Question

I sat down with my bank statement this morning and calculated all food cost, groceries and eating out, and I kind of want to cry. It is ridiculous what we have been spending on food. We are a family of 5 2 adults 13 yo girl, 11 yo boy and 7 yo boy. We are a rural family and live about 45 minutes from all major areas, so I would like to make my trips count more. Has anyone made a 2 week grocery budget work? I would love to have our grocery down to at least 600 per month with maybe 1-2 eat out trips a month. or is it more realistic to do 600 per month with extra as eat out budget?  

Answer 1

Meal planning definitely helps! I try to do a once a month trip to a sams or Costco. I will freeze beef and chicken, stuff for lunches that are shelf stable for the month, and get house hold necessity for the month. Then I do a weekly trip for produce.  

Answer 2

We are a family of 4 and spend $500 a month on groceries/household items. I meal plan every meal for 2 weeks and shop off of That. I do Walmart grocery pickup so I know exactly what I’m spending. And I love how I can do my shopping list on the app. I just add to my cart as soon as I know we need something. We also have a $60/month family entertainment envelope. That usually covers 1 meal out and maybe put put golf or going out for ice cream.  

Answer 3

Family of 5 here 2 adults 3 kids (18 eats like 5 adults, 11 and 7) I grocery shop every other week. We budget $480/month for B, L and D plus snacks. I meal plan and budget. Make my grocery list and shop from home first. If I have an item on my list I cross it off. Whatever Is left I purchased. This is JUST groceries. I budget separate for household items.  

Answer 4

Find out when the biggest sale day is, and only buy what is on sale. Most dairy products can be frozen so if you find a good deal, stock up on it. Use coupons when you can. There are also cashback and reward apps you can use. (Frugal Fit Mom has links and explanations on her videos for her family of 6)

Answer 5

We do 700 for our fam of five. Groceries and toiletries included. Eating out comes from our fun money allowance—my husband and I each take $125 for that.