Food Spending....September 2024

Onward to September's Food Spending Report.....

Here are my FOOD BUDGET spending totals for September 2024.

I have posted September's totals on the Total Grocery Savings Page located HERE and have updated the Totals there. 
I am listing subtotals for each store I purchased from in September.  If you aren't interested in that much detail, just skip to the bottom for the Totals Sum.  My spending includes Food, Toiletries/HBA, Cleaning Products, Paper Goods, Pet Food. We are a family of 2(and 2 dogs).
****************

ALDI  

OOP  $6.46

Sales  $1.52

Value  $7.98

Savings  19.05%

KROGER

OOP  $351.35

Qs/Gift Cards  $282.94

Value $634.29

Savings  44.61%

WALMART

OOP  $176.17

Qs/Gift Cards $74.34

Value  $250.52

Savings  29.68%

********************
My best Store Savings Total was at Kroger with a savings of 44.61%.  My worse rate was at Aldi with 19.05%.  Not a bad savings rate average overall though.

I shopped at 3 different stores in SEPTEMBER.  Luckily I did most of my grocery shopping at Kroger in September. ;-)

TOTAL Spent in September......$533.98

TOTAL Coupons/Sales/Gift Cards....$358.81

TOTAL Value of Items Purchased.....$892.79

TOTAL Savings of........40.19%

This closes out the September food/toiletries/etc. spending.

THOUGHTS & COMMENTS for this month....

On the surface our spending was a little high but that doesn't figure in all the rebating cash I got back.  Even so, we had a goodly savings percentage over regular retail anyway.

The Monthly food spending savings percentage went Down by 17.23% in September to 40.19% compared to August's 57.42% savings average.  A lot lower in September but still over 40%.  That's ok by me.

Since we have an adequate income and food should be a pleasure in life(no way am I going to eat unseasoned rice and beans for my remaining days like some people-because I don't have to). I will buy quality food and pay the price at the register.  I may not like the price but I will deal with it.

With 9 months accounted for, I have spent a Total of $4,381.76 on groceries/HBA/paper goods/etc. in 2024.  Food prices have gotten to the ridiculous level, haven't they?

2024 Yearly Total Value of Items  $10,665.24

2024 Total Saved   $5,330.53

2024 Yearly Total Spent  $5,334.71

2024 Yearly Savings Total of  49.98%

The average per month amount spent is $592.75 in 2024 so far but that's before all the rebate monies are added in.

Remember that I withdraw all my cash rebate monies(Ibotta, Shopmium, TaDa, Checkout 51, Swag Bucks, My Points and other miscellaneous rebates-Aisle, Tremendous, etc. and have it sent to my Paypal)at the end of the year and add it back into my food budget, so at the end of the year my food spending will go down.  

The other savings apps like Fetch, Shop Kick, Kroger Cash Back that let us get free gift cards(or $ off your grocery total-Kroger Cash Back), those are added back in when I cash those points in along the way.  Alexa app gives me Amazon credit onto my account but I don't buy food on Amazon(sometimes I buy dog food there)so I really don't know how to count that.

Because I don't like to let money sit in these rebate accounts and Paypal, I send $$ to my bank account throughout the year.  So far I have sent $2,182.71 from various rebating programs and through Paypal to my bank.  If you add in all that my food spending at the 9 month point in 2024 comes in at $3,152 or $350.22 per month.

Besides all I sent to my bank account I have more $ sitting in these various rebating programs as well as in Paypal.  This is not counting Alexa, ShopKick or Fetch, which all comes out in gift cards or Amazon credit.

LOOKING AHEAD TO OCTOBER 2024.....

I am trying to eat down freezer/pantry in October and it seems like most of my grocery spending has been for the Food Bank.  I hope to spend less in October than in September but time will tell.  Inflation is still crazy high so spending is more than I'd like it to be.

Gone are the days of a $350 grocery budget.

If you have other ideas or guidelines you follow please leave a comment and share your thoughts with us all.

*  How much did you spend on food/toiletries in September?

*  Do you track your yearly food spending?  It's really not that hard or time consuming; just keep your receipts and either track it in a notebook or on a spreadsheet.

*  What was your savings percentage buying on sale and/or with coupons versus buying at regular retail price last month, if you track that sort of thing?

*  What are your methods for keeping your food spending in check?

*  Is anyone out there up for tracking expenditures and trying to spend less but still eat well?

Sluggy

Food Spending.....the April Report

Onward to April's Food Spending report......

Here are my FOOD BUDGET spending totals for APRIL 2023.

I have posted April's totals on the Total Grocery Savings Page located HERE and have updated the Totals there.
I am listing subtotals for each store I purchased from in April.  If you aren't interested in that much detail, just skip to the bottom for the Totals Sum.  My spending includes Food, Toiletries/HBA, Cleaning Products, Paper Goods. We are a family of 2(and 2 dogs).
****************

CVS

OOP  $1.99

Value  $27.86

Savings  92.85%

DOLLAR GENERAL

OOP  $27.30

Value  $37.65

Savings  27.49%

KROGER

OOP  $314.76

Qs/Ads  $258.69

Value  $573.45

Savings  45.11%

SHOPPER VALUE

OOP  $62.16

Qs/Ads  $81.89

Value  $19.73

Savings  24.10%

WALMART

OOP  $146.32

Qs/free Gift Cards $38.21
Value  $184.53
Savings 20.71%

*********************
My best 2 Store Savings Totals were at CVS at 92.85% and Kroger at 45.11% .  My worse rate was at Walmart at 20.71%.  Too bad that is the closest store to me.

I shopped at 5 different stores in April.   8-)

TOTAL Spent in April................$552.53

TOTAL Coupons/Sales/Gift Cards....$492.27

TOTAL Value of Items Purchased.....$1,044.80

TOTAL Savings of ............................47.12%

This closes out the April food/toiletries spending.

THOUGHTS & COMMENTS for this month.....another less than stellar month for food spending.  We spent more in April than in March. Lots of cherry picking deals for the freezer but prices still on the rise so YIKES! it was a lot of money spent.  We won't have a garden this year(not enough time to get one prepped and planted with us starting here from scratch)so I'll have to find a/some farm stands around where the prices aren't "artisanal-ly" priced.  As our first year here somethings come with a steep learning curve. 

