Oops! I completely missed the May 30 meeting. I’ll blame it on Ruby, since that was the day that we picked her up from the Brittany rescue–my mind was a bit preoccupied.
One more picture of Ruby…and then we’ll move on to groceries.
I can’t help myself…she is so stinkin’ cute…even if she is on the couch.
Ok, Ok, let’s talk grocery budget!
The Goal of the Grocery Budget Challenge is to be creative with our meal planning and grocery shopping so that we do not over-spend. We don’t want to make our families miserable with bland meals, boring snacks, and not enough food in the house, but we must stay on budget. Lately when I see my bill at the check out, I’m shocked at how few groceries are actually going home with me. This will be a challenge where we’ll need discipline, support, and planning.
On the 30th of each month, between January and November in 2014, we will meet here to discuss our challenges and successes for the month with our grocery budget. Every month, there will also be action steps due by the next meeting.
How Did We Do in May & June?
The good news is that we stayed within our grocery budget of $450 for each month. My goal for May was to eat from the pantry to try to reduce our spending more, but I’m finding that $450 is the sweet spot. I think we eat pretty well for $450 and any less than that is a stretch for us. This is the right amount for my family–not too low and not super high either.
July’s Assignments
Action Step 1: Plan your grocery budget for July. Take into account any special occasions, such as the July 4th celebration, pool parties, vacations, birthdays, anniversaries, pot lucks, etc.
Action Step 2: Continue to plan your meals and grocery list. For my system, read 11 Simple Meal Planning Tips.
Action Step 3: Maintain organization in your kitchen, it will make meal planning easier. For my system, read 5 Steps to an Organized Pantry.
Action Step 4: Take advantage of summer produce prices. Now is the time to load up your freezer with summer produce for those long winter months. Every summer, I plant a small vegetable and herb garden and we are also members of a CSA, but I rarely turn down any produce that my neighbors or friends are giving away. Much of it gets stored in our freezer, so that I can reach for it later in the year.
Action Step 5: Meet back here on Wednesday, July 30, ready to discuss your successes and challenges for the month.
How did you do in May & June? Did you plan your meals regularly? Did you come in right on budget or did you go over or under budget? And what are your emergency meals that you always have on hand? Please share in the comments.
Also, if you’re blogging about the Grocery Budget Challenge, feel free to leave the link in the comments.
Visit the previous Grocery Budget Challenge Meetings:
We’re coming in with an average of $550 per month so far this year. I’d like to get that number down a bit, but it is challenging, like you said. I usually keep on hand ingredients for easy meals like pasta, pot pie, burritos, and enchiladas. I supplement with lots of beans, rice, and smoothies made from frozen fruit as an occasional treat. Here is the link to my latest post on my Pantry Challenge. http://wp.me/p4viGJ-60 Loving this series – thank you!
Heather @ My Overflowing Cup recently posted…Christmas In July
Thanks for stopping by and commenting, Heather. I’ll have to stop by your pantry challenge for some tips.