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#108425 - 02/21/07 04:49 AM
Weekly food kitty money & maybe, grocery lists ?
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Registered: 01/21/07
Posts: 3675
Loc: British Columbia, Canada
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Well, it's just he and I. Food kitty money set aside each week....is ...$60.00CAN. Covers food, and less often, toilet paper, kleenex, kitchen wrapping materials, dishwashing powder & laundry detergent. This doesn't count going out occasionally for a meal/weekend lunch snack. We buy primarily fresh foods. The packaged foods we buy (and not all time) are: some dried chinese foods, spices, pasta, phyllo pastry, some fresh juices... And neither of us, make grocery shopping list(s) in advance -except if one of us wants to prepare a special dish/ meal...then the person will make an effort to get ingredients. It works for us..probably because no children are presently living with us. Each of us know each others' palate but we are adventurous. So no need to consult in advance. We also individually buy here and there if each person alone, sees a good deal or can remember something that we are low/don't have, some groceries, every few days. Maybe 2-4 items are purchased each time. We trust each other that we won't overindulge in overspending on 1 food item. We each come from family backgrounds where each of our mothers were immigrant and cooked up meals from nearly nothing. My dearie also used to be a weekend farmer, so he tends to buy fresh produce and believes in supporting local farms. (Now I think I've concocted a man with hayseeds in his beard...this plus cycling.) It does help we want (I said want) to be moving more consistently towards a healthy diet.
Edited by orchid (02/21/07 04:58 AM)
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#108426 - 02/23/07 06:14 PM
Re: Weekly food kitty money & maybe, grocery lists
[Re: orchid]
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Member
Registered: 01/06/03
Posts: 2196
Loc: Tampa, FL
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I can't go into a grocery store without a list. I'm a list maker for a lot of things. I keep a running list on the counter and I add to it as I go about each day. Some days the list only contains about 10 items or so. This last week it contained about 25. It's only my husband and myself at home. But, I buy a lot of the "Buy one get one free" sales and put the extra item away for my daughter and her husband. And, at Winn Dixie, they have a free coupon sale every week. If you spend over $25 you get up to 3 items free on their coupon sale list. I usually get those and put them away from my daughter as well.
I don't do a lot of shopping in the 'middle' of the store. I tend to stick to the outer aisles and keep to the fresh food areas. Dairy, meat, produce, etc. I do buy pasta and pasta sauce. And tuna fish. so I enter the middle once in a while.
We also have a dog and a bird, so we have to include shopping for them. Food, treats, toys, etc. I'm trying to buy my dog's food by the case, so that it's less expensive. Definitely buy it from Petsmart instead of the grocery store. This wee the grocery store was 18 cents higher. And, the company that makes my bird's food just increased their prices. Blaming it on the higher cost of corn. Sheesh. A bag that used to cost $9 now cost $12.
I do all the shopping for groceries and stuff for the house. My husband does all the shopping for electronics and computers. Any high cost items (usually more than $100) we confer on.
I don't have a set amount each month to spend. But I try to keep the costs down. Sometimes, it's "Stock Up" day so I go over my "suggested" amount. I try to hit the sales and stock up then. When toilet paper is on sale, I buy enough for a couple of months. The same with paper towels and laundry detergent. I have to save money where ever I can. One thing we will not run out of in my house - toilet paper. LOL
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#108427 - 02/23/07 06:23 PM
Re: Weekly food kitty money & maybe, grocery lists
[Re: Vicki M. Taylor]
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Da Queen
Registered: 07/02/03
Posts: 12025
Loc: Alabama
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Funny---I just stumbled across this site which has grocery list you can print out, and other printables. Might be worth your time to print them out??? Anyway, I don't even know if they are free or have a cost associated with them, but you can check and see. I haven't gotten that far yet. http://donnayoung.org/household/fullsize/kitchen/index.htm
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#108429 - 02/24/07 09:18 AM
Re: Weekly food kitty money & maybe, grocery lists
[Re: TVC15]
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Member
Registered: 01/10/06
Posts: 992
Loc: Honolulu, Hawaii
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Me too, I have to force myself to put the list in my purse! Cindy
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#108430 - 02/24/07 08:32 PM
Re: Weekly food kitty money & maybe, grocery lists
[Re: diamond50]
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Member
Registered: 09/26/04
Posts: 3910
Loc: Alabama
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I usually buy the same old same old once a week. I always have the last grocery reciept with me. I give it the once over, to see what I have run out of. kind of like taking stock. I keep a counter list of 'run out of occasionally' items, like razors, dishwashing powder, cards, bubblewrap, etc.