The monthly food spending savings percentage went UP by 12.22% in April 2023 to 47.12% compared to the March's 34.90% savings average.  Even still, spending was up but we got more bang for our buck in April.

With 4 months accounted for, I have spent a Total of $1,882.46 on groceries/HBA /paper goods in 2023.

2023 Yearly Grand Total Spent....................$1,882.46

2023 Yearly Grand Total Value of Items.....$3,080.74

2023 Grand Total Saved...............................$1,198.28

2023 Yearly Savings Total..............................38.90%

The average per month amount spent is $470.62 in 2023 so far.

LOOKING AHEAD to May 2023....We are going on a cruise this month so we'll be eating down any refrigerated items like dairy(which can't go in the freezer)and fresh produce.  We won't be buying food unless a screaming deal or a necessity before the trip and nothing during the trip.  I am hoping this reigns in the food spending.  No clue how much will be spent but it sure as heck had better not be $470.62! lolz

If you have other ideas or guidelines you follow please leave a comment and share yours with us all.

*  How much did you spend on food/toiletries in April?

*  Do you track your yearly food spending?  It's really not that hard or time consuming; just have your receipts and either track it in a notebook or on a spreadsheet.

*  What was your savings percentage buying on sale and/or with coupons vs. buying at regular retail price last month, if you track that sort of thing?

*  What are your methods for keeping your food spending in check?

Is anyone out there up for tracking expenditures and trying to spend less but still eat well?


Sluggy

Food Spending....the February Edition

 Onward to February's Food Spending report......

Here are my FOOD BUDGET spending totals for FEBRUARY 2023.

I have posted February's totals on the Total Grocery Savings Page located HERE and have updated the Totals there.
I am listing subtotals for each store I purchased from in February.  If you aren't interested in that much detail, just skip to the bottom for the Totals Sum.  My spending includes Food, Toiletries/HBA, Cleaning Products, Paper Goods. We are a family of 2(and 2 dogs).
****************

KROGER

OOP  $148.9

Qs/Ads  $86.90

Value  $235.88

Savings  36.84%

OLLIE'S

OOP  $10.49

Value  $22.73

Savings  53.85%

SHOPPER VALUE

OOP  $41.08

Qs/Ads  $9.63

Value  $50.71

Savings  19.99%

SUPER 1 FOODS 

OOP   $19.47

Qs/Ads  $22.97

Value  $42.44

Savings  54.12%

WALMART
OOP  $221.45

Qs/free Gift Cards  $108.71
Value  $330.16
Savings 32.93%

*********************
My best 2 Store Savings Totals were at Ollie's at 53.85% and Super 1 Foods at 54.12% .

I shopped at 5 different stores in February.   8-)

TOTAL Spent in February................$441.47

TOTAL Coupons/Sales/Gift Cards....$240.45

TOTAL Value of Items Purchased.....$681.92

TOTAL Savings of ............................35.26%

This closes out the February food/toiletries spending.

THOUGHTS & COMMENTS for this month.....another less than stellar month for food spending.  I'm ok with it given my physical limitations at the moment.

The monthly food spending savings percentage went UP by 1.47% in February 2023 to 35.26% compared to the January's 33.79% savings average.   A slight improvement even with having Hubs doing 90% of the food shopping.

With 2 months accounted for, I have spent a Total of $856.14 on groceries/HBA /paper goods in 2023.

2022 Yearly Grand Total Spent....................$856.14

2022 Yearly Grand Total Value of Items.....$1,308.20

2022 Grand Total Saved...............................$452.06

2022 Yearly Savings Total..............................34.56%

The average per month amount spent is $428.07 in 2023 so far.

LOOKING AHEAD to March 2023...

Still in recovery mode but looking to resume normal cooking activity later this month. 8-)

If you have other ideas or guidelines you follow please leave a comment and share yours with us all.

*  How much did you spend on food/toiletries in February?

*  Do you track your yearly food spending?  It's really not that hard or time consuming; just have your receipts and either track it in a notebook or on a spreadsheet.

*  What was your savings percentage buying on sale and/or with coupons vs. buying at regular retail price last month, if you track that sort of thing?

*  What are your methods for keeping your food spending in check?

Is anyone out there up for tracking expenditures and trying to spend less but still eat well?


Sluggy

Food Spending 2022....the October Report

* Again, I am still not up and running as normal.  So busy with life here but I pop in when I can with an update.*

Onward to October's Food Spending report......

Here are my FOOD BUDGET spending totals for OCTOBER 2022.

I have posted October's totals on the Total Grocery Savings Page located HERE and have updated the Totals there.
I am listing subtotals for each store I purchased from in October.  If you aren't interested in that much detail, just skip to the bottom for the Totals Sum.  My spending includes Food, Toiletries/HBA, Cleaning Products, Paper Goods, Pet Food & tax where applicable. We are a family of 2(and 2 dogs).
****************

DOLLAR GENERAL

OOP  $51.42

Qs/Ads  $29.04

Value  $80.46

Savings  36.09%

DOLLAR TREE

OOP  $1.25

Qs/Ads  $.54

Value  $1.79

Savings  30.16%

KROGER

OOP  $92.35

Qs/Ads  $58.53

Value  $150.88

Savings  38.79%

SUPER 1 FOODS 

OOP  $90.66

Qs/Ads  $66.29

Value  $156.95

Savings  42.24%

WALMART
OOP  $327.44

Qs/free Gift Cards  $151.19
Value  $478.63
Savings 31.59%

*********************
My best 3 Store Savings Totals were Super 1 Foods at 42.24%, Kroger at 38.79% and Dollar General at 36.09%.

The worst rate was Dollar Tree at 30.16%.  
I shopped at 5 different stores in October.

TOTAL Spent in October................$560.11

TOTAL Coupons/Sales/Gift Cards...$315.29

TOTAL Value of Items Purchased....$875.40

TOTAL Savings of .............................36.02%

This closes out the October food/toiletries spending.

THOUGHTS & COMMENTS for this month.....well I knew that when we got a house to set up the food spending would explode and it did.  Very little food was brought 1,431 miles with us(a little canned food and dog food but none of the open stuff and the refrigerated or frozen food)so the this past month and the next few will see large food expenditures to restock.  Under $600 isn't too bad considering I have no Rite-Aid any longer(sniff)and no Aldi.  I am doing the best I can.  We are still not in full on cooking mode as we are still finding kitchen stuff(or not finding it.....hello? pots and pans!)so easy and/or premade dinners are being subbed out.

