGET PLAN starting March 2013:
•Total Grocery Amount Budgeted For Year: $142.50 x 12 = $1,710.00 for 2 adults
•Total Stockpile Amount Budgeted For Year: $47.50 x 12 = $570.00 for 2 adults
•Total Grocery Budget for the Month of March: $ 142.50
•Total Stockpile Budget for the Month of March: $ 47.50
•Total US Dollar Reserve: ($29.05 +$100.00) = $129.05
•Total Grocery Budget for the Week: $ 142.50/4 = $35.62
with FOUR “No Shop” Weeks Per Year
•Total Stockpile Budget for the Week: $ 47.50/4 = $11.87
with FOUR “No Shop” Weeks Per Year
HI Mary,
That $10.00 that was found was a great find!! I once found $20 on the ground… so from then on in I always look down when I’m walking.. well, up and down. I see you are getting right into the GF now with all the products. How has that been affecting your budget? Are you noticing much difference? I see you are carrying over the overage each month which I think is smart because of the added costs of GF and that gives you the ability to be more flexible when it comes to buying those products. You have to eat so allowing yourself the budget to do so is imperative. I think your new budget for March which I read today is going to get you all sorted and back on track. I enjoy seeing how organized you are and always look forward to your shop. Keep at it. You get ballot #32 Mr.CBB
Walmart
Fruite drink – 3x$1.97 (wish I would have waited a few days, see RCSS)
Pediasure – 2x$9.97 – 2x$2c (again wish I would have waited, see RCSS below)
Cauliflower – $1.97
Fruit roll-ups – $2.50
Lunchmates – sale 5x$2 – $10c
Blackdiamond cheestrings – 2x$2.00 (PM’d NoFrills) – 2x$.75c
Old Dutch chips – $2.00
Old Dutch Kettle chips – $2.88 – $2c (when bought with the other bag)
Herbal Essence – 3x$2.00 (PM’d NoFrills) – 2x$.50c – $1c
•Total Coupons Used: $19.50
•Total Out Of Pocket: $38.21
Zehrs
Tilapia – sale $3.39 and $3.48
Sirloin Tip Roast – sale $6.64
Country Harvest bread – sale $1.99 – 50% sticker
(not sure why the bread had a sticker as the BB date is Mar 2)
•Total Coupons Used: $0
•Total Out Of Pocket: $14.50
RCSS
Fruite drink – sale $1.49×6 – $5c
BlackDiamond cheese – sale $4.27 (used the rest of the coupons I had on the cheestrings)
Minigo yogurt – sale 2x$1.97
NN Butter – $2.97
Cream cheese – sale $2.97
MapleLeaf bacon – $2.97 (PM’d FreshCo)
Raspberries – sale 2x$2.50
Pediasure – sale 3x$7.97 – 1x$3c – 2x$2c (got to use up my coupons which all expire on the 28th)
•Total Coupons Used: $12.00
•Total Out Of Pocket: $44.13
Walmart #2
Chocolate Chips – 2x$2.00
Pasta – sale $1.00
Dark sugar – $2.17
•Total Coupons Used: $0
•Total Out Of Pocket: $7.17
Big Red Market (local butcher)
Pork Chops – $7.43
•Total Coupons Used: $0
•Total Out Of Pocket: $7.43
•Total Grocery Amount Budgeted For the Year: $4200 ($80.77/week)
•Total Grocery Budget for the Month: $350
•Total Coupons Used this Week : $31.50
•Total Gift Cards Given Used this Week: $0
•Total Spent This Week: $111.44
•Total Spent So Far for February: $249.00
•Total Over/Under spend this shop: over $30.67
•Total Over/Under spend for the month of February: N/A
•Total Left to Spend for the Month: $101.00
•Total Coupons Used This Month : $13.97+$8.25+$31.50=$53.72
•Total to Carry Over Next Month : N/A
•Total Spent To Date This Year: $532.86
•Weekly Overview: So I went over budget for the week but I am doing very well for the month. I bought a few items early in the week that ended up going on sale later in the week so I was a bit disappointed there. I did a fair amount of shopping but was able to use quite a few coupons, some of which were expiring at the end of the month. I have quite a bit to spend this month with only a few items I will need to pick up so I will be in good shape. My daughter has been on a cookie kick lately so we decided to try and make our own this weekend. Hopefully she prefers the homemade cookies to the store bought this time, unlike what happened with the Rice Krispie Squares.