chick
_________________________
chick ~ Here is the test to find whether your mission on Earth is finished: if you're alive, it isn't ~ ~ Prayer is the most we can do for another human being ~
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#108431 - 02/28/07 05:21 AM
Re: Weekly food kitty money & maybe, grocery lists
[Re: Vicki M. Taylor]
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Registered: 01/21/07
Posts: 3675
Loc: British Columbia, Canada
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Quote:
I don't do a lot of shopping in the 'middle' of the store. I tend to stick to the outer aisles and keep to the fresh food areas. Dairy, meat, produce, etc. I do buy pasta and pasta sauce. And tuna fish. so I enter the middle once in a while.
We also have a dog and a bird, so we have to include shopping for them. Food, treats, toys, etc. I'm trying to buy my dog's food by the case, so that it's less expensive. Definitely buy it from Petsmart instead of the grocery store. This wee the grocery store was 18 cents higher. And, the company that makes my bird's food just increased their prices. Blaming it on the higher cost of corn. Sheesh. A bag that used to cost $9 now cost $12.
I never thought of the outer edges of store shopping vs. inner. Except if you want some dynamic spicing up of your dishes, you must go further in.
If I have time, I actually enjoy looking at some of the things which I don't buy but muse over what the ingredient is used for. And it knocks me out to see all the different brands of olive oil, balsamic vinegar...
In the diary area I would buy skim or 1% milk that lasts me almost wks. tofu, egg whites, soy cheese and occasionally low fat cottage cheese or sour cream. It's him that loads up on his fat-free yogurt. But yea, we use same stuff for yogurt sauces.
am excited to try this tub of hot Thai green curry paste. It's so much, it will last us for the next few months. Just a few large tablespoons for a super kick...
but getting back on topic... I'm often intrigued to see while standing in line, what people will buy with their food kitty. My choices on the conveyor belt look pretty staid (to me) but perhaps not to some others.
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#108432 - 03/01/07 02:22 PM
Re: Weekly food kitty money & maybe, grocery lists
[Re: orchid]
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Founder
Registered: 07/09/08
Posts: 23647
Loc: Maryland
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orchid, my sister taught me the outer shopping theory and I love it. It wasn't possible to do when the kids were home but now that it's just Ross and I it's much easier. I still creep within for juice, crackers, cereal, Tostito's, tuna, peanut butter and sauces.
I keep a list on the fridge so I can write things down as we run out. Our cupboards are bare in comparison to when the kids were here. We had an ice storm a couple weeks ago and it's the first time I thought there might not be enough food in the house if we got stranded. I'm learning that the less options in the fridge and cupboards, the less I eat. No fun, but true.
orchid, I also like to see what ohters buy. Sometimes I learn about new products that way. I have no problem asking them if they like such and such.
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#108435 - 03/28/07 03:35 PM
Re: Weekly food kitty money & maybe, grocery lists
[Re: meredithbead]
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Member
Registered: 10/08/04
Posts: 1274
Loc: MD
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Meredith, We love Trader Joe's so much and local shopper of trader joes. I love there merinated Salmon and there meats and all kind of things . My husband can find unsalted nuts there that you can not find any place else for such a good price.
_________________________
Courage is very important Like a muscle, it is strengthened by use .
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#108436 - 03/28/07 03:42 PM
Re: Weekly food kitty money & maybe, grocery lists
[Re: meredithbead]
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Member
Registered: 10/08/04
Posts: 1274
Loc: MD
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Dotise , We are a big shopper's of "Wegman's " , now hubby always makes a list and off we go. I have to go up to the Amish market one day . I got the most wonderful barbace chicken there one day . We shop twice a week and stock up on food . Good deal up the road .
Okay I am finished .
_________________________
Courage is very important Like a muscle, it is strengthened by use .
