I know I said we would work on staying out of the shops during a “no-shop week” and we’re working hard at that. We now have to worry about us going back into the shop a second time in the same week. It’s not much and we aren’t over budget and some of you might laugh but for us we are trying to work at making this a way of life so we aren’t spending more in the grocery budget. It’s all these triggers that keep popping up that make us think about our actions. If we went out everyday to a new grocery store I’m betting it would make it tough although some people do enjoy shopping like this. We like to get it all done one day a week and move on with other projects in our lives. Being here is what is keeping us on track especially posting the grocery shops where we need the most help in our budget.
What Went Wrong Mr.CBB?
It’s simple, we forgot our coupons on the kitchen table that we were supposed to take with us in addition to what the wife had stashed in her luggage (a.k.a-The Handbag). We normally bring the coupon binder and leave it in the vehicle. Why do we do that? We found that if we actually brought our coupon binder in the shops with us that we would spend more money because we knew we had a coupon for this or for that. It came to a point where we would fall off course because we were pulling coupons out left, right and centre. It had to stop or at least we needed a better system. So we pulled the coupons we needed from the coupon binder BUT forgot to take them with us.
Back Into The Shop We Go!
So we are now back in Food Basics and know exactly where we need to go BUT, what mistake did we make? We went down an aisle to get to the back, exactly what we said we wouldn’t do. On the way down we notice some Kalamata olive oil on sale and even though we just bought gallons of oil we wanted to try this particular olive oil. (turns out it is a lovely flavoured oil) While picking up the cream we figured we should pick up another pack of pita bread and on the way up, heck we could use some mushrooms, plums, garlic, oranges and sour cream. That’s it we said and off to the cash we went. Even though we used coupons we still came out with a bill for $29.58 and all we needed was 6 litres of cream.
It gets better because then I needed to pick up some International Stamps over at Shoppers Drug Mart. On our way to the back of the shop I notice the Adidas Body Spray on sale. I like to spray it on me after a shower and before bed or when I’m heading for a workout. The regular price was $7.49 on sale for $2.69 which I thought was pretty good just for some smelly stuff. I decided to pick up 6 bottles to the tune of $18.24 but saved a whopping $32.54 if I had to buy it at regular price. So, there you have it, we spent more money by shopping twice a week.
The Grocery Game Challenge
This is the second Grocery Game Challenge week for March 2013~~ Post your Shop and you might be our next Grocery Game Winner!
For Inspiration read about Canadian Budget Binder fan Donna R who shares her secrets for lowering her family’s grocery budget from a whopping $1100 a month to $600 give it a read now.
Our Grocery Game Challenge Results
This week will reflect our second shop last week as well as a few things we picked up this week.
Food Basics
- 1 x Pita Sale $0.95
- 1 x Messini Kalamata Extra Virgin Olive Oil Sale $4.99
- 6 x Lactancia Cream Sale $2.49-$0.75 coupon
- Reduced produce $1.49 Plums
- Selection Sour Cream Sale $1.99
- White Mushrooms $1.88
- 2 x Garlic $1.02
- Reduced Mushrooms $0.89 each
- Navel Oranges Sale 2/$5.00 bags
Total Out of Pocket $29.58
Shoppers Drug Mart
- 6 x Adidas Body Spray Reg $7.49 Sale $2.69
Total Out of Pocket $18.24
Food Basics (this week)
- 2 Pita $0.95
- 2 x Mushroom 220g Sale $0.88
- 1 x Broccoli Sale $0.88
- 1 x cucumber Sale $0.88
- 2 x Carnation Evaporated Milk Sale $1.29-$1.00 coupon
Total Out of Pocket $6.00
No Frills
- 4 x limes $1.00
- Unico Tomato Paste Sale 5/$2.00
- 1 X Nordica Cottage Cheese 500 ml $2.00-$1.00 coupon
Total Out of Pocket $4.00
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 : $7.50
- 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
- Total Colleague Discounts (CD) this Month:$0
- Total Gift Cards Given Used this Week: $0
- Total Rewards Points Used: $0
- Stockpile Budget: $20.00 Used: $20.00 (done for the month of March)
- Total Spent This Week:$57.82
- Total Spent So Far for (March): $124.44
- Total Over/Under spend this shop: Under $20.51
- Total Over/Under spend for the month of (March): Under $110.56
- Total Left to Spend for the Month: $110.56
- Total Coupons Used This Month :$17.23+$7.50
- Total to Carry Over Next Month : $ n/a We don’t carry over
- Total Spent To Date This Year: $206.95 (Jan)+ $160.77 (Feb) =$367.72
Weekly Overview: We are still learning from our shortcomings when shopping and even though we tell ourselves No, we have to work harder at sticking to the plan. We’ll do better!
Some Coupons Received In The Mail 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.
Are you NEW to Canadian Budget Binder?
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Related articles
- The Grocery Game Challenge #10-Mar 4-10,2013-Road Trip To Target Canada (canadianbudgetbinder.com)
- The Grocery Game Challenge #8 February 18-24, 2013~Buy Now or Buy Later (canadianbudgetbinder.com)
Jamie Hall says
I found where to post. But I’m too late. I will wait for the next one. Looks great!
Canadianbudgetbinder says
Hi Jamie!
You are not late! You can post every week up until midnight of the last Sunday of the month!! Post your shops now while you can! You get an entry in the monthly contest for every shop you post! Mr.CBB
Jen P says
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
Goldfish 4 x $1.97 – $2.00 coupon wub4
Milk 4L 3 x $3.97
Almond yogurt $1.99
Alymer Accents (PM FC) 2 x $1.00 – $1.00 wub2 coupon
Diet Coke (PM) $4.77
Mini Wheats (PM FC) 5 x $2.00 – FPC – 4 x $1.00 (all 5 came with a free breakfast item pin code!)
MiO $2.47 – $1.00 coupon
Chocolate milk (PM SDM) 2 x $.99
NN Relish $2.29
NN vinegar $1.97
PC BM plum sauce $3.97
Brown sugar $1.97
RH minute oats 3 x $1.98 – 3 x $.50
Chocolate Almond milk (small) $1.29
Smuckers low sugar jam (PM NF) 3 x $2.99 – 3 x $1.00
Unsweetened Almond milk 2 x $3.48 – 2 x $1.50 coupons
Natural Selections shaved deli meat (PM FC) $2.00
Kaiser rolls $2.69
Bananas $1.99
Carrots 3lbs $1.67
Cucumber (PM Metro) $1.00
Dole salad $1.99
Mushrooms (PM Metro) $1.00
10lbs potatoes (PM GT) $1.69
Apples (PM Walmart) $2.76
Strawberries (PM NF) 2 x $2.00
Tomatoes (PM Metro) $.70
Froot Loops (PM FC) $2.00 – $1.00 coupon (included a pin code for a free breakfast item)
Maynards watermelon candy 3 x $.99 – 50% pink sticker – $1.50 (Easter candy)
NN gummy bears 3 x $1.49 – 50% pink stickers – $2.25 (Easter candy)
NN sour worms $1.49 – 50% pink sticker – $.75
So Delicious Coconut yogurt $4.59
CH Vitality bread $3.19
Coupons $18.50
CD $9.50
OOP $85.29
Total Grocery Amount Budgeted For the Year : $4,680 ($90/week)
•Total Grocery Budget for the Month: $450 (5 weeks this month – but I am going to try to keep it under $360 like it’s a 4 week month…let’s see how I do!)