Hey Joanna,
Sucks doesn’t it when things go on sale just after you purchased it lol.. I wonder if they have price match price adjustment policies lol… We’ve been on a cookie kick lately as well and made 2 batches the past week. You are doing fairly well still for the month with just over $100 left to spend. I’m confident if you stick to your plan that you will be under budget for Feb. Check DOllarama for chocolate chips.. we found chipits for $1.00 and Bakers squares for $2.00…. Keep at it .. you get ballot 30
I shop for 2 adults and a 2 year old toddler. Our budget is $90/week or $360 for this month and includes baby items, laundry, health/beauty, etc.
RCSS
Carnation evaporated milk (PM Sobeys) 6 x $1.00 coupons (actually made me $.10 each with the CD…donated to the food bank)
Catelli spaghetti (PM FC) $.97 – $1.00 coupon (made me $.13 with CD)
Classico sauce (PM FB) 2 x $1.87 – 2 x $1.50 Checkout 51
Honey Nut Cheerios (PM FB) 2 x $2.88 – 2 x $.75 coupons – 2 x $2.00 Checkout 51 (with the CD they made me $.16 each…donated to the food bank)
Ketchup $2.97
Minigo $1.97 – FPC (made me $.20 with CD)
Miracle whip 2 x $2.97 – 2 x $1.00 coupons
Naturegg egg whites $3.05 – FPC (made me $.31 with CD)
Neilson’s skim chocolate milk (PM SDM) 2 x $.99
NN vinegar $1.97
Source multipack (PM FB) $4.99 – $.50 coupon
Wonderbread hot dog buns (PM NF) $1.97
Butterball turkey bacon $4.99 – FPC (made me $.50 with CD)
Stewing beef $11.36 (PM FB) $6.13!!! (this is on a club pack which is enough for about 3 stews!)
Bananas $1.93
Broccoli (PM FB) $.97
Cucumber (PM NF) $.77
Lettuce (PM NF) $.77
Mushrooms (PM NF) $.97
Oranges (PM Sobeys) $3.38
Strawberries (PM FB) 2 x $1.44
Pampers Baby Dry giant box 156 diapers $34.97 (PM Walmart) $32.00 – $3.00 coupon (plus saved $3.20 with CD making it $.17 per diaper)
Childrens Tylenol (PM Walmart) 3 x $3.00 – 3 x $3.00 coupons (no CD on medication so these didn’t make me money lol)
Coupons $33.01
Checkout 51 $7.00
CD $9.75
OOP $65.42
Food Basics
Nestle water (28 pack) 3 x $2.44
OOP $7.32
RCSS
Febreeze cartridge refills (2 per pack) 3 x reg $6.89 each 50% pink sticker = $10.32 – $5.00 coupon (works out to $.92 each refills as opposed to $2.27 each refill)
Perogies $1.79
Maple Leaf Bacon $5.49 – FPC
Coupons $10.49
CD $1.75
OOP $5.36
Total Grocery Amount Budgeted For the Year : $4,680 ($90/week)
•Total Grocery Budget for the Month: $360
•Total Coupons Used this Week : $43.50
• Total Checkout 51 rebates this week: $7.00
• Total Checkout 51 rebates this month: $16.00
• Total Checkout 51 rebates this year:$26.00
• Total Colleague Discount (CD) this week: $11.50
• Total Colleague Discount (CD) this month:$36.59
• Total Colleague Discount (CD) this year: $115.48
•Total Gift Cards Given Used this Week: 0
•Total Spent This Week: $83.46
•Total Spent So Far for February: $260.68
•Total Over/Under spend this shop: N/A
•Total Over/Under spend for the month of February: Under spent for February $99.32!!!
