I've decided to challenge myself this week.
I have a $20 bill in my wallet, and I am going to see if I can stretch it to do our grocery shopping for the week. Granted, we have a nice stockpile and freezer items…but this will still take some planning! Since I spent nearly $70 last week, this would help keep us on target to meet our budget for the month. (Oh, and I do have a $3 Walgreens Register Reward…so that's fair game for me to use, too!)
Later today, I'll assess what we have on hand and come up with a weekly menu. I also noticed I ran out of coffee filters this week and am nearly out of dish soap, so I'll need to also think about those type of items.
Once I've done my shopping, I'll be sure to report back on how I did and what my plan is for the week.
If anyone else would like to challenge themselves this week, feel free to join me! You don't have to do a $20 challenge…make it whatever you want it to be! Just remember…being frugal should be fun! Let's keep it that way.
Photo credit Alejandro Cantarero
{ 12 comments… read them below or add one }
I’ll take that challenge! Also try using paper towels to line the coffee maker. When you go out and get the filters look at your filter first and see if you can get a REUSEABLE one to just collect coffee ground for the compost and rinse out! I’ve done it for years and love it.
I don’t know if you are a costco shopper or not (and if not you can always be a guest for a day and it is totally free, but you do have to pay with Cash or costco giftcard) but Coffee Filters are a little over 2bucks and you get 700! (these on for the regular kind)
I realize that this is about 100 years late, but I just wanted to chime in on some of the other uses for those bazillion coffee filters. I often use them for disposable bowls for snacks for the kiddies….popcorn, pretzels, goldfish, sandwiches, hotdogs, etc. I also try to keep a stack in my car for bowls on the road. I also saw them used on “How clean is your house” as a lint free window/mirror rag!
I would LOVE to but I spent Nearly $100 at the grocery on Friday for this week. UGH. I try to keep it under $75 but I needed this kind of a trip! So… the next two weeks will be $50 or less each and that will keep me OK> April is a long month in “weeks” so the budget this month just kind of went out the window…Next month will be back on track I hope.
I have to make sure I keep my challenge w/you. I spent $240 at winco $53 at Safeway for shrimp & other things for 4 people for a month. Husband gets paid once a month! We are blessed that I stay home with our two boys (1 in school 1 starts Jan). Only 12 days to go! We can do it!
I have some coffee filters and I only make coffee when we have guests over. So if you want some, let me know!
I’ll take the challenge! We have a $200 grocery budget for the month. It would be wonderful to have some left over to put in our house fund! I’ll count the produce I bought yesterday and keep track of what I buy during the rest of the week.
Some takers – yeah! Remember – your own personal challenge doesn’t have to be $20. It could be whatever you want – $60, $40, no shopping altogether and eating from the pantry!
Sandy – I’d never heard of using paper towels for coffee filters so I Googled it. Some sources say that the bleach/chemicals on the towels may not make them safe. Hmmm. Stephanie – I think I’m going to use my WAGS RR to cover the filters. Thanks though!!
never heard about the bleach/chemicals in the paper towels glad my brother only did it once. you might look at the thrift store next time you are in to get the reuseable filter (i need to do the same) i believe they are dishwasher save so you can clean them once a month like we should be doing with the coffee maker. (i never remember too i think that is why i go and buy a new one every year or so)
I do like the idea of a reusable one – thanks! And your paper towel suggestion got me thinking it would be great to come up with a post or series of posts called “what to do when the __________ runs out!” For instance, what you could use instead of laundry detergent, dish soap, or body wash, etc. Hmmm. Thanks for the inspiration!!
Staying on budget didn’t happen this month. Between Easter, my husbands birthday, guests coming, and a camping trip, my budget just disappeared.
I am up for this challenge. Not sure I can do it for $20 but I am going to try. Guess I better take look at the sales and make my list. Nothing better than having a game plan.
Think next month I’ll do a better job of looking at the whole month to see what is coming so I can be prepared =)
Thanks for challenging us – nothing like a little motivation and accountability!
Angela, I’m waiting to find a reuseable coffe filter before I run out of the paper ones. That would be nice for a series. I know just for cooking I can go right to the front of a cook book for suggestions on things for what you are out of. Can’t wait to read what other mom’s/women do when they are out of something and need right away. Yes, even to do a load of laundry! Sandy