•Total Coupons Used this Week : $18.50
• Total Checkout 51 rebates this week: $0
• Total Checkout 51 rebates this month: $9.00
• Total Checkout 51 rebates this year:$39.50
• Total Colleague Discount (CD) this week: $9.50
• Total Colleague Discount (CD) this month:$18.28
• Total Colleague Discount (CD) this year: $138.64
•Total Gift Cards Given Used this Week: 0
•Total Spent This Week: $85.29
•Total Spent So Far for March: $180.54
•Total Over/Under spend this shop: N/A
•Total Over/Under spend for the month of March: N/A
•Total Left to Spend for the Month: $269.46
•Total Coupons Used This Month : $48.98
•Total to Carry Over Next Month : I do not carry over
•Total Spent To Date This Year: $849.20
•Weekly overview: I was absolutely thrilled this week with 5 boxes of cereal at $1.00 each and one for free with 6 FREE breakfast item coupons! Even better my hubby loves mini wheats so being stocked up doesn’t hurt. I was sad that I missed out on the Glade sense and spray deal that made $5.00 (when I got home from Florida the checkout 51 deal was sold out and even though they would still have been free I didn’t want to buy them unless they made me money). I am on pace for being under budget this month which I am very happy with. I was also pleased with deals on candy that I can use for Easter (my MIL bought those plastic eggs you’re supposed to fill with stuff for Easter so I thought I’d rather use candy then chocolate).
Canadianbudgetbinder says
Hi Jen!
Who is the Easter Candy for … I think it’s for you 😉 then again it’s not chocolate. I bet the smell of chocolate is hard to resist this time of year lol… You did pick up a great deal on the treats though. You’ve only spent $180 this month.. wow. you can do this. Great job with the cereal. We don’t eat it that much and we’re already throwing over 10 boxes in the garbage. They are overrated the sense and spray really they are.. all you pay for is that little insert which we used to find for free or near free all the time. We don’t bother any more as we make our own spray with water, baking soda and fabric softener. It’s all a waste of money those glade products IMO> YOU thought you would rather use candy over chocolate. Are you feeling ok Jen 😉 You are doing so well this month.. keep at it, this might be your best month yet!!! You get ballot #20
Jen P says
lol the candy really is for Adam! lol If it were for me it would be chocolate! lol I’m sure Ken will get into it though! We go through a ton of cereal here. Ken eats it every morning for breakfast and Adam eats it quite frequently as well. I sometimes have it for breakfast on the weekend.
Canadianbudgetbinder says
Sure, sure hahah… I know! We don’t go through it like we used to here.
Mary F Campbell says
Mr CBB, you asked about the yogurt in the US. Yes I like the price but I really LOVE the flavors… such as Bostom Cream Pie, Key Lime Pie and Red Velvet Cake. It’s a nice dessert like finish to the meal or a guilty please at bed time. 🙂
Canadianbudgetbinder says
I’ve never seen those flavours in Canada and would really like to try them especially the Boston Cream Pie!!
Juanita says
Astro makes a red velvet yogurt, it is okay.
Canadianbudgetbinder says
I’ve never seen it but I do tend to stick to a simple vanilla yogurt.
annasklar says
Grocery Game Challenge Mar 4-17, 2013 – Two adults, two elementary kids
Two Week’s Worth because of travelling during March Break…
Shoppers Drug Mart
⦁ Cereal bars 1.99- coupon for 1.00
⦁ Grape Juice 3.49 – coupon for 1.00
⦁ Pop tarts 1.99 – coupon for 1.00
⦁ Cookies 1.99 (how did they get in my cart)
⦁ Polysporin 6.49 – coupon for 2.00
⦁ Rice 1.99 – coupon for 1.00
⦁ Live Clean shampoo 4.99 – coupon for 1.00
⦁ Lotion 4.99 – coupon for 2.00
⦁ Eggs x 2 @ 2.00 each = 4.00 – coupon for 1.00
⦁ Sour cream 1.99
⦁ Nesquik 3.99
⦁ Drink boxes 1.99
⦁ Kashi cereal 3.99 – coupon for 2.00
Total Coupons Used: $ 12.00 + got 10X Optimum points
Total Out Of Pocket: $ 34.04 (including tax and bags)
Independent
⦁ Buns 1.95 – coupons for 1.69
Total Coupons Used: $ 1.69 (from gas purchases)
Total Out of Pocket: $ 0.26
Independent
⦁ Toaster Strudels x 5 @ 1.69 each = 8.45
⦁ Chocolate Chip Cookies 2.79 – coupon for 2.00
⦁ Whole Chickens 10.42
⦁ Ribs 10.82
Total Coupons Used: $ 2.00
Total Out of Pocket: $ 39.31 (including tax and bags)
Tim Hortons
6.99 (treat for basketball team)
McDonalds
2.92
Tim Hortons
6.10 (Breakfast on the way out of town)
Kid’s School
Pizza Money until the end of the year 63.00
(divided by 4 for remaining 4 months of school = 15.75 per month)
Shoppers Drug Mart
⦁ Shampoo 4.99 – coupon for 1.00
Total Coupons Used: $ 1.00
Total Out of Pocket: $ 4.63 (including tax)
Harvey’s
8.46
McDonalds
5.64
Walmart
⦁ Flour x 2 @ 3.97 = 7.94
⦁ Tenderflake 2.27
⦁ Apples 5.56
Total Out of Pocket: $ 15.77
Foodland
⦁ Cookies 2.47
⦁ Pepperoni 2.79
⦁ Chocolate syrup 3.99
⦁ Pizza Kit 4.49
⦁ Milk 4.59
Total Out of Pocket: $ 18.39 (including tax and bags)
Shoppers Drug Mart
Toilet Bowl Cleaner 1.99 – coupon for 1.00
Total Coupons Used: $ 1.00
Total Out of Pocket: $ 1.25 (including tax)
McDonalds
18.24 (coupons used = about 7.50)
Food Basics
⦁ Chicken 6.97
Total Out of Pocket: $ 7.88 (including tax)
McDonalds
15.22 (coupons used = about 5.00)
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 : $30.19
•Total Spent This Week: $ 137.28+63.57(eating out on the road)=200.85
••Total Spent So Far for This Month: $ 134.28+200.85=335.13
•Total Over/Under Spend This Shop: Under $ 29.15
•Total Over/Under Spend for This Month: Under $9.87
•Total Left to Spend for the Month: $ 124.87
•Total Coupons Used This Month : $ 22.02+30.19=52.21
•Total Spent To Date This Year: $ 906.42+134.28+200.85=1241.55
•Weekly Overview: We travelled quite a bit these past couple of weeks. We ate out way more than usual. I thought I’d try keeping it in the grocery budget, instead of trying to find extra money elsewhere in the budget… we came in under budget in spite of all the eating out! I used coupons when we ate out, and we tried to carry snacks when possible. Family also bought some groceries for our stay – I appreciate their amazing generosity! Don’t ask me about our gas bill – I don’t know which part of the budget that will come from yet!