The monthly food spending savings percentage went DOWN by 6.22% in October 2022 to 36.02% compared to the September's 42.24% savings average.  

With 10 months accounted for, I have spent a Grand Total of $2,557.94 on food/toiletries in 2022.

2021 Yearly Grand Total Spent....................$2,557.94

2021 Yearly Grand Total Value of Items.....$11,198.19

2021 Grand Total Saved...............................$8,640.25

2021 Yearly Savings Total..............................77.16%

The average per month amount spent is $255.79 in 2022.

LOOKING AHEAD To November 2022......I am continuing to rebuild our food stockpile when I see a deal.  I suspect the spending will be high as the price of groceries is rising weekly it seems nowadays.  Spending on food should level off in December as we won't be shopping much due to life circumstances then so November is my time to add to the stockpile.

I know that all my Rite-Aid freebies really kept my OOP spending low and my savings percentage high and I am really missing it.  But such is life and I am trying not to dwell on the higher numbers as this is my new reality.

If you have other ideas or guidelines you follow please leave a comment and share yours with us all.

*  How much did you spend on food/toiletries in October?

*  Do you track your yearly food spending?  It's really not that hard or time consuming; just have your receipts and either track it in a notebook or on a spreadsheet.

*  What was your savings percentage buying on sale and/or with coupons vs. buying at regular retail price last month, if you track that sort of thing?

*  What are your methods for keeping your food spending in check?

Is anyone out there up for tracking expenditures and trying to spend less but still eat well?


Sluggy

Food Spending Report....the September Edition

* Again, this is way late but I'm trying to get back on track.*

Onward to September's Food Spending report......

Here are my FOOD BUDGET spending totals for SEPTEMBER 2022.

I have posted September's totals on the Total Grocery Savings Page located HERE and have updated the Totals there.
I am listing subtotals for each store I purchased from in September.  If you aren't interested in that much detail, just skip to the bottom for the Totals Sum.  My spending includes Food, Toiletries/HBA, Cleaning Products, Paper Goods, Pet Food & tax where applicable. We are a family of 2(and 2 dogs).
****************

DOLLAR GENERAL

OOP  $29.90

Qs/Ads  $23.06

Value  $52.96

Savings  43.51%

RITE-AID
OOP  $0.00
Qs/Ads/BC/Gift Cards  $125.62

Value  $125.62
Savings  100%

WALMART
OOP  $141.16

Qs/free Gift Cards  $38.45
Value  $179.61
Savings 21.40%

*********************
My best 3 Store Savings Totals were Rite-Aid at 100%,  Dollar General at 43.51% and Walmart at 21.40%.

The worst rate was Walmart at 21.40%.  
I shopped at 3 different stores in September.

TOTAL Spent in September................$171.06

TOTAL Coupons/Sales/Gift Cards...$61.51

TOTAL Value of Items Purchased....$232.57

TOTAL Savings of .............................26.45%

TOTAL Out of Pocket for September w/R-A..........$171.06

TOTAL Coupons/Sales/Gift Cards w/................$187.13

TOTAL Value of Items Purchased w/Rite-Aid...$358.19
TOTAL Savings with Rite-Aid items....................42.24%

This closes out the September food/toiletries spending.

THOUGHTS & COMMENTS for this month.....Well I knew it wouldn't be pretty as we couldn't take any food with us(there are some staples that moved but they are in storage just yet).  Daughter mostly provides dinners(she gets a meal box every week which gives us 4 dinners plus a 5th of leftovers one night)but we are on our own for the other 2 nights, plus all breakfasts and lunches and we have limited space in her fridge and pantry for purchasing our food.  There are also only 2 grocery choices nearby-Walmart and Dollar General which is very limiting.  As we get acclimated here we'll branch out to other food sources.

The monthly food spending savings percentage went UP by 3.54% in September 2022 to 42.24% compared to the August's 38.70% savings average.  

With 9 months accounted for, I have spent a Grand Total of $1,997.83 on food/toiletries in 2022.

2021 Yearly Grand Total Spent....................$1,997.83

2021 Yearly Grand Total Value of Items.....$10,322.79

2021 Grand Total Saved...............................$8,325.26

2021 Yearly Savings Total..............................80.65%

The average per month amount spent is $221.99 in 2022.

LOOKING AHEAD To October 2022......Still in transition here so the grocery game will remain the same.  I did spend on grocery items while on my trip so October's spending will be more than September's tab.

If you have other ideas or guidelines you follow please leave a comment and share yours with us all.

*  How much did you spend on food/toiletries in September?

*  Do you track your yearly food spending?  It's really not that hard or time consuming; just have your receipts and either track it in a notebook or on a spreadsheet.

*  What was your savings percentage buying on sale and/or with coupons vs. buying at regular retail price last month, if you track that sort of thing?

*  What are your methods for keeping your food spending in check?

Is anyone out there up for tracking expenditures and trying to spend less but still eat well?


Sluggy

This Week on the Dining Table

The "Success!" Edition....

Well we finally got some good tomatoes!  5 total so far.  No issues, splits, cracks or rot.  Had BLTs for lunch last week. yummy.

Onward to the meal planning!

Here's what was planned.....

1. Sunday--Red Bag Chicken sandwiches, Squash Casserole 

2. Monday--Breakfast for Dinner

3. Tuesday--Lasagna, Salad

4. Wednesday--Caesar Salad w/Grilled Chicken

5. Thursday--homemade Flatbread Pizza, homemade Pickles

6.  Friday--Leftovers

7. Saturday--?

And here's what actually happened........

1. Sunday--Red Bag Chicken sandwiches, Squash Casserole 

2. Monday--Breakfast for Dinner

3. Tuesday--Lasagna, Salad

4. Wednesday--Fend For Yourself

5. Thursday--Lunch from Applebee's(Big Salad)

6.  Friday--Leftovers(I think those pot pies)

7. Saturday--Takeout Chinese for late Lunch/Dinner

Ex-College Boy came over on Sat. and helped power wash the house so I got Chinese take-out lunch specials.  Hubs and I finished our meals for dinner.

