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How much do you spand for groceries? - 10/10/2009 11:41:11 AM   
pahunkboy


Posts: 33061
Joined: 2/26/2006
From: Central Pennsylvania
Status: offline 		I am curious now.

What do you spend a month?  For how many people.

Does $400 a month for one person sound like too much?


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RE: How much do you spand for groceries? - 10/10/2009 11:43:23 AM   
Phoenixpower


Posts: 8098
Status: offline 		If I am not wrong then $400 is about 200 pound isn't it? Then I suppose we are on a similar expenditure foodwise...at least in the months when I behave myself and don't give in to snacks at the corner shop or at the trainstation and at uni, or at work...But my 200 pound also includes the food and litter for my 4 cats (litter mainly for my two girls as the boys are outside most of the time).

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RE: How much do you spand for groceries? - 10/10/2009 11:48:41 AM   
pahunkboy


Posts: 33061
Joined: 2/26/2006
From: Central Pennsylvania
Status: offline 		I shop surplus and Aldis- but - I see what the regular grocer charges.

It is easy to spend $40 every few days.

More to the point- the cost of running a household- if one deletes the payment- is $500  a month "too much".   I mean a household and a paid for car on the road. 



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RE: How much do you spand for groceries? - 10/10/2009 11:51:14 AM   
Toppingfrmbottom


Posts: 6528
Joined: 6/7/2009
Status: offline 		We spend about 100 dollars, and we don't get much for that price. about 10 -15items, and yeah most of it is microwavable tv dinner type foods, so that's why it's so expensive for less, but neither of us are interested in cooking so that's the price you pay for convenience

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RE: How much do you spand for groceries? - 10/10/2009 11:57:39 AM   
pahunkboy


Posts: 33061
Joined: 2/26/2006
From: Central Pennsylvania
Status: offline
quote:

ORIGINAL: Toppingfrmbottom

We spend about 100 dollars, and we don't get much for that price. about 10 -15items, and yeah most of it is microwavable tv dinner type foods, so that's why it's so expensive for less, but neither of us are interested in cooking so that's the price you pay for convenience


$100 for 1 visit?  Or a whole month?

Guys- help me out here.

I spoke to an attorney. He says $500 is "too much" to run a a household.

After the house payment. I run a household for one person. It seems to me food alone can run $400 a month. Bear in mind a car on the road paid for.

The water bill is $70. Then there are ALL THE OTHER utitlites. $500 a month after the house payment is "too much".

What am I missing? If I need a dental visit- or cat litter or just suppose I need drug store items for my injuries- my hair still grows and then there is cost of laundry soap.


$500 a month is "too much"?

Come on now- please note where this money goes. I see the lawyer next week.

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RE: How much do you spand for groceries? - 10/10/2009 12:11:08 PM   
DesFIP


Posts: 25191
Joined: 11/25/2007
From: Apple County NY
Status: offline 		You need to write down what you buy. Are you buying premade stuff or are you cooking from scratch. Are you eating steak nightly or do you have some meatless meals. There are perfectly healthy ways to reduce grocery costs but they require more time spent cooking. Are there farmer's markets nearby and do you use them. Do you buy meat that must be cooked that day and cook or freeze it immediately.

Do you use leftovers up or leave them until they go bad and throw them out.

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RE: How much do you spand for groceries? - 10/10/2009 12:23:06 PM   
CruelMistrezz


Posts: 26
Joined: 11/28/2006
Status: offline 		I spend roughly $200 a month on groceries, bottled water, soda, cat food/litter and toiletries. This is for 2 adults and 2 indoor cats and almost 10 strays that I feed daily.

Have you thought about couponing? Using coupons with weekly sales? Between store promotions, sales, coupons and rebates I save a ton of money. Stockpiling when you find a great deal is another option.

Like today, I bought:
(8) Healthy Choice Dinners 2.27 each ($18.16)
(2) Van de Kamps Fish Sticks 44ct 4.49 each (8.98)

Total $27.14
minus $5 (Buy 10 participating items get $5 off)
minus $14.00 (coupons from Sunday Newspaper and Online Coupons you print)
Final Total $8.14

If you don't perhaps you should consider it.