Canadianbudgetbinder says
Hi Anasklar,
What do you think of the live clean? Sounds like you had some fun travelling for March break, wish we could head out too, maybe soon. Glad to hear you used coupons when you were eating out. A lot of people don’t understand that if these types of vacations or travelling trips aren’t accounted for in the budget the money has to come from somewhere. If there is no savings for holiday then someone has to find money to pay for expenses. It’s so important to try and think of what will happen in the year to budget ahead of time if possible and keep the emergency savings for emergencies and unexpected expenses that pop up as we can’t possibly predict everything. I hope this trip helped you to ask yourself some questions about your budget, what you would do different etc. We always tend to learn from everything we do so we can plan for the next time and even the best executed plans don’t always work but at least we try, right. Keep up the good work.. You get ballot 15
Juanita says
Sweet deal on that spray Mr.CBB!!! Sometimes you have to spend to save in the end and that was totally worth your budget 🙂
Our weekly budget is $100 making our monthly budget of $400.
Walmart
$2.27-.75C crisco
$2 crossiants
$4.47 real parmesan
$4.68 4L milk
$12.67 total oop
.75 total coupons
Safeway
$3.99 4L ice cream
$2.70 6 bagels
$3.99 10lbs oranges
$2.32 2L ginger ale
$6.31 mega orange juice jug
$19.39 total oop
Superstore
$2.97-$1C whipping cream
$1.97 brown sugar
$2.11×2-$1.50C coffee creamer
$2.58 3pk cucumbers
$2.97 3pk romaine lettuce
$12.21 total oop
$2.50 total coupons
Save on foods
$2.33×4 2L pop
$3.50×2 chips
$16.90 total oop
Sobeys
$5×2 chicken swiss
$5 chicken broccoli
$3.99×2-$3.99 pb & apple cinnamon cheerios
$6.99×2-bogo sale magarine
$3.99×2-bogo sale perogies
$2.49×2-bogo sale pudding
$1.99 2lb onions
$1.29×2 carrots 2lb
$3 lotto ticket
$2 organic coffee – gift for my mom clearance at that too
$1.49×2 kaiser buns
$1.49 drink mix
.88 chocolate bar
.99 chocolate bar
$1.09 chocolate bar
$1.29 shredded coconut
$50.98 total oop
$3.99 total coupons
$112.15 total weekly oop
$7.24 total weekly coupons
$287.30 total monthly oop
$54.67 total monthly coupons
$112.70 reamining amount
My son came down with a cold while here so we had to pick up a few items we don’t normally buy even on sale! But I am very thankful that we had stocked up on nyquil, halls and tylenol for him to take without having to run out and find some. Also tomorrow is my girls bday so we had to pick up extra things for her bday dinner/party. My hubby makes her watermelon bomb ice cream cake, lime sherbet for the rind and strawberry ice cream for the fruit (you can add mini chocolate chips for the seeds, but she likes it seedless) and ice cream even on sale adds up quickly 🙂
Canadianbudgetbinder says
Hi Juanita,
Good point, sometimes you have to spend in order to save… might have to be a blog post. We always pick the odd coupon at SDM for colds and flu just in case it happens at least we have a coupon for it. It happened to us one year and we spent more than we liked to on cough syrup. Ever since we’ve been taking vitamins, VD, etc… we’ve been fine. Do you have a birthday category in your budget? That cake sounds awesome… did you take a picture? I would have loved to see it. You still have $112 to spend for March which is pretty good. If you stick to it, plan your shops and say no when you have to.. you can kick this month no problem at all!!!! What’s your plan… Cheers Mate! You get ballot 14. Hope your daughter had a lovely Birthday!
Mary F Campbell says
Week of March 11 to March 17, 2013
2013 GROCERY BUDGET / STOCKPILE BUDGET AND US RESERVE:
•Total Grocery Budgeted For Year: $142.50 x 12 = $1,710.00 for 2 adults
•Total Stockpile Budgeted For Year: $47.50 x 12 = $570.00 for 2 adults
•Total CANADIAN Grocery Budget for the Month of March: $ 142.50
•Total CANADIAN Stockpile Budget for the Month of March: $ 47.50
•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
ACTUAL SHOPS THIS WEEK:
Save On Foods – Shop #1
4 L Chocolate Milk $5.99
24 cans Campbell’s Chicken Rice Soup
($52.56- $28.56 Price Reduction) = $24.00
1 Large Cottage Cheese $4.59
1 L Creamo Half and Half $2.95
4 pks Michelina Fried Rice ($9.96-$5.96 Price Reduction) = $4.00
4 L Skim Milk ($4.69-$0.30 Price Reduction) = $4.39
1 WF Cream Cheese ($4.39-$0.89 Price Reduction) = $3.50
1 dozen large eggs $2.79
6 – 28 oz cans WF diced tomatoes
($11.94-$5.94 Price Reduction) = $6.00
2 – Boneless Pork Sirloin Roasts
($23.24 – $11.33 Price Reduction) = $11.91
4 – 1 Kg jars Skippy Peanut Butter
($29.96-$14.98 Price Reduction) = $14.98
8 – Old Dutch Potato Chips ($26.32- $13.16 Price Reduction) = $13.16
HST $1.58
•Total Loyalty Card Price Reductions: $81.12
•Total Checkout51 Savings: $0.00
•Total Coupons Used: $0.00
•Total More Points Earned = 113 Points
•Total OOP: $114.83
•Total Grocery Budget OOP: ($5.99+4.59+2.95+4.39+$3.50+$2.79+$11.91) = $36.12
•Total Stockpile Budget OOP: ($114.83-36.12) = $78.71
Save On Foods – Shop #2
1 VH Honey Garlic Sauce ($4.79-Vendor Coupon $4.79) = $0.00
1 pkg 907 g Lunenberg Basmati Brown Rice
($6.99- $2.00 Email store coupon) = $4.99
2 Navel Oranges ($0.77-$0.15 Price Reduction) = $0.62
•Total Loyalty Card Price Reductions: $0.15
•Total Checkout51 Savings: $0.00
•Total Coupons Used: $6.79
•Total More Points Earned = 18 Points
•Total OOP: $5.61
•Total Grocery Budget OOP: $5.61
•Total Stockpile Budget OOP: $0.00
Save On Foods – Shop #3
2 pkgs WF French Fries ($7.18-Price Reduction $3.18) = $4.00
1 bottle WF Ketchup ($4.29-$0.50 Price Reduction) = $3.79
•Total Loyalty Card Price Reductions: $3.68
•Total Checkout51 Savings: $0.00
•Total Coupons Used: $0.00
•Total More Points Earned = 8 Points
•Total OOP: $7.79
•Total Grocery Budget OOP: $7.79
•Total Stockpile Budget OOP: $0.00