I used up all the cottage cheese and most of the shredded cheese this past week.

What got put into the freezer last week....

*  Nothing

What got taken out of the freezer and used...

*  Chicken Sausages

*  Red bag Chicken

*  Mozzarella

                                                   

I spent $19.93 on food/toiletries/HBA this last week at Walmart and farm stand.

This brings our food/toiletries/paper goods Grand Total to $19.93 for August.  

There are 23 shopping days left in August.

I've earned $11.19 on Ibotta in August.

I've earned $0 on Checkout51 in August.

I've earned $0 on Coupons dotcom in August.

I've earned 50 points from shopping on Fetch in August.

I earned 200 points from food shopping on Shop Kick in August.

I've earned $0 from food shopping on Swag Bucks in August.

That's $11.19 in rebates(not counting the Shop Kick/Swag Bucks/Fetch)on $19.93 in grocery spending so in reality it's $8.74 spent after the 3 rebate apps I count.

My savings percentage for the last week was 56.51% (without "regular" Rite-Aid trips)and the monthly savings total for August comes in at 56.51% so far(w/out R-A).  

Leftovers going into this week....most of a big lasagna and homemade pickles. That's it.

Here is this week's "food plan".....

1. Sunday--Teriyaki Salmon, Steamed Broccoli

2. Monday--Leftover Lasagna or canned soup or Greek Salad

3. Tuesday--Breakfast for Dinner

4. Wednesday--Subs

5. Thursday--homemade Flatbread Pizza, homemade Pickles

6.  Friday--Leftovers

7. Saturday--?

Painting is happening(ceiling and trim)the first half of the week so easy meals it is.  End of the week?  Who knows?  I just keep reaching into the freezer for proteins. 8-)))  I'm making some white chicken chili for Hubs for lunches and the dogs are eating high on the hog lately as I feed them the freezer burned meats I uncover in the chest freezer.  Once we get to LA they are going to be turning their noses up when they go back to only kibble/dog food. lol

What do I need to buy to fix everything on this menu?  Using up the rest of the French Bread for Breakfast for Dinner, flatbread, pepperoni, mozzarella.  I'll cook more bacon for BRD meal and for BLT sandwiches for lunches.  I'd love to buy another watermelon before we leave and some fresh corn but other than that, no groceries are needed this week.

I'll be sending some food we aren't going to use in the next load to the food bank this Friday.

What is getting fixed and served at your house this week?

Was last week's plan successful, did you go off plan or did you not even plan what was going to be eaten last week?

Any deals on food at your stores this week?  

Sluggy 

Food Spending 2022....the May Report

 Onward to May's Food Spending report......

Here are my FOOD BUDGET spending totals for MAY 2022.

I have posted May's totals on the Total Grocery Savings Page located HERE and have updated the Totals there.
I am listing subtotals for each store I purchased from in May.  If you aren't interested in that much detail, just skip to the bottom for the Totals Sum.  My spending includes Food, Toiletries/HBA, Cleaning Products, Paper Goods, Pet Food & tax where applicable. We are a family of 3(2-3 eating at home this month). No "kids" under 26. 
*****************

MALACARI'S

OOP  $72.37

Value  $107.95

Savings  32.96%

OCEAN STATE

OOP  $10.99

Value  $29.34

Savings  62.54%

RITE-AID
OOP  $0.00
Qs/Ads/BC/Gift Cards  $722.42

Value  $722.42
Savings  100%

WALMART
OOP  $129.46

Qs/free Gift Cards  $102.72
Value  $232.18
Savings 44.24%

WEIS

OOP  $44.76

Qs/Sales  $54.21
Value  $98.97
Savings  45.72%

*********************
My best 3 Store Savings Totals were Rite-Aid at 100%,  Ocean State at 62.54%, and Weis at 45.72%.

The worst rate was at Malacari's at 32.96%.  
I shopped at 5 different stores in May.

TOTAL Spent in May................$257.58

TOTAL Coupons/Sales/Gift Cards...$169.32

TOTAL Value of Items Purchased....$426.90

TOTAL Savings of .............................39.66%

TOTAL Out of Pocket for May w/R-A..............$257.58

TOTAL Coupons/Sales/Gift Cards w/................$891.74

TOTAL Value of Items Purchased w/Rite-Aid...$1,149.32
TOTAL Savings with Rite-Aid items....................77.59%

This closes out the May food/toiletries spending.

THOUGHTS & COMMENTS for this month.....As planned I stayed well un $350 for the month.

The monthly food spending savings percentage went UP by .34% in May 2021 to 77.59% compared to the April's 77.25% savings average.  A higher savings rate is always good. 8-)

With 5 months accounted for, I have spent a Grand Total of $1,175.05 on food/toiletries in 2022.

2021 Yearly Grand Total Spent....................$1,432.63

2021 Yearly Grand Total Value of Items.....$7,348.28

2021 Grand Total Saved...............................$5,915.65

2021 Yearly Savings Total..............................80.50%

The average per month amount spent is $286.53 in 2022.

LOOKING AHEAD To June 2022.......With the inflationary costs now I'll still try to keep the spending at or under $350.00.  Eating more from what is here and less Ibotta shopping I am hoping. ;-)

If you have other ideas or guidelines you follow please leave a comment and share yours with us all.

*  How much did you spend on food/toiletries in May?

*  Do you track your yearly food spending?  It's really not that hard or time consuming; just have your receipts and either track it in a notebook or on a spreadsheet.

*  What was your savings percentage buying on sale and/or with coupons vs. buying at regular retail price last month, if you track that sort of thing?

*  What are your methods for keeping your food spending in check?

Is anyone out there up for tracking expenditures and trying to spend less but still eat well?


Sluggy

This Week on the Dining Table

The "Still Plodding Along" Edition....

I am up to July 29th, 2017 on my photo editing project. go me. Only about 2K more photos to go. lolz  I don't recall taking SOOO many photos!!

I spent some Rite-Aid gift card monies over the weekend and I forgot 2 $3/1 Qs so I get to go there later today to cash in those coupons for $6 in greenbacks.

Onward to the meal planning!

Here's what was planned.....

