I know this has probably been posted many times before but I'm looking for a realistic $ amount for my food budget. This is an ongoing agrument with DH and I. He believes I should only spend $100 a week. I think he is basing this on what he paid before we were together (8 years ago!) and he only had the kids part time. We have them all the time now and the grocery bill comes out of my paycheck! There are 3 adults (oldest dd is 19), 3 teenagers, and a 2 year old. We also have a dog and a cat. I spend anywhere from $600-$650 a month. This is way too much. I have tried cutting down on convenience foods and have started baking but after the first day they won't touch it. Any advise other than let them starve? lol

Is your husband willing to go grocery shopping with you? Sit down and make a list together for a weeks worth of groceries and then go shopping together. He will only have to do it once to see that $100.00 a week may not be realistic. I really don't think $600.00 a month is bad for the number of people in your household.

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Formerly Kimberly75!

He will go once in awhile. He still doesn't really get the "big picture" though. He will buy stuff like 10 cans of diced tomatoes. Nice to have on hand but doesn't feed everyone. Our two teenage boys run Cross Country and really eat! I've been trying to feed them a lot of pasta. But I'm hoping that since it is ending soon maybe they won't be so hungry all the time.

I spend about $100 per person per month. There are 2 adults, 3 teenagers, 1 middle schooler, 1 elementary schooler, 2 perschoolers, and 1 toddler (all boys but me).

That is averaging in stocking up food, snacky food (that I don't normally get), items that need to be sent to school, CCD, etc for our "snack" turn.

We have no pets, and this does not count anything BUT food (no diapers, cleaning supplies, etc are included in this number).

I spent approx 60 - 75 a week. I do most of my shopping at Aldi's & if I go elsewhere I use coupons. I also keep an eye on sales all over & stock up on stuff when I came.

I recently got 2 boxes of Quaker Oats Granola Bars at Walgreens for $1.00. They were on sale 2/$5 & I had a $4 RR coupons from a prior purchase.

I have started to keep a price book too.

There are 5 in my fam....the manchild, a 15 yo boy, a 10yo boy & my 3 yo boy.....They eat non stop...I mean non stop.

Check out the Aldi's if you have one in your area.

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Meghan
Mommy to "Cheeks":D

My blog: Meghan's Mindless Mutterings

Here in NJ, for my 4 year old daughter and me (single mom) we average about $80.00 a week which includes cleaning supplies, paper goods, pullups for overnights once a month and has to be breakfast and lunch for her preschool as well, and we rarely eat out (today a piece of pizza for her in the middle of errands), and I use coupons, sales, etc all the time.

Robin

Robin, I am in Jersey...where abouts are you?

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Meghan
Mommy to "Cheeks":D

My blog: Meghan's Mindless Mutterings

I am in Colonia, off the Clark border exit 135.....by the way if you live in the area, there is a children's consignment sale tomorrow in colonia from 9-12 very cheap prices at the VFW hall................

Robin

I am not familiar with Colonia. Must be in North Jersey, I am in South by Philly.

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Meghan
Mommy to "Cheeks":D

My blog: Meghan's Mindless Mutterings

I think that is a great amount for 3 teenagers. I have six people in my family with four of them being under the age of 11 and we spend $500 a month if I keep to my budget. I've gotten it down to $350 at one point but that was with serious menu planning and couponing.

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Life is what you make it. So make it dessert and extra sweet.