MsPatty

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RE: How much do you spand for groceries? - 10/10/2009 12:23:58 PM   
MasterG2kTR


Posts: 6677
Joined: 8/7/2004
From: Wisconsin
Status: offline 		I buy a lot of fresh fruits and veggies (frozen and canned veggies too), and I also buy meat when it is on sale unless I need something specific for a planned meal. The meat I buy is good cuts of steak mostly (prime rib, porterhouse, tenderloin), pork and chicken too, and hamburger for the meals that need it. I rarely eat out and I stay away from frozen entree`s. Including my bathroom and general cleaning products that I purchase at the grocer, I average between $50-$60 per week. This is for a household of one. I can't imagine what you are spending $400/month on. I should add that I do not shop at any surplus or Aldi's stores of any kind.

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RE: How much do you spand for groceries? - 10/10/2009 12:27:43 PM   
SageFemmexx


Posts: 240
Joined: 1/2/2007
Status: offline 		I easily spend that much and its just me and a toddler. I also buy soap, shampoo, t-p, otc meds too.

I heard a pet runs around $500 a year so you have to count that in too.

I use a local food bank, the farmer's market and buy alot of stuff on clearance. My freezer cost $20 at Habitat--you might consider that if you have room to stock up.

Invest in a crockpot and learn how to cook with it. I make beans at least once a week and throw soups or a roast in the pot too. With the weather changing those kind of meals can hold you through several meals.

Sage.

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RE: How much do you spand for groceries? - 10/10/2009 12:31:44 PM   
Muttling


Posts: 1612
Joined: 9/30/2007
Status: offline 		Mine really varies a lot.   For the next few months it will be quite a bit cheaper as I'm a hunter and the freezer is full of venison.  When I can get over to the coast, I always come back with a couple of coolers of fish n shrimp for the freezer.

Mine runs from $200 to $400 a month, I would say $350 is my average.


At the attorney's office I work for, we use $400 per month for a normal budget on our bankruptcy filings.  Anything more than that and we have to come up with justification like a special diet or something of that nature.

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RE: How much do you spand for groceries? - 10/10/2009 12:39:09 PM   
DavanKael


Posts: 3072
Joined: 10/6/2007
Status: offline 		I tend to stockpile stuff (For example, I have lots of staples on hand and also keep lot of meat available in the freezer in case I have people over or friends are in need <occasionally the cats get it as a treat too> as I am a vegetarian). 
I am a soda drinker but other than single-serve frozen pizzas and Indian meals,  I don't buy a lot of pre-made stuff. 
Generally, I shop at the grocery store, ethnic markets, and (for animal supplies, etc.) Wal Mart. 
For myself, 6 cats, and my other animals, plus the stockpiling I noted above, $250ish, I am guessing.
  Davan


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RE: How much do you spand for groceries? - 10/10/2009 12:58:25 PM   
angelikaJ


Posts: 8641
Joined: 6/22/2007
Status: offline 		Are you eligible for fuel assistance?
If so, I think you automatically qualify for foodstamps.
I do well at grocery shopping w/o coupons by shopping the quick sale aisles and also shopping the weekly sales.
I buy most of my meat that way and dairy; just watch the dates.
I freeze some of the meat.
I often save 25-30 percent.

I am guessing I spend around $200/month, perhaps a little more.
I have a housemate who will often bring home "community food" for me to cook and once a week or so, my Master comes for lunch.
Sometimes, I share my food with nearby family.

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RE: How much do you spand for groceries? - 10/10/2009 1:07:07 PM   
DomMeinCT


Posts: 2355
Joined: 5/5/2005
Status: offline
quote:

ORIGINAL: CruelMistrezz

I spend roughly $200 a month on groceries, bottled water, soda, cat food/litter and toiletries. This is for 2 adults and 2 indoor cats and almost 10 strays that I feed daily.