1. Sunday--Turkey Breast, Stuffing, Mashed Potatoes w/Gravy, Corn

2. Monday--Ham Steak, Veggies TBD, mac and cheese

3. Tuesday--Leftovers

4. Wednesday--Chicken Parm, Brussels Sprouts
5. Thursday--Chinese take-out

6.  Friday--FFY or Leftovers

7. Saturday--FFY or Leftovers

And here's what actually happened........

1. Sunday--Turkey Breast, Stuffing, Mashed Potatoes w/Gravy, Corn

2. Monday--Leftovers, FFY

3. Tuesday--Leftovers, FFY

4. Wednesday--Leftovers, FFY
5. Thursday--Chinese take-out

6.  Friday--FFY or Leftovers

7. Saturday--Chicken Parm, Brussels Sprouts

Well 2 of the planned dinners happened(though not necessarily on the day it was planned for).  And the Chinese take-out happened as well.  The rest of the week was leftovers or Fend for Yourself.  It worked for us. 8-))

What got put into the freezer last week....

*  Nothing

What got taken out of the freezer and used...

* Turkey Breast

*  Breaded Chicken

*  Mozzarella Cheese

*  Brussels Sprouts

I spent $52.05 on food/toiletries/HBA this last week.  I managed 1 trip to Walmart. This brings our food/toiletries/paper goods Total to $235.32 for April.  

There are 5 shopping days left in April.  

I've earned $106.85 on Ibotta in April.

I've earned $4.44 on Checkout51 in April.

I've earned $8 on Coupons dotcom/Paypal in April.

I've earned 24,168 points($24.16)from shopping on Fetch in April.

I earned 3155 Kicks($12.62)from food shopping on Shop Kick in April. 

I've earned 3370 Swag Bucks($33.70) from food shopping on Swag Bucks in April.

That's $119.29 in rebates(not counting the Shop Kick/Swag Bucks/Fetch)on $235.32 in grocery spending so in reality it's $116.03 spent after the 3 rebate apps I count.

My savings percentage for the last week was 56.66%(without "regular" Rite-Aid trips)and the monthly savings total for April comes in at 52.09% so far(w/out R-A).  

Leftovers going into this week....turkey, stuffing, chicken parm, Brussels sprouts.

Here is this week's "food plan".....

1. Sunday--Hamburger on Roll, Beans

2. Monday--Ham Steak, Veggies TBD, mac and cheese

3. Tuesday--Leftovers

4. Wednesday--Wild Rice Mushroom Soup
5. Thursday--Hubs cooking

6.  Friday--FFY or Leftovers

7. Saturday--FFY or Leftovers

What do I need to buy to fix everything on this menu? Nothing but milk for the mac and chees and ground beef for the burgers so I'll be spending a bit this week.

What is getting fixed and served at your house this week?

Was last week's plan successful, did you go off plan or did you not even plan what was going to be eaten last week?

Any great deals on food at your stores this week? 

Sluggy

Food Spending 2020.....The June Report

Onward to Junes's food spending report.......

Here are my FOOD BUDGET spending totals for JUNE 2020.

I have posted June's totals on the Total Grocery Savings Page located HERE and have updated the Totals there.
I am listing subtotals for each store I purchased from in June.  If you aren't interested in that much detail, just skip to the bottom for the Totals Sum.  My spending includes Food, Toiletries/HBA, Cleaning Products, Paper Goods & tax where applicable. We are a family of 4(3 at home this month). No "kids" under 24.
*****************

CARONE'S/SHURSAVE
OOP  $26.02
Value  $27.22
Savings   .41%

KROGER
OOP  $30.34
Value  $57.87
Savings  49.57%

OLLIE'S
OOP  $17.55
Value  $60.44
Savings  70.96%

PandR DISCOUNTS

OOP  $15.57
Value  $39.32
Savings  60.40% 

RITE-AID *
OOP  $59.60
Qs/Ads/BC/GCard  $442.55
Value  $502.15
Savings  98.73%

SHARP SHOPPER
OOP   $174.36
Value  $389.31
Savings  55.21%

WALMART
OOP  $9.82
Value  $12.75
Savings  23.00%

WEIS
OOP  $72.29
Qs/Ads  $51.85
Value  $124.14
Savings  41.77%

*********************
My best 3 Store Savings Totals were Rite-Aid at 98.73%, Ollie's at 70.96% P and R Discounts at 560.40% .   My worst savings rate was at Carone's with .41%. But then again, Carone's was Hubs' shopping and not mine. lol  MY worst rate was Walmart at 23.00%

I shopped at 8 different stores in June.

I also earned $92.42 in cash rebates in June which helps offset the spending once I cash those in at the end of 2020.

TOTAL Spent........................................$405.55

TOTAL Coupons/Store Sales................$807.65
TOTAL Value of Items Purchased........$1213.20

TOTAL Savings of ................................66.57%


This closes out the June food/toiletries spending.

THOUGHTS & COMMENTS for this month.....

I did stay under the $500 budget I set for myself in June so that's positive.  I hit lots of food 75% clearance(and some OTC meds too)at lots of Rite-Aid both in PA and VA near my brother's house which stocked me up for not much money so that's a plus too.

The monthly food spending savings percentage went UP by 16.70% in June 2020 to 66.57% compared to the May 2020 rate of 49.87% savings average.  A very significant jump down in savings rate.  I'm all good with that!

With 6 months accounted for, I have spent a Year-To-Date Total of $2176.07 on food/toiletries in 2019.

Going into 2020 before the pandemic blew the wind out of my sails I wanted to stay at or under $4K for the yearly food spending.  At this point I don't think that will happen but we'll keep plugging along anyway.


2020 Yearly Grand Total Spent....................$1770.52

2020 Yearly Grand Total Value of Items.....$4875.66

2020 Grand Total Saved...............................$3105.14

2020 Yearly Savings Total............63.69%

The average per month amount spent is $354.10 at this point in 2020 which went up some from April's average.  As long as I'm around $400 per month it's all good.

LOOKING AHEAD To July 2020.............

July will be eating down the freezers and buying fresh produce as it comes into season mostly.  If I hit on deals we can use/need I'll pick that up too but I hope to stay under $300 this month.  Sluggy plans and God laughs. lol

If you have other ideas or guidelines you follow please leave a comment and share yours with us all.

*  How much did you spend on food/toiletries in June?

*  Do you track your yearly food spending?

*  What was your savings percentage buying on sale and/or with coupons vs. buying at regular retail price last month, if you track that sort of thing?