•Total Left to Spend for the Month: $99.32 but this is the last shop for the month
•Total Coupons Used This Month : $128.29
•Total to Carry Over Next Month : I do not carry over
•Total Spent To Date This Year: $609.75 (this is what I used to spend per month approx. before I started budgeting and I just spent that over 2 months!
•Weekly overview: I think I did pretty well this week and I’m super proud of myself for being almost $100 under budget for the month!!! (I even bought a 156 ct box of diapers this week and was still under budget! I can’t wait to see how I do next month!
Way to go JEN!! You have made so many improvements to your grocery budget since you started posting I”m impressed and so are you. The thing is we can do this and just like the overall budget we can do this. It’s a matter of deciding what you need and don’t need and it feels good in the end doesn’t it. You are taking advantage of savings wherever you can and that’s helping you out as stated in your figures above. keep up the great work Jen… let’s see how we end off 2013 even though it’s just begun. You get ballot 29 Mr.CBB
Total Grocery Amount Budgeted For the Year: $4200
•Total Grocery Budget for the Month: $350+4.73 from last month
•Total Coupons Used this Week : $14.00
Total Value Card Savings this Week: $42.63
•Total Gift Cards Given Used this Week: $0
•Total Spent This Week:$89.89
•Total Spent So Far for (February): $359.19
•Total Over/Under spend this shop: $+4.46
•Total Over/Under spend for the month of (+4.46): $
•Total Left to Spend for the Month: 0
•Total Coupons Used This Month : $30.99
•Total to Carry Over Next Month : -4.46
•Total Spent To Date This Year: $646.18
•Weekly Overview: I honestly thought I was way over for the month, so I was pleasantly surprised with the totals. I was really happy until I remembered to add in school lunches. We honestly bought too much crap this month, but my family loves chips and there were some great sales. I wish we only ate twigs and berries, but we like junk too. Might as well be honest about it. We had a great Target gift card that helped lots this month, mostly with dog food. I used to be able to find 2lb bags of cheese for $5.99 but $7.99 is about the best price I am finding right now, and we eat lots of cheese. I am almost out of all meat in my freezer and need some health and beauty stuff, so we’ll see what March brings.
City Market
Blue Diamond Almond Milk 2.99-1.00 coupon
Apples 5.00
Lean Pockets 2x 2.34-.34
Butter 3.38-.39
Kroger Shredded Cheese 2 lb 2x 11.39-3.40
Silk Almond Milk 3.19-.20-.75 coupon
String Cheese 8x.25
Eggo Waffles 3.69 (These were supposed to be on sale, I didn’t catch it)
Triscuits 2.77-1.28
Chobani Strawberry Yogurt 8 pack 2.99-2.00
Chobani Blueberry Yogurt 8 pack 2.99-1.50
Tea bags 1.32
Kroger granola bars 2.09
Kashi cereal 3.69-.75 coupon
Diet Pepsi 1.19
Wheat Bread .98
Kroger cookies 2.08-.50 coupon
Kroger sweetener 2.29
Bananas .93
Red Grapes 4.04
Trident Gum 2 x 1.39-.60-1.00 coupon
-10.00 Loyal shopper coupon
Tax 2.63
Total 52.43
Safeway Shop #1
6x Nature Valley Granola Bars 19.44-7.44-2.00 Just 4U
Special K Meal Bars 7.59-1.10
2 xLays Potato Chips 4.29-3.30 Just 4 U
2 xDoritos 8.58-8.58 Free!
Sunchips 3.99-.99
Tax 1.07
Total 25.84
Husband’s Safeway shop (was sent in for pasta and got a few more things!)
