I have been trying to find ways to cut our monthly budget in order to save money. I spend, on average, about $350 a month on groceries. Is this alot? A little? Could I be doing better? There is me, my husband, our 3 year old who eats whatever we do and an almost 1 year old who is still on formula (I include this in the grocery budget and buy generic) and eats about 1/2 baby food and 1/2 what we eat. We like everything and don't have any dietary restrictions. I buy 99% generic and shop at Sam's Club for bulk/staples.
I think that's a good amount for a family of 4.
We are a family of 4 also and spend about $300 a mo. but our babies formula is covered by WIC and we eat out alot hello McDonalds dollar menu!
I started shopping at Aldi and Walmart and literally save like 1/2
what a great post! I can't wait to see what others write!! My hubby and I have been arguing about this issue for some time now. I insist that it's because the prices of food have gone up. He says I am not sticking to a budget and just buy whatever i want. To tell you the truth, it's probably both (but don't tell my hubby I admitted that, I hate to be wrong!). I go shopping almost every sunday. every other week is the 'big' shopping trip, the in-between trips are supposed to be for fruits/veggies/milk and a few items we ran out of. But for some reason I can never get out of there without spending at least $100, even on the 'in-between' trips. When you said $350/month I was shocked, and now I feel so guilty for being careless with the little money we have. Because I estimate we spend between $500 and $600 PER MONTH on groceries. It's just me, my hubby and my 2 year old! This includes food plus diapers/bathroom products/ paper towels/toilet paper, all of that. I cringe to think there may be some mom's reading this reply and thinking "that lady is crazy to spend that much on groceries!" but I will admit it. I am an overspender. Sometimes I don't have ANY coupons! and I am a sucker for a "buy 2 save $" sign. Maybe that will be my new year's resolution. to cut my grocery bill in HALF each month! I can't wait to see what other reply's are, am I going to be the highest spender?! Anyways, good for you for keeping it down to $350. you are my new idol.
For 2 adults & 1 7 year old, we spend about $120 a week on groceries. That would include lunch stuff for our daughter and myself (we both bring our lunches to school and work).
Some of our stuff is more expensive due to allergies.
I think you are doing well. I spend more than that for our family of four. I'm not sure how much more exactly, but probably $500/month total. My kids are older (two boys, 9 and 12) although they are not big eaters. My husband works a lot and doesn't eat at home that often. I use coupons and have tried recently to shop more cost effectively, but I do splurge on favorite items. It sounds like you are already doing a lot to keep your grocery bills down. If you aren't using coupons you could do that.
We probably spend 600-800 a month on groceries. I would say you are doing fantastic. Sounds like you know how to find the deals. I buy a lot of organic so I think that runs up the tab a bit. My husband and I have a 2 year old and a 10 month old.