Have you thought about couponing? Using coupons with weekly sales? Between store promotions, sales, coupons and rebates I save a ton of money. Stockpiling when you find a great deal is another option.

Like today, I bought:
(8) Healthy Choice Dinners 2.27 each ($18.16)
(2) Van de Kamps Fish Sticks 44ct 4.49 each (8.98)

Total $27.14
minus $5 (Buy 10 participating items get $5 off)
minus $14.00 (coupons from Sunday Newspaper and Online Coupons you print)
Final Total $8.14

If you don't perhaps you should consider it.

MsPatty


Couldn't agree more.  I save thousands of $ each year using coupons, and that's without being one of those crazy people who does it full-time....this is just weekly clipping and looking online once in a while

First, I see which store has the best deals for the week, and I make a list and plan what I'm going to cook.  If it's not on sale and/or doesn't have a coupon, I don't buy it unless it's an absolute necessity.  I stockpile items that have a long shelf life, buy them on sale, and are continuously needed (think ketchup, mustard, soups, etc.).  Family members have been taught to "want" things that they see on sale/have coupons, and wait for those that aren't.

With these strategies, I spend about $150/week after coupons/sales for 5 humans, 2 dogs, 3 cats. 

Unplanned shopping is a good way to spend too much $ on food.  If you're running out to the store all week to grab stuff, you're probably also buying stuff during those trips that you don't need.  Be flexible and find things to make with what you have on hand/have coupons for/is on sale.   Use a website that allows you to search for ideas by ingredients.

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RE: How much do you spand for groceries? - 10/10/2009 1:37:20 PM   
purepleasure


Posts: 6941
Joined: 4/9/2004
From: Lehigh Valley, PA
Status: offline 		quick breakdown, and I WISH I got away as inexpensively as you (the OP)do. There are 3 adults, 2 dogs, and a rabbit in my household.


groceries 150/wk, sometimes more
water/trash/ sewer is about 130 quarterly


and yes, i AM a coupon clipper.

edited for TMI

< Message edited by purepleasure -- 10/10/2009 1:42:15 PM >

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RE: How much do you spand for groceries? - 10/10/2009 1:40:39 PM   
Vendaval


Posts: 10297
Joined: 1/15/2005
Status: offline 		It depends directly on my work schedule.  If I am working less hours then cooking at home is more likely.  When other people need me to cover their shifts then I am more likely to buy food from the deli or take-out.

We have a Foods-4-Less that is good for many items but certain products can only be purchased at other grocery stores and if time permits, the local Farmer's Markets are your best bet.

$100 per week sounds about right to me.


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RE: How much do you spand for groceries? - 10/10/2009 1:41:58 PM   
pahunkboy


Posts: 33061
Joined: 2/26/2006
From: Central Pennsylvania
Status: offline
quote:

ORIGINAL: Muttling

Mine really varies a lot.   For the next few months it will be quite a bit cheaper as I'm a hunter and the freezer is full of venison.  When I can get over to the coast, I always come back with a couple of coolers of fish n shrimp for the freezer.

Mine runs from $200 to $400 a month, I would say $350 is my average.


At the attorney's office I work for, we use $400 per month for a normal budget on our bankruptcy filings.  Anything more than that and we have to come up with justification like a special diet or something of that nature.


I am pretty good at stretching funds.   But I do run into the retail grocer for convenience.  So $400 is the plug in number they use?

Many items at a grocer are not over $2 each.

Razor blades to shave - toilet paper- tissue- sinus tablets shave cream- paper towels it all adds up.

I have to put together a budget on paper.

I know a easy spend $500 a month with out even blinking.   (after the mortgage - not counting electric, water, gas, phone, etc.)