Save On Foods – Shop #4
1 pkg GF Frozen Waffles $5.49
•Total Loyalty Card Price Reductions: $0.00
•Total Checkout51 Savings: $0.00
•Total Coupons Used: $0.00
•Total More Points Earned = 12 Points
•Total OOP: $5.49
•Total Grocery Budget OOP: $5.49
•Total Stockpile Budget OOP: $0.00
Safeway – Shop #1
2 pkgs Hot Cross Buns ($9.78- $4.78 Price Reduction) = $5.00
•Total Loyalty Card Price Reductions: $4.78
•Total Checkout51 Savings: $0.00
•Total Coupons Used: $0.00
•Total Air Miles Earned = 0 Miles
•Total OOP: $5.00
•Total Grocery Budget OOP: $2.50
•Total Stockpile Budget OOP: $2.50
Costco CANADA – Shop #1
1 KS Dishwasher Tablets (115 tablets) $10.99
•Total Loyalty Card Price Reductions: $0.00
•Total Checkout51 Savings: $0.00
•Total Coupons Used: $0.00
•Total Air Miles Earned = 0 Miles
•Total OOP: $10.99
•Total Grocery Budget OOP: $10.99
•Total Stockpile Budget OOP: $0.00
Safeway – Lynden, WA
3 pkgs Annie’s GF Pasta ($14.37- $3.92 Price Reduction) = $10.45
8 pkgs Chicken Rice-A-Roni ($11.12- $3.20 Price Reduction) = $7.92
•Total Loyalty Card Price Reductions: $7.12
•Total Checkout51 Savings: $0.00
•Total Coupons Used: $0.00
•Total Air Miles Earned = 0 Miles
•Total OOP: $18.37 US
Costco USA – Burlington, WA
1 Corned Beef Brisket $17.19
1 Corned Beef Brisket $17.78
1 Corned Beef Brisket $17.27
1 Double Pack Sliced Ham $8.99
1 Double Pack Roast Sliced Turkey $9.89
•Total Loyalty Card Price Reductions: $0.00
•Total Checkout51 Savings: $0.00
•Total Coupons Used: $0.00
•Total Air Miles Earned = 0 Miles
•Total OOP: $71.12 US
Walmart – Burlington, WA
10 Yoplait Yoghurt ($0.58 each) = $5.80
2 bags Bugles (@2.98 each) = $5.96 << NOT ON MY LIST!!!
2 GF Corn Chowder (@1.88 each) = $3.76 << NOT ON MY LIST!!!
1 Imitation Crabmeat $4.98 << NOT ON MY LIST!!!
1 Boneless Ham Steak $3.76 << NOT ON MY LIST!!!
1 Boneless Ham Steak $3.76 << NOT ON MY LIST!!!
•Total Loyalty Card Price Reductions: $0.00
•Total Checkout51 Savings: $0.00
•Total Coupons Used: $0.00
•Total Air Miles Earned = 0 Miles
•Total OOP: $28.13 US
Fred Meyers – Burlington, WA
6 loaves pkgs Bread (3 for $5) = $10.00
3 pkgs of 12 English Muffins (3 for $5) = $5.00
•Total Loyalty Card Price Reductions: $0.00
•Total Checkout51 Savings: $0.00
•Total Coupons Used: $0.00
•Total Air Miles Earned = 0 Miles
•Total OOP: $15.00 US
SPENDING THIS WEEK:
•Total CANADIAN GROCERIES OOP Spent This Week:
($0.27 of our YTD overage+
$36.12+$5.61+$7.79++5.49+$2.50+10.99) =
$68.77
•Total STOCKPILE OOP Spent This Week:
($78.71+$2.50) = $81.21
•Total U.S. OOP Spent This Week:
$18.37+71.12+28.13+15.00 = $132.62 US
*** NOTE***
Hubby DID NOT stick to the grocery list and will be reimbursing our grocery budget by $22.22 US …which I will call $23.00 and that’s more than half of his monthly spending allowance!! He's gonna be doing without his Tim Horton's and lottery tickets this month. There are consequences though to adding to the grocery list, without discussion, since the money has to come from somewhere!
So the weekly US will end up being $132.62 US – $23.00 repaid by hubby= $109.62 US
•Total Over/Under on the Weekly GROCERY Spending:
($68.77 spent-$35.62 available) =
$33.15 OVER THIS WEEK
•Total Over/Under on the Monthly STOCKPILE Spending:
($47.50-$81.21) = $33.71 OVER THIS MONTH
•Total Over/Under on the Monthly US GROCERY Spending:
($129.05 – $109.62 ) = $19.43 US UNDER
•Total Gift Cards USED this Week: $0.00
•Total Cash In Wallet Hiding Spot for Emergencies: $5.00
•Total SAFEWAY Discount Coupon: $10.00 << LET IT EXPIRE
•Total Gift Cards In Reserved for Future Use: $20.00
EARNED THIS MONTH:
•Total Loyalty Card Price Reductions in MARCH:
($1.50+$85.90+3.68+0.15+7.12) = $98.35
•Total Checkout51 Savings in MARCH: $0.00
•Total Coupons Used in MARCH: ($5.00+$6.79) = $11.79
•Total More Points Earned in MARCH: (0+ 113+8+18+12) = 151 Points
•Total Air Miles Earned in MARCH: (30+ 0) = 30 Miles
SPENDING THIS MONTH:
•Total OOP Spent in MARCH: ($35.62+$68.77) = $104.39
•Total Over/Under on the WEEKLY Budget: $33.15 OVER
•Total Over/Under on the MONTHLY Budget:
($142.50-$104.39) =$38.11 UNDER
***ONE TIME ADJUSTMENT***
Since I overspent in the stockpiling category, I am transferring $33.71 from the grocery budget to the stockpile budget. After that adjustment, this is where I stand:
•Total OOP Spent in MARCH: ($35.62+$68.77+33.71) = $138.10
•Total Over/Under on the MONTHLY Budget:
($142.50-$138.10) =$4.40 UNDER
•Total Over/Under on the MONTHLY STOCKPILE Spending:
($47.50+$78.71-$81.21) = $0.00 FLAT
•Total Over/Under on the MONTHLY US GROCERY Spending:
($129.05 – $ 109.62) = $19.43 UNDER
SAVED THIS YEAR:
•Total Loyalty Card Price Reductions This Year:
(Jan $40.04) + (Feb $44.48) + (March $98.35) = $182.87
•Total Checkout51 Savings This Year:
(Jan – $0.00) + (Feb – $0.00)+(March $0.00)= $0.00
•Total Coupons Used This Year:
(Jan – $60.46) + (Feb – $0.00)+ (March $11.79) = $72.25
•Total More Points Earned This Year:
(Jan 265) + (Feb 248)+(March 151) = 664 Points
•Total Air Miles Earned This Year:
(Jan 57) + (Feb 10) + (March 30) = 97 Miles
SPENT THIS YEAR:
•Total OOP Spent So Far This Year:
(Jan $217.50) + (Feb $198.39)+ (March $68.50) = $484.39
•Total YTD Grocery Budget So Far:
(Jan $190.00)+(Feb$190.00)+
(March $142.50-33.71 trf to stockpile= $108.79) = $488.79
•Total Over/Under on the YTD Grocery Budget: $4.40 UNDER
•Total March Grocery Budget Still Available:
($142.50-35.62-$68.50-0.27-33.71) = $4.40 AVAILABLE
•Total YTD Stockpile Budget:
(Jan $0.00)+(Feb$0.00)+(March $47.50+33.71) = $81.21
•Total YTD Stockpile Budget USED: $81.21
•Total Over/Under on the YTD Stockpile Budget: $0.00
•Total March Stockpile Budget Still Available:
($81.21-81.21) = $0.00 AVAILABLE
SUMMARY:
Although I only have $4.40 left to spend this month, I still have $5.00 in my hiding spot and a $20 Safeway gift card if we need some little thing.
