How much do you spend on food, etc?

[Cali]

I don't go cheap with detergent for my HE front loader.

Anyone have any ideas on the cheapest yet still decent quality laundry detergent for the HE front load machines?

[lillaimof2kids]

We're a family of 4=myself, dh, dd 15yrs, ds 12yrs. I just upped my groc. budget to $125/week. Every year we buy 1/3 cow with our tax return. With packaging and everything it comes to $2.99/lb. We make a trip to Sam's Club 2-3 times each year. Here lately it's the vegetables and dairy that seem to be going thru the roof. After our BK7 is complete in Aug. we're hoping to be able to build a greenhouse to grow our vegetables all winter...then I could also grow my flowers for my flowerbeds which would save me a fortune!

[laurannm]

We are a family of 5 in MA...myself, DH, 6-year old son and 3-year old twin girls. We are up to about $1200 a month (includes paper goods, hygiene products, etc.). Does not include diapers\wipes for the girls. Our grocery bill has gone up about $200 - $300\month over the past several months.

[goingout]

Sorry for such a long, complaining post. Any thoughts or ideas or true stories about how someone turned their partner around to the idea of staying within a budget would be greatly appreciated.

Is he involved in creating the budget? Can you get him to sit down with you and help you do it? Perhaps this might get him the see the reality of the situation.

We had a huge fight a while back ending with him actually looking at the budget, which seemed to have helped his attitude. I hope it lasts. Before that it was like I was just being mean to him or something. He just didn't seem to get it.

[Cali]

The total amount for groceries this month is 1200$.

[bk4sky]

id say around 300-350 a month

[RedLight]

Any thoughts or ideas or true stories about how someone turned their partner around to the idea of staying within a budget would be greatly appreciated.

For us it was the opposite. I handled, if you wanna call it that, all the finances and my DW didn't really want any part in it. However, once I sat her down and showed her how bad this really was, she is on board 110%. We have a 3 year old and a 4 week old. My wife has become one of those crazy coupon ladies. She just got 20 bottles of shampoo and conditioner for $3. Yes, $3. If you know how to work the system, sometimes they pay you to take their merchandise. Our grocery, household supplies, and paper products budget is set at $160 a month. Usually, we are a little under that. And, the crazy thing is, it is all name brand stuff.

[rickisbroke]

One thing that I've learned is to not worry about being brand loyal and to shop sales. I buy very little that I don't have a coupon for or isn't on sale.

[AngelinaCatHub]

One thing that I've learned is to not worry about being brand loyal and to shop sales. I buy very little that I don't have a coupon for or isn't on sale.

Have you been informed on Angelfoodministries.com ? Great food at a great price and no conditions. They are in kits but you may purchase as many as you wish. 'Hub

[rickisbroke]

I tried it once. All I have to say is BLECH!