Goldfish crackers 2.49-.49
Wheat thins 3.99-1.49
Kettle Chips 3.49-1.00
Dreamfields pasta 2.69
French Bread 1.69-.20
Tax .45
Total 11.62
15 school lunches at 1.60 each=$24
Hey Kim,
Wow you took over that value card this week with the savings, look at you go! You know Kim being honest is the most important part of personal finances or it won’t work. Like today you will see I shopped during a no-shop week. I screwed up but that’s ok I needed to screw up to recognize where my weaknesses are and how to improve on them. If your family likes chips then if a good deal comes up grab enough for a couple months but don’t put them all out, take them out as if you were to buy one or 2 bags per week. If you leave them all in the cupboard they may just all dissapear at once then you have to buy more. I think you are doing wonderful especially since you started posting. I’m noticing the awareness even more. Keep up the good work Kim! KNock it out of the park!
Hi Mr. CBB,
This is the last week or so of the month and I believe I will come in under budget. I still have a few freezer meals available and have found it VERY convenient to have these items prepared and ready to go in the freezer. It is as convenient as calling for a pizza and far less expensive. Overall, it has been an interesting month and I am looking forward to seeing the final tally. Given that I reduced my budget for Feb to $600.00 from $700.00 in January, I think I have made a great recovery and am right on track to maintain $600/month. I am truly amazed that I was able to reduce my grocery spending from $1200 last October to under $600 this month. I would never have believed I could do it.
Shoppers Drug Mart
2 x Maxwell house coffee @3.99 = 7.98
2 x dozen eggs @ 1.99 = 3.98
1 x Pam @ 4.99 – 2.00 coupon (WUB 2 doz. Eggs) = 2.99
Total OOP = 14.95
Coupons used = 2.00
Food Basics
4 x sugar @ 1.77 = 7.08
2 x Shreddies @ 1.99 = 3.98
1 x 5lb potatoes = 3.97 (this hurt me to buy but we were out)
2 x 4L milk @3.88 = 7.76
2 x bagged chicken legs @ 1.79/lb = 11.33
2 x broccoli @ 0.88 = 1.76
1 x mushrooms = 0.88
5 x avocados = 2.97
Total OOP = 39.70
Coupons used = 0.00
Walmart
6 x Purex soap (32 loads) @ 3.00 – 2.50 coupon (WUB 2) = 10.50 (this was a fantastic deal!)
2 x BD cheese slices @2.00 (price match Sobeys)= 4.00
1 x dole fruit bowl @2.00 – 0.75 coupon = 1.25
1 x garlic 3pk = 0.67
2 x cucumber @1.00 = 2.00 (I actually had 1 in my basket!!!)
2 x reduced buns @2.50 = 5.00
1 bag gala apples = 3.25
Total OOP = 26.67
Coupons used = 8.25
No Frills
4 x 900g Unico pasta @0.97 = 3.88 (another fantastic deal)
1 x 4 pk cottage cheese @2.97 – 1.00 coupon = 1.97
2 x doz eggs @1.99 (price match Shoppers) = 3.98
1 x Panebello pizza @3.00 – 1.00 coupon = 2.00
1 x crackers = 2.67
1 x 16 pk yogurt @6.77 – 0.50 coupon = 6.27
3 x chicken breasts @ 2.00/lb = 15.26
Total OOP = 36.03
Coupons used = 2.50
Total Grocery Budget for the Year: $7300.00 /year
Total Grocery Budget for the Month: $600.00 or $150.00/week
Stockpile budget: $50.00/month / Used: $ 4.00 /Carryover: $0.00
Total Spent This Week: $ 117.35
Total Spent So Far for (February): $ 264.37 + 89.87 +117.35 = 471.59
Total Over/Under spent this shop: $ under 32.65
Total Over/Under spent for the month of (February): $ under 128.41
Total Left to Spend for the Month: $ 128.41
Total Coupons Used this Week: $ 12.50
Total Coupons Used This Month: $ 13.00 + 41.97 +7.50 +12.50 = 74.97
Total coupons used this year: $ 165.54
Total to Carry Over Next Month: $ 0.00
Total Spent To Date This Year: $1218.08
Hi Donna!