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RE: How much do you spand for groceries? - 10/10/2009 1:49:01 PM   
pahunkboy


Posts: 33061
Joined: 2/26/2006
From: Central Pennsylvania
Status: offline
quote:

ORIGINAL: angelikaJ

Are you eligible for fuel assistance?
If so, I think you automatically qualify for foodstamps.
I do well at grocery shopping w/o coupons by shopping the quick sale aisles and also shopping the weekly sales.
I buy most of my meat that way and dairy; just watch the dates.
I freeze some of the meat.
I often save 25-30 percent.

I am guessing I spend around $200/month, perhaps a little more.
I have a housemate who will often bring home "community food" for me to cook and once a week or so, my Master comes for lunch.
Sometimes, I share my food with nearby family.


Often I go to the store the last day and buy the meat they just marked down.  $1 $2 $3 off cook it the same day.

I do have the fuel assistance form to fill out.  Lat years heat thru me for a loop.

Coupons are not of much help for me.  They have alot of conditions to them- they are for name brands and I often am fine with the house brand.  The surplus  store I shop at- I can stretch the money.  Funny thing is- over the past year- I returned like 5 items to there and they happily refunded my money.  Which I used to select a different product there.

I eat well- so no complaints.... they sell gourmet coffee for $2.50 a bag.  Same stuff is $8 retail.   The big 65% chocolate bars- .50 cents there-  $2.49 at the retail grocer.

I never buy soda.   Not even for company as it simply goes stale... as I do not use it up.

I buy whole milk and use alot of eggs. 

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RE: How much do you spand for groceries? - 10/10/2009 2:03:55 PM   
BeingChewsie


Posts: 1633
Joined: 10/27/2005
Status: offline 		We spend between $80-$100 a month to feed 2 adults, 1 ten year old boy, 2 dogs, and 1 cat in southern CA. I'm extremely frugal, I use coupons, make use of CVS, walgreen's and rite aid free deals. I cook just about everything from scratch. It isn't unusual for me to save 75-85% at the grocery store. Sometimes they even owe me money back :). I stockpile when things are at rock bottom prices and I have coupons. I know the sale cycles and consider it simply being a good steward of my owner's money to save him as much of it as I can. We eat really well, plenty of meat, fruits, grains and veggies.

Personally I think $400 a month for one person is a lot. I'd have better uses for that money.


quote:

ORIGINAL: pahunkboy

I am curious now.

What do you spend a month?  For how many people.

Does $400 a month for one person sound like too much?





< Message edited by BeingChewsie -- 10/10/2009 2:04:53 PM >

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RE: How much do you spand for groceries? - 10/10/2009 2:14:10 PM   
faithfulfemme


Posts: 113
Joined: 5/24/2007
Status: offline 		What are reasonable costs for groceries really depends on what part of the country you are in.  i also agree that you should keep a detailed list of everything you puchase in a month, and turn that into the attorney.  If the attorney isn't yours, you could just be getting hassled.....
 
For those who are on tight budgets, there is an organization call Angel Food Ministries where groceries can be bought at greatly reduced prices.....www.angelfoodministries.com.  A standard box is $30 bucks and you get at least twice that much back in meat, produce and other stuff...just wanted to pass this on.  i use this service every month, plus i buy the produce box for another $22 buvks and i'm almost set for the monthin groceries.  Not quite, i do have to buy bread and milk, and other things but this service took my grocery bill down from $350 a month to about $150-$200...quite a savings....

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RE: How much do you spand for groceries? - 10/10/2009 2:33:54 PM   
ThatDamnedPanda


Posts: 6060
Joined: 1/26/2009
Status: offline 		PA, I probably spend about $300-350 a month on groceries (for one panda), but I know I sorta splurge. I drink a lot of bottled water; but then again, the rest of my diet is mostly rice, vegetables, fruits, and whole grains. And Reese's peanut butter cups, of course.

It's too bad you don't have more time. In my experience, the best way to get a handle on how much you spend each month on various things is to get  a receipt for every single thing you buy, save the receipts in an envelope, and then total it all up at the end of the month. Do this for 3 months running, and you'll know exactly how much you're spending on groceries, gas, toiletries, etc. That's the best way to start getting your spending under control, because then you know exactly where every penny is going.


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