*  What are your methods for keeping your food spending in check?

Is anyone out there up for tracking expenditures and trying to spend less but still eat well?


Sluggy

Grocery Shopping This Week

Not much shopping this week.

I did hit the Shursave market though as they had some deals...........

They had a couple of Mix and Match Deal on General Mills products.  One of them included Old El Paso green chiles.  You bought 10 you got $2.50 off your total.
The chiles were on sale for $1 a can so I paid .75¢ per can after the additional $2.50 discount.
I was low on green chiles and go through these fairly quickly here with all the Tex-Me meals I make plus my white dipping sauce for tortilla chips calls for these as well.

I also picked up a couple of cans of beets and sauerkraut(for Hubs)there, some chips on sale and large eggs for .88¢ per dozen(I got 2 dozen.).  Total was $16.42 for everything.


I used my second "Spend $25/Get $5 off" Q from Weis(PMITA)Markets on Wednesday as it was expiring that day.

These are the best deals I found there.......

The large cans of Hanover brand Southern style green beans were 50% on clearance.  After discount they were .83¢ a can.
I found a bunch of corned beef briskets in the meat bins with $3 off instant discount stickers and got 1.  Mine was 3.22 lbs. and originally was marked 19.29 so $5.99 lb.  It had been marked down to $3.99 a lb. so $12.85-$3 off=$9.85 so $3.06 per lb.
I also found these pepper and onion sausages for $4.57 with a $2 off sticker so $2.57 for 1.31 lb. of sausage(6 pieces)so $1.96 per lb. after discount.

I also picked up a hunk of Canadian salmon on sale for $8.09. It was .90 of a lb.
Day old bakery muffins were $1 for 4(after 50% off and a $1/1 pk Weis Q and a small sheet cake(1/8th sheet)was 50% off or $6.50.  The cake was for our anniversary. ;-)
I also picked up 2 heads of lettuce and almond milk.

And I got these candy bars for free...........

On sale for BOGO Free($1 for 2)and I paired with .50¢/2 IPQs for Nestle candy bars which doubled to $1/2 so free.
Now what to do with all these.....Hmmmmm. lolz

I also hit the Bread Outlet on Wednesday and spent $10 on bread products.  Besides the deals there since I spent $10 I got a free pack of chocolate Entemann's donuts and gave it to Hubs for an anniversary present as he loves their donuts.

I think I'm pretty much done grocery shopping for the week/month.  The Weis ad is a 2 weeker so other than finding marked down meats I am not interested in anything else there until 9/6 when the new ad starts.
We may go to the farm and pick tomatoes and peppers tomorrow(and get other produce that looks good)and that will finish off my August spending.

If I hit Rite-Aid this week it will be on Friday or Saturday(there's a 30% off sale coupon for those days)as I have $14.53 left in BC to spend down on 3 cards. I used the .52 on the fourth card to help pay for an Rx Hubs picked up earlier in the week.

$56.32 spent on groceries/toiletries this week.

Anybody finding anything good at your food outlets?

Sluggy

Target Shopping

I decided it was time for a rare trip to Target last Friday.
Basically I had a fist full of gift cards(some free from other Target deals, some from c/c points and one was a discounted gift card I bought last December).

There were two food Qs last week......a get a $5 Gift Card when you spent $15 on beverages and a get a $5 Gift Card when you spent $20 on meat/seafood.
Sounded like this could be a good deal to me!

Here is what I bought........

On the drink deal I got--
3 x Pepsi brand 12-packs
1 x Gatorade 8-pack
2 x Target brand bottled water

Regular prices were 4/$12 Pepsi, $5.29 Gatorade, $3.58 but there was additional 25% off the Pepsi items(Cartwheel)so that's why I bought over $20 instead of $15 worth so I qualified for the $5 gift
card.

On the meat/seafood deal I got--
2 lb. Ground Beef $7.99
3 lb. Ground Turkey $8.99
1.50 lb. Perdue sliced Chicken Breast $7.52
Then Turkey and Chicken each had a $2 discount sticker on them so my $24.50 worth of meat came to $20.50 so I qualified for the $5 gift card.

I also bought a gallon of milk($3.53)and a bag of Doritos for Ex-CB($2).

And this is where the wheels flew off that bus.
I was busy loading and unloading everything from the cart so I wasn't watching the cashier/register fully.

Near the end of the order he scanned and put a Target gift card on the counter for me but I didn't see another $5 gift card for the second deal.  So I mentioned I was suppose to get 2 gift cards(1 for drinks/1 for meat). So he took out an ad, flipped through it and started looking at what I bought on the register screen.  He then said, I'm just going to take $5 off your total as "the Cartwheel was already applied".(In lieu of giving me what I thought was a second $5 gift card.)  Sounded fair to me.

In the end my total was $41.35 with sales tax and I used all my free Target gift cards to pay plus $4.91 of the discounted Target gift card too.  That $4.91 cost me $4.41 w/the discount when I bought the card so I am putting $4.41 OOP in my July food tally for this Target trip spending.

I can never make heads nor tails out of Target's receipts. I've tried before to reconcile them and they are always just off, something under $1.  It is something I have accepted in my life but I still go over the receipts and try to make sense of them. lolz

So I am reading over the receipt and I get down to the store coupons applied and see that the gift card the cashier gave me is for $10 not $5.  He never said, "I've combined the 2 $5 deals and am giving you 1 $10 gift card which contains both", when I questioned getting 2 gift card/doing 2 Target gift card deals.
I double checked online the amount on the gift card and yes, it is $10 not $5.

So it looks like he gave me an extra $5 discount on the bill.  This cashier looked really tired and haggard so I guess instead of talking to me he just wanted me out of his line and gone and just gave me an extra $5 off.
Ok, if that's how it's going down I'm fine with that. 8-)))

Total Savings of $24.12 off regular price according to the receipt and plus the $36.94 paid on free/discounted gift cards gives me a savings of $61.06.

A nice little break from spending our regular income on foodstuffs.

Sluggy

My Better Than FREE Target Trip This Week

So they had the "Spend $50 on Food/Beverages, Get a Free $10 Target gift card" this week.
I ordered 2 x $50 Target gift cards from our credit card points(better deal than using points to pay the c/c bill)a couple of weeks back as I knew it was about time for this Target Deal to appear.