I expect we might be picking up more bread and milk in the US after the Easter long weekend on our way home – so we’ll see if I have to actually tap the Canadian reserve or I can just add those $4.40 to the US RESERVE. For simplicity sake, I am not going to get into making foreign exchange adjustments on the conversions, since we are relatively close to par these days.
I have also decided that in 2013 every week that we are on vacation, I will transfer the Grocery Budget for that week over to the US funds reserve this year since we are shopping a lot more frequently in the US to pick up my Gluten Free products.
I won’t be able to fund my reserve for Christmas spending BUT we never touched our 2011 Entertainment Budget and have $120 sitting there that we can use. I continue to set aside $10/month so we will have a total of $240 available to us in December towards any holiday season treats and meals out.
The first week of Grocery Budget being transferred to the US funds Reserve will take place in May, when we are spending just over a week in the US.
Canadianbudgetbinder says
Hi Mary!
You officially have the largest grocery game post here in the history of the game!!:-) I love how you have your numbers down to a science and I know the more we learn about our spending habits the more we want to know exactly where our money is going. I learn alot from you. Great deal on the PB it costs a bleedin fortune these days. Lots of people like to get their yogurt in the USA, besides price what other reasons do you like it? Great deal on the brisket. I presume the ‘not on my list” was Larry wandering off hahaha… Never mind, just read it below haha take away his allowance.. you know what, Mrs. CBB does the exact same to me. If I buy something or spend it then it comes from my allowance or work budget. I agree with you, the money has to come from somewhere so if he wants to spend it then it’s coming from something else, I hear ya! Happens to me. That makes sense with the budget while you are on vacation in the US. Sounds like you have it all planned out and I hope other GG players really see how well you are tackling your budget and why it’s so important to make sure the money is all documented. Thanks for sharing this post Mary, your shops are always inspiring. You get ballot 13 Mr.CBB
Joanna Cheevers says
FoodBasics
CD Gingerale – sale 2x$3.00
Select sauerkraut – sale $2.00
Boneless chicken breast – $15.09 – 40% discount ($6.04)
•Total Coupons Used: $0
•Total Out Of Pocket: $17.83
NoFrills
Minigo yogurt – sale 2x$2.00
Party mix – sale $2.00
Cream cheese – sale $2.00
Swiss cheese slices – sale $2.00
Country Harvest bread – sale $2.00 (plus will get $1 from checkout 51)
Garlic bread – sale $2.00
Lean ground beef – sale – $5.68 & $5.22
Strawberries – sale 2x$1.00
•Total Coupons Used: $0
•Total Out Of Pocket: $26.90 – Checkout 51 cheque $24.50 = $2.40
FreshCo
Chapman’s frozen yogurt – sale 2x$2.00
Ham Streaks – sale 2x$1.00
Perogies – $1.69
Frozen corn – $2.67
Broccoli – $1.47
Cauliflower – $2.00
Celery – $1.77
Parmigiano Reggiano – $6.99 – $.75c
Bag – $.05
•Total Coupons Used: $.75
•Total Out Of Pocket: $21.90
•Total Grocery Amount Budgeted For the Year: $4200 ($80.77 per week)
•Total Grocery Budget for the Month: $350
•Total Coupons Used this Week : $.75
•Total Gift Cards Given Used this Week: $0
•Checkout 51 rebate cheque used this week: $24.50
•Checkout 51 rebate cheque used this month: $24.50
•Total Spent This Week:$42.13
•Total Spent So Far for March: $150.11
•Total Over/Under spend this shop: under $38.64
•Total Over/Under spend for the month of March: $11.43 under so far
•Total Left to Spend for the Month: $199.89
•Total Coupons Used This Month : $14.00 + $.75 = $14.75
•Total to Carry Over Next Month : I don’t carry over
•Total Spent To Date This Year: $707.74
•Weekly Overview: Although I don’t like shopping, I tend to make a couple of trips a week as I try to get my shopping done during my lunch break from work. As a result I have to do little shops instead of one long big shop. It beats taking my daughter shopping with me on the weekend though as she tends to get me to spend more. I received my first cheque from Checkout 51 so I was able to use it this week. I’ve decided not to deduct the rebates from Checkout 51 from my totals, I will just deduct the cheques when I actually receive them. It’s easier for me to do it that way. As for my shopping this week, I only got to use 1 coupon as I had no coupons for anything else. Most of the items I did purchase were on sale however so I still saved. Got a great deal on the ground beef from No Frills. Thanks to Checkout 51 I am now under budget for the month. Hopefully I can keep it that way.
Canadianbudgetbinder says
Hey Jo,
Great catch with the chicken at FB we hardly if ever see breasts in the reduced section. I suppose that makes sense if you can shop on your lunch and not have to have your daughter with you which takes even more time I presume. That’s great that you got a checkout 51 cheque. Would you say it is worth it to you in terms of using the service? Most often our rule is if there are no coupons we will do our best to only buy it on sale which means you are still saving especially if you are getting it at the best price around town. That’s where knowing our prices comes in handy and posting our shops each week helps us to learn all those prices even more. That is another way that we have learned what the best price are because we are now mindful of the shops and our receipts. Keep up the good work!! You get ballot 12
Christine Weadick says
Amazing… it’s only Sat. and here I am posting on the laptop and not the i-pad at the last minute!!!!! I went over again but not as much as last week so I’ll take it. All were at Foodland as I wasn’t out of town this week.