I’m in awe every time you post and read about how little you have spent compared to where your grocery budget used to be. It’s amazing how we can accomplish so much with planning and you are right prepared homemade meals is as good as calling for pizza, nice analogy. Awesome deal on the Purex… where were the coupons from? The pasta was a great deal as well wow.. I’m missing out I think… I don’t fancy those tiny pizzas though, I think they are rip off.. IMO and we can make them if not better on our own. Eggs were a great deal as well. Were you able to get the buy 2 save $1.00 coupon from websaver? I’m not sure if it is still there but we did. Keep up the AMAZING work Donna, I’m VERY proud of you. You get ballot #27 -Mr.CBB
I think the pizzas are a waste as well but my teenage sons will polish it off as an after school snack and for 2.00 for 2 boys, I’m OK with that convenience. They would pay as much for the cheap store brand chips and I think they MIGHT be a bit healthier. I got the coupon in a trade. It was a buy 2 dozen eggs and get 2.00 off PAM. I still have the Websaver coupon for use this week. I spent additional money, which I will post for next week’s shop (my grand daughter, who is 3 and a very picky eater, is staying with me for a week and I needed some special things for her.) but I will be under budget.
Oh right, I have a few of those egg and Pam coupons.. they were everywhere around here although there is only so much Pam one can use besides we just make our own now. Oh they eat it for a snack…didn’t think about that, likely because we have no kids and my mum only let us have fruits and nuts for snacks before dinner time. I suppose you can’t complain then for a couple bucks if that ties them over.
Family of seven, 2 dogs and 2 cats
Total Grocery Budget for the Year: $ 4080.00
Total Grocery Budget for the Month: $340.00 or $85.00 week
I have $340.00 plus surplus from January of $1.22 = $341.22 to spend in February
•Total Coupons Used this Week :0
•Total Gift Cards Given Used this Week: $- 0
•Total Spent This Week: $75.12
•Total Spent So Far for (February): $105.88+ 131.11+ 75.12=312.11
•Total Over/Under spend this shop: $9.88 under
•Total Over/Under spend for the month of (February):29.11 under
•Total Left to Spend for the Month:$29.11
•Total Coupons Used This Month : $0
•Total to Carry Over Next Month :0
•Total Spent To Date This Year: $650.89
•Weekly Overview:Blew it. I ran out of milk and dog food with yet another pending storm coming and no where to go for it but the local Foodland with their high pricing. However I did buy some meat for March meals, that puts me ahead in the menus. The gluten-free is definitely taking a bit into the budget. Dearest enjoys the Bob Mill flour better then making my own. I have tried different recipes now, and nothing compares. Superstore has the best price on this flour. Go figure! I hate Superstore. Its one mega store to walk through ( with small children for one or two items and only ever two or three tills opened. I have complained in writing about the issues there ( amount of tills not opened, stock not available, being herded through like beef in the stock market) but they don’t care. By the way the beef I bought there last week I had to give to the dogs. It has small bones in it. Superstore buys beef mostly from the USA, not Canadian(Excel,) but really who cares, you just want quality even if $1.98/lb.
Independent
banana .97
Gluten-free muffin 2.99
Foodland
milk 5.49
Dog food 4.49
No Frills
Campbell soup X3 @ 1.00 3.00
milk X2 @ 4.23 8.46
cheese 3.00
Dog food 10.96
Can ham X4 @1.00 each 4.00
Pizza sauce .59
magarine 3.00
Rice milk 1.99
bread 1.50
fish 2.00
Stew beef 3.00
ham 1.00 lb 6.24
banana 1.53
cantalope .99
4 sweet peppers 2.00
10lb potato 1.74
Superstore
Gluten-free flour 4.39
Rice macaroni 2.79
Total 75.12
I have a really difficult time with thinking what sale items I should or should not get. I guess my rule of thumb is if it is something I use anyway, all the time, get it even if I go over budget. It does get to me though.
