I love blogging about frugality because it keeps me accountable. Really. I do make more deliberate choices at home, at the store and with my purchase when I’m publically encouraging others.
It is all a choice. From everything we put in our cart to what we put in our mouths. Sometimes, we do need to make the convenient choice for the emotional well being of our family. Though let’s be honest. Often our “convenience” is because
- we mismanage our time
- we aren’t motivated
- we do not know there are alternatives to what we are buying.
I know I fall into all of these categories from time to time. So, please do not envision me with a finger waving four inches from your face.
I decided to start a monthly check in. At the beginning of each month, I will share with you how I am doing 
on my personal grocery budget. If I am failing or soaring, I will try my best to analyze the choices that lead to the outcome.
I have not done this yet on the Frugal Flamingo, so I will have to report my grocery spending for the 1st quarter of 2011.
My goal is to spend $400 or less each month on “grocery” expenses. However, I like to look at the yearly goal because some months will be over and some will be under.
So far this year:
January: $383.43
February: $384.58
March: $441.98
1st quarter total: $1,209.99 This is $9.99 over budget for the year.
In March, I stocked up on cleaning supplies at the dollar store. I spent too much. I also stocked up on laundry soap in March. I do include most over the counter medications in my budget. There were several purchases in March for medications.
I also had a high bill for slow cooker week because I bought the ingredients regardless of cost so that I could make the meals. Proof positive that buying items without correlating to sales will kill your budget every time.
My goals for April?
- Eat from the pantry/freezer as much as possible
- Purchase supplies to make my own cleaners
- Experiment with making laundry detergent even cheaper
- Have at least 1 bulk baking/cooking day
How are you doing so far this year with your grocery spending? Any goals you have for April?
I have been doing a lot of reading on home made cleaners...some really simple ones out there! I am planning to make some up when I run out of what I have now. Just made my laundry soap tonight. Pretty darn easy..though I will say if you have cheapo kitchen supplies like me (a grater from the dollar store) it can be quite the chore...made me decide its time for a grater that costs more than a dollar!!
ReplyDeleteI use white vinegar mixed with water to do most of my cleaning. I also use castile soap for dishes and laundry - a little goes a long way because it's super concentrated. You can also use castile soap for floors and countertops. For my toilet, I just pour some bleach in, let it set for a few minutes, then scrub with a toilet brush. For the shower, I use baking soda and a scrub brush to get any soap scum off. For food spots on my stove, I use baking soda. It may take a little extra elbow grease to use natural cleaners, but it's better for you health-wise and it's soooo much cheaper.
ReplyDeleteGreat goals! I've been leaning more towards convenience lately. Just running low on energy, time and motivation. But last night I roasted a whole chicken for supper. Even my 7 year old said it was good. And it didn't really take all that much time. But it does take planning. You can't decide to do it 30 minutes before supper.
ReplyDeleteNatalie...great suggestions thanks! Stephanie...hey..it's your season for convenience:) Yes, planning is key. Which is why it makes me smile that I encourage others to plan when I'm so poor at it myself. Well, I'm great at it with food, but with all else in life I struggle:)
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