Mar 10
8 tomato soup@ .67- 5.36
1 can pineapple- 1.19
1 jar pickles- 1.79
1 can pears- 1.88
1 box reduced cereal- 1.99
1 bag icing sugar- 2.00
1 pack beef liver- 2.31
1 loaf w/w bread- 2.49
1 bag large flake oatmeal- 2.99
1 bag frozen mixed veggies- 3.29
1 box Oatmeal Crisp- 3.99
1 box multi- Grain Cheerios- 3.99
2 4l milk @ 4.79- 9.58
2 Dove shampoo@4.99– 9.98, $2.00 WUB2 coupon
2 Dove conditioner@ 4.99- 9.98, $2.00 WUB2 coupon
2 Dove body wash@ 4.99-9.98, $2.00 WUB2 coupon
1 brown sugar- 5.29
1 Tide@ 5.97, 1 Downie@ 5.97, $3.00 WUB Tide and Downie coupon
tax-4.80
Total $84.28, total coupons $9.00
Mar 11
Ran out of ginger ale so I grabbed a coupon and handed that with a $5.00 bill to a kid so I didn’t have to go back in
1 case ginger ale- 5.78, $2.00 coupon
tax .75
Total- $4.53, $2.00 coupons
Mar 14
4 tomato soup@ .67-2.68
2 cans pasta sauce @1.50- 3.00
1 jar unsweetened applesauce-1.98
1 cranberry cocktail- 1.98
1 loaf w/w bread- 2.49
1 jar plum sauce- 2.98
2 raisin bread@ 2.99- 5.98
1 bagel-2.99
1 soya sauce- 2.99
1 box hot chocolate mix-3.29
1 sausage buns-3.69, .75 coupon
1 box crackers-3.99
1 pack Juicy Jumbos- 3.99
1 cider mix- 3.99
1 stir fry veggies pack- 4.29
1 green pepper-1.21
2 4l milk@ 4.79- 9.58
1 jug water- 5.49
1 case root beer- 5.78
1 case ginger ale- 5.78, $2.00 coupon
tax- 2.02
Total- $77.42, 2.75 coupons
Total Budget for year-$7800.00
Total Budget for month(March) -$600.00
Total coupons for week-$13.75
Total spent this week- $166.23
Total spent this Month- 176.24+ 166.23= $342.47
Total Over/Under for week- over $16.23
Left for Month-$257.53
Total coupons for month- 6.00+ 13.75= 18.75
Carry over from last month-$66.15
Total YTD- Jan,$818.08+ Feb, $598.07+ $342.47= $2576.70
Total coupons YTD- $58.70+$37.51+ $18.75=$114.96
So I went over by $16 this week, there were two larger shops instead of the usual 3-5 smaller trips. Not sure yet which way works better but I’ll try to stay with a couple larger runs. Spring is coming so I can use the cart to bring everything home again. I might have to do a weeks worth at other places as I have a few coupons that I can only use at the [place out the east end, and we are in Stratford on Monday for a follow-up appointment. I’ll look over the ad for Sobey’s and Food Basics and see if it’s worth heading in that direction or if I even can get there, depends on how some one is feeling.He’s not one to sit in the truck and wait. Such is life….. I’m still determined to balance this out over the long term, week to week isn’t going that well but Easter is coming too and there is a turkey in the freezer for then. That bird should do us for 3-4 days plus what ever stock and such that gets fired into the freezer…….
Canadianbudgetbinder says
Hi Christine,
You were over yes but I’m sure you can make it up no problem. With the nice weather around the corner it may mean you can save a bit more as the weather won’t be as bad and if he does feel up to it a trip in to town with all the flyers and a plan is not so bad. If you can justify the savings then I’d say go for it. In terms of balancing it all you need to do is keep tracking it so you know if you are ahead or behind and keep trying to stay ahead as much as you can. Every month won’t be perfect but there will be times where you can play catch up and that’s why knowing the numbers is so important. This is only one category in the budget and once you ace this one the rest will be like pie in the sky, easy peasy!! Keep at it mate!! You get ballot 11
Dr. Sheba says
Week 10
Walmart
Long Grain Rice $1.38
Smoked Beef Turkey Saus $2.98
Total Out of Pocket $4.36
Publix
Wheat Bread $3.15
Ackee $8.99
2 x Lucky Charms $3.99
Chips $1.50
Total Out of Pocket $17.63
Donna’s Restaurant
Eskcovich Fish $13.24
Total Out of Pocket $13.24
Walgreens
Sunkist $1.80
Total Out of Pocket $1.80
Publix
Bread $3.15
2 x Lunchables $2.00
Smoked Sausages $2.99
Coffee $6.60
Ketchup $1.39
Bush Veg Beans $2.39
Sliced Cheese $2.50
Total Out of Pocket $21.02
McDonald’s
2 Filet-O-Fish $3.50
Small Fries $1.00
Happy Meal $3.69
Happy Meal $3.39
Total Out of Pocket $13.28
Total Grocery Amount Budgeted For the Year: $3,500
Total Grocery Budget for March: $254.98
Total Coupons Used this Week: $0.00
Total Gift Cards Given Used this Week: $0.00
Total Spent This Week: $71.33
Total Spent for March: $163.40
Total Underspend this shop: $54.30 -$17.03
Total Overspend for the month of March: $0.00
Total Left to Spend for the Month: $91.58
Total Coupons Used This Month: $0.00
Total to Carry Over Next Month: $91.58
Total Spent To Date This Year: $ $858.57
Weekly Overview: I didn’t do too bad this week. I must admit I am much more aware of my shopping habits. I am trying to eliminate multiple visits to the grocery store throughout the week, unless it’s for one or two items. While shopping, I also ask my self if I really need something or can it wait. It’s actually been working!
Canadianbudgetbinder says
Hey Dr.Sheba,
I’ve never had Ackee before what is it and how do you prepare it? Cereal and bread sure do cost alot. I’m surprised being in the USA that you don’t have access to more coupons. Do you use them or order them or cut them or do you just avoid them? I see you hit up McDonalds with the kids I presume (hence the happy meals). Do you go every week or do the kids earn a meal at McDonalds by cleaning their rooms. How do you justify the expense each time you go? The bush beans you bough for $2.39 we have so many cans here and got them for around $-.25 a can after coupons. I think you are right you are becoming more aware and I can tell just by what you are buying and how you are communicating with me. If staying out the shops multiple times per week will help you, go for it. That’s what hurts us so we try to go one day, get it all done and that’s it. We do the same, ask if we need it or if it can wait, most often it can wait. I’m proud of you. Keep at it! Mr.CBB
Dr. Sheba says
Hi Mr. CBB,
Ackee is a Jamaican fruit that is prepared in a skillet with minced green peppers, onions, tomatoes and salted codfish (if you wish). Either you absolutely love it or hate it. It is one of my favorite dishes. It is usually eaten at breakfast but we prefer it at dinner with white rice. I’m not against coupons, but I need a source that is easy for me to find and use them. Any suggestion? Do I have to go back to cutting them out like my mom? I hope not. The kids had McDonald’s again. I usually make it a reward for homework and/or chores, but this week it was just because of the lack of planning. I need to find a better deal on the Bush beans. How do you get them at such a good price? As far as the cereal, I agree the prices aren’t that great…believe it or not that was a buy one get one free! I am working on shopping once or twice a week for groceries. I’ll plan that out for next month. Thanks for commenting.