Hi Farmgirl,
I know what you mean about going over budget and how it gets to you, that’s why we did the stockpile budget so we didn’t feel so guilty and you know what, it’s working.
That sucks about the milk and Foodland is pricey we were lucky to stock up on milk at $2.88. I;m not a reg vistor of RCSS but it’s no different than no frills or zehrs that we go to, I guess. Great deal on the potatoes. What is that canned ham like? I’ve seen it but never tried it. How do you use it? You did well this week staying under budget… I’m sure it’s going to be challenging for you with the gluten free until you have some great recipes under your belt. Is this something that he wants to do for good? You get ballot #25.. Good Luck! I hope your envie arrived well. Cheers my dear, Mr.CBB
I love your idea about a stockpiling budget, Mr. CBB – what a great idea! And that guac looks absolutely delightful – can’t wait to try it!
It’s helped so we aren’t taking a chunk of the grocery budget but at the same time if we don’t use the stockpile money we just save it.
I take that back. I did buy wine 🙁 Thought that was last week. I suddenly feel depressed.
Week 7
Publix
· Yellow Tail Shiraz $6.23
· 2 pks Peanut Butter Crackers (saved 1.50) $4.67
· Hawaiian Punch $2.34
· Jamaican Wheat Crackers $0.79
· Jamaican Ginger Crackers $0.79
Total Coupons Used $1.50
Taxes 0.52
Total Out Of Pocket: $15.34
Publix
· 3 Totinos Pizza $4.50
· Coffee $6.60
· Lean Ground Beef (4.99/lb) $6.54
· Diced Tomatoes $1.99
· Tomato Sauce (saved 0.10) $0.89
· Tomato Paste $0.80
· Jamaican Ackees $8.89
· Green Pepper (2.29/lb) $1.28
· Garlic (2.99/lb) $0.54
· Onion (1.99/lb) $1.29
Total Coupons Used $0.10
Tax $0.00
Total Out Of Pocket: $33.32
Walmart
8 Pk Bounty Paper Towels $5.97
8 Bars Dial Soap $3.97
Aquafresh Toothpaste $1.88
Palmolive Dishwashing Liquid $2.64
Neutrogena Face Wash $6.97
2 Hair Brushes $6.96
Peanut Butter Crackers $2.50
Peanut Butter Cookies $2.58
3 pks Cup-O-Soup $0.84
Bagels $2.98
Batteries $4.97
Total Coupons Used:
Tax $1.59
Total Out of Pocket $43.85
Publix
Cream Cheese $2.69
Spaghetti $1.29
Total Coupons Used $0.00
Tax $0.00
Total Out of Pocket $3.98
Total Grocery Amount Budgeted For the Year: $3,500
Total Grocery Budget for February: $258.00
Total Coupons Used this Week: $1.60
Total Gift Cards Given Used this Week: $0.00
Total Spent This Week: $92.51
Total Spent So Far for February: $262.18
Total Underspend this shop: $47.16 -$45.35
Total Overspend for the month of February: -$4.18
Total Left to Spend for the Month: $0.00
Total Coupons Used This Month: $1.60
Total to Carry Over Next Month: -$4.18
Total Spent To Date This Year: $ $670.83
Weekly Overview: Sometimes I forget that I have a budget because instead of holding off on certain items, I bought them anyways. I probably could have waited until Week 9 to get paper towels and face wash. I also bought the twins some hair brushes that weren’t a necessity, just a want. We also have a peanut butter cracker addiction in this house, so I must find better deals on that. If you look closely, however, you can see that I haven’t purchased any alcohol (YAY! GO ME!!). I am still trying to get through without it. I miss my wine, though. Next week there’s going to be much of nothing. I gotta look in the pantry for some meals because I am SO over!