Made a list, added some Ibotta rebates to my phone, clipped a coupon or five and headed out on Tuesday with Hubs.
Here is what I got *not everything is pictured*........

2 x Lavazza coffee 35% off=$12.08
2 x Quaker pumpkin oatmeal packs 25% off=$4.58 used a $1/2 ManuQ=$3.58
1 x Blue Tortilla chips=$2.59
1 x Cape Cod chips 20% off=$2.29
3 x LaCroix sparkling water packs on sale=$9.99 *not pictured*
4 x Pepsi 12 packs B3G1Free=$10.00 *not pictured*
1 x Readypack Salad=$.84 *not pictured* had $1 coupon on it
1 x Readypack Salad=$.84 *not pictured* had $2 coupon on it
1 x 1.5 lbs. ground beef w/discount sticker=$4.19 had $3 off coupon on it
4 x sour cream 5% off=$3.22(only 3 pictured)
2 x cream cheese=$3.32
2 x Kraft shredded cheese=$5.00
SubTotal......$57.94 + $1.04 tax=$58.98 Total

Their receipts are always so wonky this is the best I can figure....the Total is correct however.
I spent $58.98 of my free Target gift card, received a new $10 Target gift card for spending over $50 on food/beverages.
I also earned $6.25 cash back on Ibotta($3 La Croix, $1.50 Kraft, $1 Philly, .75¢ Cape Cod)and $2 on SavingStar(Lavazza).
Spent $58.98 of free gift cards, earned $10 in more gift cards and got $8.25 back in cash.

An explanation of why I bought what I bought....
*Hubs needed coffee
*We eat alot of oatmeal in the cold weather.
*Chips needed for Holiday snacks.
* Soda/Sparkling water drank by Me, Daughter, Ex-CB and for guests
*We needed salad greens this week
*I never turn down inexpensive meat(ground beef-half will become meatballs/half taco meat)
*The people here go through a ridiculous amount of sour cream(lots of Mexican dishes)
*Need cream cheese for Holiday baking
*Can always use cheese(see Mexican dishes comment above)

I love doing this shop at Target with free money once or twice a year.  8-)


Sluggy

2018 Food & Toiletries Spending......July Edition

Onward to July's food spending report.......

Here are my FOOD BUDGET spending totals for JULY 2018.

I have posted July's totals on the Total Grocery Savings Page located HERE and have updated the Totals there.
I am listing subtotals for each store I purchased from in July.  If you aren't interested in that much detail, just skip to the bottom for the Totals Sum.  My spending includes Food, Toiletries/HBA, Cleaning Products, Paper Goods & tax where applicable. We are a family of 4-5(4-5 at home this month). No "kids" under 22.

*****************
BIG LOTS
OOP  $56.80
Value  $93.59
Savings   39.31%

BREAD OUTLET
OOP  $20.79
Value  $77.72(retail bread is expensive!)
Savings  73.25%

MAINE SOURCE
OOP  $55.28
Value  $100.36
Savings  44.92%

MALACARI'S(produce)
OOP  $9.14
Value  $16.99
Savings  46.20%

RITE-AID
OOP  $0.00
Qs/Ads/PP/BC  $564.27
Value  $564.27
Savings  100%

SHURSAVE
OOP  $16.89
Qs/Ads  $20.10
Value  $36.99
Savings  54.34%

WALMART
OOP  $36.93
Value  $80.64
Savings    54.21%

WEGMAN'S
OOP  $58.15
Value  $82.21
Savings    29.27%

WEIS MARKETS

OOP  $179.77

Qs/Ads  $178.89

Value  $358.66

Savings  49.88%

*********************
My best 3 Store Savings Totals were Rite-Aid at 100%, the Bread Outlet at 73.25% and Shursave Markets at 54.34%.  My worst savings rate was at Wegman's at 29.27%.

I shopped at 9 different stores this past month.  

TOTAL Out of Pocket for July..........$433.75

TOTAL Coupons/Store Sales...$413.41

TOTAL Value of Items Purchased.........$847.16

TOTAL Savings of ................................48.80%

TOTAL Out of Pocket for July.....$433.75
TOTAL Value of Items Purchased w/Rite-Aid....$1411.43
TOTAL Coupons/Store Sales.........$977.68
TOTAL Savings with Rite-Aid items........69.27%

This closes out the July food/toiletries spending.

THOUGHTS & COMMENTS for this month.....
July was almost on target spending wise.  I gave myself an extra $50 over my $400 budget since Eldest son was home for 5 days so we didn't have to "skimp" on dishes he likes.

The monthly food spending savings percentage went Up by 3.88% in July 2018 to 69.27% compared to June's 65.39% savings average.
The free stuff from Rite-Aid skewers my averages but without R-A I am at 48.80% savings.  So even without R-A we are doing well on the "savings" front.

With 7 months accounted for, I have spent a Grand Total of $3071.08 on food/toiletries in 2018 which is a 72.78% savings rate for the year so far and averages out to $438.73 spent per month in 2018.  We are heading back down toward my $400 a month average target again and that's a good thing.

LOOKING AHEAD To August.......
Keeping with a $400 food budget for August.  No company is coming and no trips are planned.  The Daughter will be out of town for a few days but otherwise things will be "steady as she goes" here with the grocery spending.

If you have other ideas or guidelines you follow please leave a comment and share yours with us all.

*  How much did you spend on food/toiletries in July?
*  Do you track your yearly food spending?
*  What was your savings percentage buying on sale and/or with coupons vs. buying at regular retail price last month, if you track that sort of thing?
*  What are your methods for keeping your food spending in check?

Is anyone out there up for tracking expenditures and trying to spend less but still eat well?


Sluggy

Food & Toiletries Spending.....April Update

Onward to April's food spending report.......

Here are my FOOD BUDGET spending totals for APRIL 2018.

I have posted April's totals on the Total Grocery Savings Page located HERE and have updated the Totals there.
I am listing subtotals for each store I purchased from in April.  If you aren't interested in that much detail, just skip to the bottom for the Totals Sum.  My spending includes Food, Toiletries/HBA, Cleaning Products, Paper Goods & tax where applicable. We are a family of 3-5(4 at home this month). No "kids" under 22.