@drsheba
Canadianbudgetbinder says
Sounds interesting thanks for lettting me know. We had a coupon here for $1 off a can and they were on sale for $1.29 but now I found out they have far too much sodium in them so we will eat them in moderation.
Pauline says
Hey Mr CBB here is my baby shop this week
2.41lb tomato $1.01
0.91lb onion $0.38
1lb red beans $0.97
chocolate cookies $1.97
1.77lb banana $0.29
total $4.63
Total Grocery Budget for the Month: $171.29 or $34.25 times 5 weeks
Total Coupons Used this Week : none
Total Spent This Week:$ 4.63
Total Spent So Far for (March): $94.46
Total Over/Under spend this shop: $29.62 under
Total Over/Under spend for the month of (March): $8.29 under
Total Left to Spend for the Month: $76.83
Total Spent To Date This Year: $324.52
week overview: stockpile is decent, freezer has enough meat for the week and probably more, booze is stocked full, so we didn’t need much this week. Going back on budget for the rest of the month. yay!
Canadianbudgetbinder says
Hi Pauline,
I love how you just sneak those cookies in haha. Have you made your own cookies before? You should try my cowboy quickies…. they are so good as they are a thicker cookie not a flat one. Depends what you like though. Is there a cheaper time of year to shop in Guatemala or are the prices steady all year?
Mary F Campbell says
That’s a really nice mention you got from Planting Our Pennies. I went over and posted a comment telling them that I also enjoy the “What’s For Dinner” feed because it’s like walking the walk on grocery savings that we managed to hang onto by posting our shops on the GGC and then creating yummy meals at home rather than either dining out or picking up fast food. 🙂
Canadianbudgetbinder says
Unless my mind is lost where is this post on planting our pennies. I read so many every day but I can’t recall this one? I feel bad saying this maybe I just need my memory kicked into high gear 😉
onesimplefarmgirl2 says
Total Grocery Budget for the Year: $ 4080.00, for a family of seven
Total Grocery Budget for the Month: $340.00 or $85.00 week
I have $283.90 to spend in March. The $340.00 minus the over spend of February of $56.10.
•Total Coupons Used this Week :$1.00
•Total Gift Cards Given Used this Week: $- 0
•Total Spent This Week:$71.62
•Total Spent So Far for (March): $176.21
•Total Over/Under spend this shop:$13.38 under
•Total Over/Under spend for the month of (March):$6.21 over
•Total Left to Spend for the Month:$107.69
•Total Coupons Used This Month : $5.00
•Total to Carry Over Next Month :0
•Total Spent To Date This Year: $911.09
•Weekly Overview: I will admit I was not careful this week. My weekly newspaper did not arrive and I never went on-line to price check. I was not in the city much due to write off of my car. I also went shopping with Dat and his dementia was in total confusion. What flyers I did have I realized I had left in the car when I was half way through the store. I could have done better on the cheese. I also did not have a list other then need of dog food and fruit I thought I needed little. $71. later! But still within budget.
NoFrills
milk 4.47
yogurt 5.95-1.00 coupon 4.95
Ice creme 2x 2.00 4.00
cheese 5.97
Dog food 9.99+ tax 11.28
crackers 1.00
cereal 3.49
oatmeal 2.97
banana 1.69
cucumber .97
apples 4.97
kiwi 1.98
oranges 1.98
spinach 4.97
melon 2.00
bag credit -.02
Bulk Barn
Chocolate chips 5.10
almonds 5.21
Chocolate squares 2.38
Jelly beans 2.26
Total 71.62
Canadianbudgetbinder says
Hi Maryln,
I think it’s great that you stick to your budget the way you do especially with your overage from last month. That is how we will be doing it in 2013 as well. You only used $1 in coupons that week but it’s $1.00 you didn’t have to spend out of your own pocket, right? Did something happen to your vehicle? I hope everything is ok, Sounds like it was just a rough week for you but it happens. I’m sure you will get right back on track. It shows though how we can easily fall off track when things don’t go as planned. No worries, you’re a smart shopper and we know you will sort through it all. 🙂 You get ballot #10
Mary F Campbell says
Mr CBB…wait until you see my post this week! I sent Larry to Costco yesterday for 2 items but only 1 was a grocery item. He came home with exactly 2 items. Gotta love his shopping blinders!! He never even bothers with a cart. How many folks do you see in Costco without a cart? He did come home and ask me why I didn’t have ketchup on the list though, seeing as we had run out. What a guy! He wasn’t sure it was in the budget so he didn’t pick it up even though he knew we were out of it. My hero!
Canadianbudgetbinder says
Wow you must be proud I don’t think I have the same willpower as Larry does. I look forward to your post.
Edward says
Not this time, but our previous shopping trip, I remembered I had a coupon as we were leaving the store. So of course I went to the service desk to apply the coupon. Took me 5 minutes and saved 80 cents. Was it worth it? Yes. Yes, it was!
Canadianbudgetbinder says
For sure, we would do the same, it’s money! Heck I even found a quarter today in a trolly that had to be put away so I did it!
theoutliermodel says
I like Adidas products as well. I use their deodorant because it’s aluminum free and I always stock up when it’s cheap. Usually it’s $5 a bar, so at $2, I go crazy on it haha. We’re doing a shop this weekend, so maybe I’ll put up a grocery post. 😉
Canadianbudgetbinder says
I’ll be looking forward to your post! It’s nice to see other Bloggers joining in and we have a few already!
Lindsay says
Calculate your month at 4.33 weeks instead of just 4, and you are already set for the five week months as your budget will cover every week, even when a week overlaps two months.
Canadianbudgetbinder says
Thanks for sharing that idea Lindsay!
Kim@Eyesonthedollar says
I am not shopping this week, not going near the store. Even if they are giving away chips for free, I’m not going there at all. With less than $100 left for the month, I don’t want to spot any good deals!
Canadianbudgetbinder says
Good for you! Stand tall and stay away from the shops!! Let me know how that works out for you. I’m rubbish at it.
Heike says
Thank goodness I don’t have the problem. I hate grocery shopping so unless I really need something I am not going back. In fact, I was going to go shopping this week for a few things, however, I was too tired tonight and the week is almost over, so I don’t think I will bother. Might just make it through two weeks of no spending except for milk and bread. #CBB
Christine Weadick says
I tend to go multiple times as you know but we have a habit of running out of milk!!! I’ve made the comment about getting a cow before…. The store is across the street and the boys usually come with me to help carry so if I happen to forget my coupons I can send one of them back for the coupons!! I do the same as you for the most part…. I fish out the coupons I plan to use on that shop and carry them with me. Given that I know full well I’ll be going again to the store I usually will grab a couple of what is on sale and then when I go back for more milk I can get more of the deals. This works well if I want to stock up and there is a limit on the item. I get around the limit that way….