The wine must be so good it doesn’t taste like wine so you forgot you even bought it lol.. that’s the good stuff!! PB is getting so pricey now and I remember when it sued to be $1.99 for 1KG now it’s around $4.99 even higher in some places. I wonder if you should tape a CBB label to the front of your wallet lol.. or maybe print out my free downloadable shopping list from the site. If you fill it out and bring it with you that will be a sure fire reminder that you are on a budget. Yes, we want to buy things one week but say, ah heck in a few days a new week will start and we can get it then, especially if it is regular price. How about making wine? Is that cheaper in the USA? Have you looked in it?
Keep at it, the most important thing, and I can’t stress this enough, is that you are being mindful of your spending and planning your shops. You can do this!!! Cheers my friend.
It definitely would be hard to pass up some good deals, and I would probably go over budget if needed to take advantage of it. I think your stockpiling budget is a great idea; I might add it to my own budget!
Here is this week’s shops:
Mom 10
Walmart
Kale 1.97
Total Coupons
Total Out of Pocket 1.97
Costco
Ground beef 15.63
Organic Spinach 3.50
Tomato Sauce (x4) 7.22
Total Coupons
Total Out of Pocket 26.35
Superstore
Broccoli (x3) 1.92
Carrots (5 lbs) 2.95
Mushrooms 1.48
Parsley (x2) 1.54
Ginger tea 3.50
Total Coupons
Total Out of Pocket 11.39
Total Grocery Budget for the Month: $200
Total Coupons Used this Week : $0
Total Checkout 51 rebates this week: $0
Total Checkout 51 rebates this month: $0.50
Total Gift Cards Given Used this Week: $0
Total Spent This Week: $49.71
Total Spent So Far for February: $138.79
Total Over/Under spend this shop: $0.29 under
Total Over/Under spend for the month of February: $ 11.21 under
Total Left to Spend for the Month: $61.21
Total Coupons Used This Month: $0
Total to Carry Over Next Month: n/a
Total Spent to Date This Year: $325.04
Weekly Overview: Just made it under budget this week! 🙂 I was so happy that broccoli was affordable again, although the sizes were definitely smaller than before. As I will be MIA for the next month, it will up to boy to keep on with the budget! 🙂
Hey Vicky,
I’m sure you are off on vacation now and this will be the last post until you get back. 🙂 I think the stockpile budget has helped us so we can purchase those one-off awesome deals in bulk. I really think you should try the tomato sauce recipe wink wink….. I’ve never had ginger tea before. Do you drink that before or after a meal or any time? I’m thrilled to see you hooked up with Checkout 51 that’s awesome….Yes we are always looking out for cheap good broccoli as love to cook and eat it. I don’t know if your boy will post the shops but if he does, I’ll be super impressed with him. Cheers VIC.. HAVE A GOOD TIME and congrats on that $250 I”m still jealous although I did win $100! Thanks to Pauline for alerting me! Cheers You get ballot #24
I used to spend about an hour every week planning my shopping out of flyers, going through coupons (picked from the shelves as I shopped), and making a list. On a $100 shopping list, that saved me at least $25 every week. Saving $25 in after-tax dollars certainly justified the effort. But nowadays I’m more concerned about increasing revenue than clipping coupons and have successfully outsourced the work to my partner.
Oh man! I was just talking to my good friend about this yesterday! Can’t wait to send him this post. I had never heard about the grocery game, and now I am totally intrigued. Thanks CBB!!
I see you are feeling like guacamole! like NZ muse said in my post it is weird to see imported products in this case avocados, cheaper than in Mexico/Guatemala where they probably come from! they look smaller than the ones I buy though. Thanks for giving my post some extra love! I blew all my grocery money last week so am hoping for a no shop week but will update later on. Cheers!
I was thinking of you when I saw the avocados today. There were so many on the cheap rack.. guess they don’t fancy them so much at the one shop we go to. You’ll have to show me a pic of how big yours are and we can compare haha
A bit late, this week was a no spend week.
Total Grocery Budget for the Month: $100 or $25 per week.