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#108438 - 08/03/08 09:17 PM
$700 monthly grocery bill-2 adults
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Registered: 01/21/07
Posts: 3675
Loc: British Columbia, Canada
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How much is your household's monthly grocery bill? Do you have a set max. figure for budgeting purposes? I was stunned to hear from a newly wed couple who are in their early 30's. 2 months ago they moved from their university dorm residences for graduate students where all meals are prepared as part of the annual accommodation cost there. Now they are in apartment and living with the reality of grocery shopping, and for him, learning to cook. And he is trying. they spend $700.00CAN monthly for groceries. They entertain friends at home, once a monh. This cost excludes wine, beer. And does not include the coffees, little snacks that one buys outside of home. Nor does it include occasional restaurant meals. They have no children. I was abit shocked. But perhaps my partner and I buy and eat thriftily in the food area. For our monthly groceries it works out at maximum $400.00CAN monthly or under. We do not need to buy from Costcos. Makes no economic sense for just the 2 of us and when we don't have alot of pantry storage rm. I should add we eat on this budget creative, diverse meals. It's not macaroni and cheese. I honestly believe that we do prepare and eat near gourmet like meals 2-3 times a wk. at home even on such a budget. It's more intuitive understanding of good cooking techniques from West-East cuisines. Just curious to know...and are you sort of being more budget minded now or spending habits still the same now as it was 20 years ago on food?
Edited by orchid (08/03/08 09:23 PM)
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#108439 - 08/03/08 09:39 PM
Re: $700 monthly grocery bill-2 adults
[Re: orchid]
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Member
Registered: 01/16/07
Posts: 3404
Loc: USA
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Orchid, our monthly runs between $250 to $350US, depending on whether I keep any of the kiddos or not. If it were just me, I could probably live on $100, but my hubby is a wholesome eater...
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#108441 - 08/03/08 10:48 PM
Re: $700 monthly grocery bill-2 adults
[Re: meredithbead]
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Member
Registered: 06/02/06
Posts: 753
Loc: USA
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Just on groceries...food items only? When I shop for groceries, I always buy non-food items at the same time...cat food, paper towels, aspirins, etc. I will have to go through my grocery receipts for the month and see just how much of my bill is on groceries and how much is supplies.
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#108442 - 08/03/08 10:55 PM
Re: $700 monthly grocery bill-2 adults
[Re: Cookie]
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Registered: 01/21/07
Posts: 3675
Loc: British Columbia, Canada
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Quote:
Just on groceries...food items only? When I shop for groceries,
Yes, primarily groceries for the food bill. In our household we only buy toilet tissue bundles and paper towels every few months anyway.
Meredith: $150.00 per month for the 2 of you???? Look, I know you and hubby are not running a farm. Do you grow abit of your own veggies, herbs?
During the times, when my partner goes off cycling for 1-2 months on his own, I spend about $200.00 monthly or less for myself on groceries.
No we don't use coupons. But we do buy things on sale if we happen to see and buy whatever is fresh/in season. Sometimes I do shop in Chinatown where one can get an incredible variety of veggies and fruits at excellent prices. 2 litres of name brand milk (with an English local dairy) is cheaper here compared to other supermarkets. I would say at least 10-15% of our grocery bill is spent there. I bought a bag of fresh 12 lichee fruit for under $2.00CAN today.
I always walk out of there, pleased with how much I bought for us.
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#108443 - 08/03/08 11:11 PM
Re: $700 monthly grocery bill-2 adults
[Re: orchid]
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The Divine Ms M
Registered: 07/07/03
Posts: 4894
Loc: Orange County, California
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For instance, Ralph's has a sale this week, pure apple juice 64 oz. (2 liters) for $1 so we bought 20. For non-perishable food, that's how we shop. Luckily we have a lot of storage space. Bulk grains are much cheaper than buying in boxes. Fresh produce, only in season and local-grown, preferable whatever is on sale this week.
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#108444 - 08/03/08 11:34 PM
Re: $700 monthly grocery bill-2 adults
[Re: meredithbead]
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Member
Registered: 01/16/07
Posts: 3404
Loc: USA
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Cookie made a point... our $$$ includes cleaning supplies, paper goods, personal hygiene products, lightbulbs and other extras, which can be high $$. For instance, an $11 broom.
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#108445 - 08/04/08 03:19 AM
Re: $700 monthly grocery bill-2 adults
[Re: gims]
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Registered: 01/21/07
Posts: 3675
Loc: British Columbia, Canada
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Quote:
Cookie made a point... our $$$ includes cleaning supplies, paper goods, personal hygiene products, lightbulbs and other extras, which can be high $$. For instance, an $11 broom.
True, but we don't buy bathroom supplies every week. Same for lightbulbs.
This is the advantage of living in a small home for 2 people, with 1 bathroom, 1 bedroom- condo. Less lightbulbs, less rolls of toilet paper...less cleaning...less...less..less. And since I am still earning money, I cover my own hygiene products...He doesn't use them...since he's sensitive to any hint of fragrance.
So grocery bill is primarily...for eating..
