Question

Food budget category.  how did you start and then tweak?Food budget category. how did you start and then tweak? It disgusts me to say this but we are spending about $2000 a month on food as a family of 5 (3 teen boys) This Includes household goods and cat food/litter. Also averaging $350 for eating out. Okay so. if I start my budget and take out $1000 in cash I will obviously spend it. But this much means no savings/extra debt payments and I just feel like it’s wayyyy too much. I tried budgeting $500 a pay period and the first pay period I did $740 and this pay period looks like it will be $1000 I’m frustrated because I feel like I should spend less. That’s way too much. but I keep failing. I don’t want to quit though so for those that about died () when they realized how much they were spending on food. what did you start your food budget at? How did you tweak it down successfully?  

Answer 1

Target I scan the item and look at the price label on the shelf and take a pic of its off lol. I do the food sales like this week getting the $10 gift card. It covered my extras. I use coupons. Also, I shop around sales. Like Acme had Buy 1 get 2 free ribs so I got the cheapest 3. I plan around whatever is on sale so if we eating chicken for 2 weeks than oh well. Also, there’s a great book called Cook Once Eat all week.  

Comments

@heinrich204 that is a great book

Answer 2

Couponing, price matching, buying store brand, shopping at a cheaper store. Definitely try to cut down eating out.  

Answer 3

I price match everything Only buy what I need. Go through you pantry and eat what you have Take out said amount and don’T bring any more $$ then you have to stick to the budget Try buying store brands instead of brand names And I would cut down the eating out that seems outrageous!  

Answer 4

I start with my cupboard and freezer, I write out my meals based on what I have and fill in the gaps. If I find something I eat on sale I buy more. For instance my bread was on sale last week for 99¢ so I bought 4 loafs and froze them. I find keeping oranges around for snacks, as well as frozen breakfast foods keeps me satisfied. I but for a week at a time.  

Answer 5

Buy meat on sale and freeze. Buy seasonal produce. Anything for 99cents a lb is great. Meal plan, cook double of batches. Tell your family the amount you have been spending and you need their help to spend less. There was a point when we were spending $2k a month on food for 4 people, eating out and spending $50 a meal. That had to stop. You can do it.  

Answer 6

This is what I am going to try this pay period: Make an inventory of all items in the pantry, freezer, and refrigerator. Make a meal plan. Just buy what is needed for the meal plan.  

Answer 7

Get the book tightwad gazette. Mrs D she raised like 5 kids on a tight huger and they ate healthy.  

Answer 8

You have started by knowing what you spend. I was at $1000 a month 6 months ago, then I started tracking what I have in the house, planning meals around that, and only purchasing what I need to complete a meal. I also stock up when certain things are on sale, like meat, and milk, stuff that is expensive. We are a gluten free, lactose free household, so instead of buying pre-made snacks we bake, I grind my own rice flour, and meal plan. We are a family of 4, 1 teenager, and then when all friends are over, up to 5 teenagers, so I feel you. We are down to $800 a month, and while I try, I don't know that I can get any lower at the point and time, but that's ok.