If I’m out of town I have my grab and go bag and that is where I keep the coupon binder. There is a grocery bag in there too. Plus a book for the waiting rooms. So if we have an appointment in Stratford, say, I grab my bag on the way out the door and I am prepared to wait in the waiting room and then if there is some good deals at, say Sobey’s, we can stop on the way home, get what ever,with or without coupons but I have them if needed, I have my coupons and a bag or two and home we go to unload… Saves on gas doing it in one trip….
Canadianbudgetbinder says
You are lucky that you can just send the boys across the road to get your coupons if you forget lol. I think it would difficult for me to stay out of a grocery store if I lived across the road from it like you do. So you seem pretty prepared for your out of town shops as well which is good. We need to be that way in order to stick to the budget and to make sure we have what we need, when we need it.
Donna R. says
Hi Mr. CBB,
It was a quick trip to the store, this week. I couldn’t pass on pre-shredded cheese for $3.88 – such a time saver!
Food Basics
1 x stew beef = 6.37
2 x skinless boneless chicken breasts = 10.94 + 8.95 = 19.89
1 x red delicious apples = 3.99
1 x case Kraft dinner = 6.96
1 x dried papaya @3.00 – 1.00 = 2.00
1 x 4L milk = 4.38
1 x cashew pieces = 5.00
1 x Highliner frozen haddock = 6.99
1 x 18 large eggs = 4.00
5 x Silani shredded cheese 500g @ 3.88 = 19.40
3 x Villaggio buns @ 2.29 – 0.75 = 4.62
Total OOP = 88.77
Coupons used = 3.25
Total Grocery Budget for the Year: $7300.00 /year
Total Grocery Budget for the Month: $600.00 or $150.00/week
Total Spent This Week: $ 88.77
Total Spent So Far for (March): $ 488.43
Total Over/Under spent this shop: $ under 61.23
Total Over/Under spent for the month of (March): $ ?
Total Left to Spend for the Month: $ 111.57
SCOP: $ 0
Total Coupons Used this Week: $ 3.25
Total Coupons Used This Month: $ 39.62
Total coupons used this year: $ 222.65
Total to Carry Over Next Month: $ 0.00
Total Spent To Date This Year: $1826.85
Canadianbudgetbinder says
Hi Donna,
Sounds like you picked up a great deal on cheese if it saves you time from shredding it which is pretty good for 500g so I can see why you bought it. You still have over 100.00 to spend for the rest of the month so I think you should have no problem sticking to your budget, or will you? You get ballot #8
Money Bulldog says
Great job on the Adidas body spray Mr.CBB! I hate paying full price for body spray, I aim to spend no more than £1 but that’s often overly optimistic.
Canadianbudgetbinder says
I wish I could find it for a pound here!! That’s why I grabbed it when I did. Might as well because I know I will use it.
Johnny Moneyseed says
Wow $2800 for the entire year would be ah-mazing. We currently spend $500/month almost exactly. We’re a family of 2.5 (2 babies, 1 of whom does not require grocery spending). We don’t use coupons though, we’ve had a hard time with them.
Canadianbudgetbinder says
We don’t use many coupons but if we have them and it’s something we use, we will get it. There are so many awesome coupons in Canada contrary to popular belief and not all crap coupons. I have ones for milk, bread, fresh fruit, vegetables, butter, yogurt, cream, coffee, tea, etc. It’s a misconception for most that watch that extreme couponing and think all coupons are for crap food which it’s not true. We all have choices and if one chooses to buy all boxed convenience foods and chocolate bars for their meal plan then so be it, but that was a choice! Why did you have a hard time with coupons? Where are you located?
Johnny Moneyseed says
That isn’t the case in ‘Murica. Coupons are for the worst foods. They occasionally have ones for dairy or produce, but they’ll be like: Buy 2 boxes of Nilla Wafers, get a Free Pound of Bananas
We had a hard time with them, because we would basically cut all of them out every week, sort them and put them in a binder, then 95% of them would go unused, so the effort outweighed the savings.
Canadianbudgetbinder says
Right ok.. what wrong with making a banana trifle with the nilla crackers for company? lol.. I would but I see what you mean. It would be nice to have buy 2 lbs bananas get 2lbs free!! Now that’s a coupon! We only order what we know we will use and cut what we may use otherwise it doesn’t get touched. We don’t waste our time either but crap if we cut every coupon, bloody hell we’d be here for ages.
Johnny Moneyseed says
I’m glad it works for you! We add digital coupons, price-compare everything. I will always by the option that is less expensive per ounce, pound, etc.
Canadianbudgetbinder says
That’s exactly what I do. I always calculate the math. Sometimes they will have meat for example with $4.00 off stickers BUT if you check the price per kilo against the price per kilo of the same meat not in the reduced bin it’s cheaper per kilo. They can catch us if we are not paying attention that’s for sure!
Wing-sze Blake says
LOL what a coincident! i went back to giant tiger today again too(went there just yesterday but forgot to get bread) so i got the bread, then i got some orange juice then i got some brown sugar, then i got a pack of mini pizza pops lol yep exactly the same story mr CBB!! lol
Canadianbudgetbinder says
See, exactly what happened to us and we need to stop that now and understand why we do that. We need to learn that if we go back in we don’t get anything but what we need. You’re funny!
Mary F Campbell says
BTW, what happened to the surplus February grocery transfer to the Romantic Rendezvous account??? 😀
Canadianbudgetbinder says
Oh crap, I forgot about that. I have to go see how much we had leftover in Feb. Thanks for reminding me.
Mary F Campbell says
Poor Mr CBB… you’re finding out some of your weak spots! I admit that I am not to be trusted in Costco alone! Hubby either takes a list and does the shop or he is stuck to my side to keep me on the straight and narrow. I try to sneak things into the cart when his back is turned but old eagle eyes catches me every time. LOL
We are multiple shops in a week kind of folks because many times when there’s a sale, there is a limited quantity and if you want more…more trips or multiple people or both are sometimes required. On the buy 1 get 1 free sales of items that we use all the time, it is worth doing but we go in with a list. Using a post-it note for our list really limits how many items we buy. When we are doing the multiple shops, if we see something that’s a deal that’s not on the list…we put it off until the next shop, to give us time to consider whether we really NEED something or just WANT it. In all honesty, I find it’s usually a want since our needs tend to be on my list. 🙂
But, a trigger for me is when I get coupons for free items. You’d think the stores were going to run out, I become a crazy person trying to get to the store and get my free item. The most recent one was a coupon for a free VH sauce. It’s safer to send hubby…he’ll come home with 1 bottle of sauce and nothing else. 🙂
Canadianbudgetbinder says
Lol, that’s funny but we have to stick together as a team when we are married to stick to the finances so it’s good that your husband is like that. If we were to go back in for those limited offer deals we would need to learn to get only that. That is the problem and you will see WING posted she did the same thing as us today. Many people do it without realizing it and spending more money than anticipated. Sounds to me like Larry better buckle up for grocery shopping with FPC’s lol…. we make a list too we just need to make better decisions when it comes to going in when aren’t supposed to be there or stopping ourselves from getting more than we need. Thanks for the inspiration!