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#108448 - 08/04/08 08:22 AM
Re: $700 monthly grocery bill-2 adults
[Re: chatty lady]
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Member
Registered: 12/30/05
Posts: 3027
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Chatty we have £1 stores and some laughed to begin with.BUT the garden department is really good.I still induge at a garden centre.When a special thing is nededBut the sandwich bags and shamppos etc are same as other shops for much less. Mountain ash
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#155392 - 08/07/08 12:26 PM
Re: $700 monthly grocery bill-2 adults
[Re: Dotsie]
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Member
Registered: 01/16/07
Posts: 3404
Loc: USA
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I'm one of those people who want to get in, get it done, and get home... the reason why I apply the "one-stop-shopping" method. My grocer is the closest to me, nothing between it and me, so I buy most there, unless I have something unusual to do that takes me further into a multi-shopping area. I don't even pass a dollar store on my way to the post office and library (my second most frequented stops). We are smack dab in between two major shopping amenities, equal distance as a matter of fact, but I keep from venturing beyond my small little world...
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#155451 - 08/07/08 07:34 PM
Re: $700 monthly grocery bill-2 adults
[Re: gims]
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Member
Registered: 06/02/06
Posts: 753
Loc: USA
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I feel the exact same way, Gims....get in, get it done, and get home! We have a MEGA wal-mart here, which I absolutely HATE, but I really have no choice but to shop there because of the prices. When the new Wal-Mart was built, the construction crew drove around on golf carts to get to one end of the store to the other. As shoppers,we have to walk from one end of the store for food, and then other end of the store for supplies, and pass by a bunch of crap that they threw in between. I usually go first thing in the morning after I have had a goods nights sleep because I will be exhausted when I get home from sprinting all over the store. And you must keep an eye out for the elderly and disabled folks that are buzzin' all over the store in those motorized carts. LOOK OUT! Did I mention I hate that Big A** Wal-Mart store! Only good thing I can say about it is that it is doing it's part for over-weight America. This is why I asked in another post if supplies was included in the amount of money a person spends on groceries each month. I can't separate the two unless I make two trips.
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#155529 - 08/08/08 02:35 AM
Re: $700 monthly grocery bill-2 adults
[Re: chatty lady]
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Member
Registered: 01/10/06
Posts: 992
Loc: Honolulu, Hawaii
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I am with you gals on the dollar stores. I feel no guilt or shame when I take all my grandkids and "let 'em rip" in the store for whatever they want. The one place I don't have to say no to them, LOL!!
As for groceries, we buy most things from Costco including non-groceries so I would have to check the receipts.
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#155534 - 08/08/08 02:56 AM
Re: $700 monthly grocery bill-2 adults
[Re: diamond50]
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Member
Registered: 09/26/04
Posts: 3910
Loc: Alabama
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Hate it with a passion. I am thinking about doing my grocery shopping online now that the store here offers it. Load n Go sounds so easy. Still gotta drag it in and put it away. I was going to open a dollar store in Canada about 20 yrs ago when they were quite rare in the whole province, but I had a partner who didn't think we should. 6 months later one went in the mall...still there and making money. Many surfaced since but we could have franchised...grrr.
I shop online for practically everything and find it so convenient.
_________________________
chick ~ Here is the test to find whether your mission on Earth is finished: if you're alive, it isn't ~ ~ Prayer is the most we can do for another human being ~
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#155537 - 08/08/08 03:01 AM
Re: $700 monthly grocery bill-2 adults
[Re: chickadee]
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Member
Registered: 01/16/07
Posts: 3404
Loc: USA
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Cookie, that IS one stop shopping - no big need for a gym trip.
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#155554 - 08/08/08 04:53 AM
Re: $700 monthly grocery bill-2 adults
[Re: gims]
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Registered: 01/21/07
Posts: 3675
Loc: British Columbia, Canada
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Gee, Cookie...now you know when I lived a different city..I would start off real early in the morning on the bike,...ie. 6:30 pm before 100% humidity and high temperatures hit with smog..get my cycling done.
Then go happily grocery shopping at 8:30 am at a big super grocery store..when hardly anyone was around yet to shop.
Gims, since we only need to usually grocery shop for 2 adults, it is more manageable volume-wise. Since we do alot of it by bike, grocery shopping is all interwoven as a stop just before we get home...after work or after a nice long fitness/recreational ride elsewhere in the city.
It's yes, the long checkout lineups on weekends.. We do shop at the market every weekend and do know specific vendors..so grocery shopping isn't entirely a drag for us.
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