*****************
BIG LOTS
OOP  $30.96
Value  $66.56
Savings  53.49%

BREAD OUTLET
OOP  $7.00
Value  $24.14
Savings  71%

DOLLAR TREE
OOP  $3.00
Value  $7.57
Savings  60.37%

MAINE SOURCE
OOP  $54.65
Value  $85.62
Savings  36.17%

RITE-AID
OOP  $0.00
Qs/Ads/PP/BC  $577.57
Value  $577.57
Savings  100%

SHURSAVE
OOP  $1.28
Qs/Ads  $1.21
Value  $2.49
Savings  48.59%

WEIS MARKETS

OOP  $263.81

Qs/Ads  $410.68

Value  $674.49

Savings  60.89%

*********************
My best 3 Store Savings Totals were Rite-Aid at 100%, the Bread Outlet  at 71% and Weis at 60.89%.  My worst savings rate was from Maine Source at 36.17%.

I shopped at 7 different stores this past month.  

TOTAL Out of Pocket..........$360.70

TOTAL Coupons/Store Sales...$500.17

TOTAL Value of Items Purchased.........$860.87

TOTAL Savings of ................................58.10%

TOTAL Out of Pocket for Apr.....$360.70
TOTAL Value of Items Purchased w/Rite-Aid....$1438.43
TOTAL Coupons/Store Sales.........$1077.73
TOTAL Savings with Rite-Aid items........74.92%

This closes out the April food/toiletries spending.

THOUGHTS & COMMENTS for this month.....
I kept it under $400 for April.
Go me..... ;-)

The monthly food spending savings percentage went UP by 2.59% in April 2018 to 74.92% compared to March's 72.33% savings average.
The free stuff from Rite-Aid skewers my averages but without R-A I am at 58.10% savings.  So even without R-A we are doing well on the savings front.

With 4 months accounted for, I have spent a Grand Total of $1622.42 on food/toiletries in 2018 which is a 75.81% savings rate for the year so far and averages out to $405.61 spent per month in 2018.  Last month the average monthly spending was over $420 so we are heading down toward that magic amount of $400 per month.


LOOKING AHEAD To May.......
Keeping with that $400 food budget for May.  Maybe I'll do a bit better, maybe I won't.  ;-)
I'll continue to stock up on great deals on cheese, meats and frozen veggies but the canned/boxed pantry goods are good so maybe I'll hold off if anything comes up in that realm.  We do have company coming mid May so I will be spending a bit more for a meal for them.

If you have other ideas or guidelines you follow please leave a comment and share yours with us all.

*  How much did you spend on food/toiletries in April?
*  Do you track your yearly food spending?
*  What was your savings percentage buying on sale and/or with coupons vs. buying at regular retail price last month, if you track that sort of thing?
*  What are your methods for keeping your food spending in check?

Is anyone out there up for tracking expenditures and trying to spend less but still eat well?


Sluggy

2018 Food & Toiletry Spending.....February Report

Onward to February's food spending report.......

Here are my FOOD BUDGET spending totals for FEBRUARY 2018.

I have posted February's totals on the Total Grocery Savings Page located HERE and have updated the Totals there.
I am listing subtotals for each store I purchased from in February.  If you aren't interested in that much detail, just skip to the bottom for the Totals Sum.  My spending includes Food, Toiletries/HBA, Cleaning Products, Paper Goods & tax where applicable. We are a family of 3-5(4 at home this month). No kids under 22.

*****************

DOLLAR TREE
OOP  $5.00
Value  $9.57
Savings  47.75%

MAINE SOURCE
OOP  $36.33
Value  $58.95
Savings  38.37%

OLLIE'S
OOP  $33.48
Value  $76.89
Savings  56.46%

RITE-AID
OOP  $0.00
Qs/Ads/PP/BC  $754.21
Value  $754.21
Savings  100%

SHURSAVE
OOP  $5.17
Qs/Ads  $10.55
Value  $15.72
Savings  67.11%

WALMART
OOP  $19.20
Value  $42.00
Savings  54.29%

WEIS MARKETS

OOP  $308.23

Qs/Ads  $335.25

Value  $643.48

Savings  52.10%

*********************
My best 3 Store Savings Totals were Rite-Aid at 100%, the Shursave Market at 67.11% and Ollie's at 56.46%.  My WORST savings rate was Maine Source at 38.37%.

I shopped at 7 different stores this past month.  

TOTAL Out of Pocket..........$407.41

TOTAL Coupons/Store Sales...$439.20

TOTAL Value of Items Purchased............$846.61

TOTAL Savings of ..................................51.88%

TOTAL Out of Pocket for Feb.....$407.41
TOTAL Value of Items Purchased w/Rite-Aid....$1600.82
TOTAL Coupons/Store Sales.....$1193.41
TOTAL Savings with Rite-Aid items..........74.55%

This closes out the February food/toiletries spending.

THOUGHTS & COMMENTS for this month.....
I had wanted to stay at or under $200 food spending for February.  Then we all got sick so the wheels flew off that bus one week into the month.  Between unnecessary spending(popsicles, other comfort things and mega amounts of OJ bought)and sending Hubs to the store because I just couldn't, well we ended up at about double what I set out to spend. sigh.  I will say it's a good thing I had stockpiled facial tissues and cold meds as that kept our budget from topping $500 this month.  ;-)

The monthly food spending savings percentage went DOWN by 5.02% in February 2018 to 74.55% compared to January's 79.57% savings average.

With 2 months accounted for, I have spent a Grand Total of $860.10 on food/toiletries in 2018 which is a 77.46% savings rate for the year so far and averages out to $430.05 spent per month in 2018.

LOOKING AHEAD To March.......
Not sure where the month will lead us right now.  I'll say $300 for groceries for now but who knows? lolz  I would like to empty out the chest freezer a bit more in March and I really haven't gotten any discounted meat in Feb.  So $300 it is but I'd like to keep it at $200 something.

If you have other ideas or guidelines you follow please leave a comment and share yours with us all.

*  How much did you spend on food/toiletries in January?
*  Do you track your yearly food spending?
*  What was your savings percentage buying on sale and/or with coupons vs. buying at regular retail price last month, if you track that sort of thing?
*  What are your methods for keeping your food spending in check?

Is anyone out there up for tracking expenditures and trying to spend less but still eat well?


Sluggy