Total Coupons Used this Week : nada
Total Spent This Week:$0
Total Spent So Far for (Feb): $128.71
Total Over/Under spend this shop:
Total Over/Under spend for the month of (Feb): $28.71 over
Total Left to Spend for the Month: $0
Total Spent To Date This Year: $229.06
Overview: I am taking those $28.71 over and deducing them from March, since in March we are back to $200 per month instead of $100, we won’t be starving.
at least you stuck to your no shop week unlike me lol… 🙂
Good to see that you decided to stock up on the milk Mr CBB!
I find that I like to keep a good supply of the items that I use evry day so that I am not forced into replenishing except on a sale and even better on a sale with a coupon! 🙂
Thanks, that’s what we concluded. We thought we might as well stock up now while it’s on sale and we have the coupon.
Depending on the sales,and if you have the available money, going over budget is acceptable.Budgets needs to be revised as required.If the real goal is to spend less during a year, stocking up on amazing specials is what a prudent shopper would do. About 5 years we bought so many bags of sugar, I’m just using my last bag now.
Now stocking up on cake mixes may be a bit different, unless they are ‘loss leaders’ and are cheaper than making them from scratch.
Your goal may not be spend less, but get more food for your buck, so you can have more varety in your diet. That’s ok too.
That was the hard part, should we go over budget if we had to because it’s not the norm. I hear you about the sugar, wow 5 years that’s alot of sugar although it depends on how much you use. I’d do the same if I found a good deal because we use it. I understand the loss leaders and we have done that on occasion but try to stay away from doing it now like cereals, cookies, crackers.. we just don’t eat that enough so we pretty much cut it all out. Thanks for your input Kathryn/!! Mr.CBB
Stockpiling bargain foods is definitely something I don’t do enough. I like the idea of a stockpile budget because I usually talk myself out of buying in bulk due to the extra spend. If I’ve budgeted for it then I won’t have that excuse. Great post mate.
Ya, that’s why we put the $20 into a stockpile budget. If we don’t use it, it goes back to savings. I hate to turn my nose up to a good deal like the milk today. Cheers
Total Grocery Budget for the Month: $115
Total Coupons Used this Week : $1.00
Total Discounts this Week: $0
Total Checkout 51 rebates this Week: N/A
Total Checkout 51 rebates this Month: N/A
Total Colleague Discounts (CD) this Week: N/A
Total Colleague Discounts (CD) this Month: N/A
Total Gift Cards Given Used this Week: N/A
Total Rewards Points Used: N/A
Stockpile Budget: $enter amount Used: N/A
Total Over/Under spend this shop: $36.23
Total Spent This Week: $81.23
Total Spent So Far for February: $249.42
Total Over/Under spend for the month of February: $134.42
Total Left to Spend for the Month: $0
Total Coupons Used This Month : $16.50
Total to Carry Over Next Month : $0
Total Spent To Date This Year: $423.49
Weekly Overview: This is actually two weeks worth of shopping. Unfortunately had to fight a cold which results in additional cough medince needed to be bought this week.
Short Stop
Cough Medince – $7.99
Halls – $1.59
Michaelinas – $1.99
Tax – $1.25
OOP – $12.82
Food Basics
2 4L Milk – $7.76
Luncheon Meat – $5.00
Lasagna – $3.99
OOP – $16.75
Sobey’s
Chips – $1.49
Ritz Crackers – $2.00
2 Bread – $4.38
Tax – $.19
Rounding – $.01
OOP – $8.05
Superstore
BD Cheese – $4.27
2L Ginger Ale – $.97
Toilet Paper – $10.07
Cheerios – $3.97
Peanut Butter – $4.88
Jam – $2.98
Yougurt – $4.44
2 Bread – $4.38
Robitussin – $5.48
Coupon – $1.00
Tax – $2.26
OOCC – $43.60
Hi Dee,
Sorry to hear you’ve been fighting a cold, I hope it goes away soon. So this shop is 2 weeks combined then. How are you feeling about your grocery budget? Are you sticking to your monthly budget? Where would you like to improve? Keep at it! You get ballot 31 Mr.CBB