August Budget Challenge Week 1 Recap



Hi there my loyal readers. I hope everyone had a good weekend. This weekend we spent a lot of time with family which was nice. It also cut down on all trips to the grocery store; which was just an extra bonus. I've found that where most of our money goes is on the quick trips to the store to buy one or two things. That $5 trip quickly turns into a $30 trip. Especially with two little boys who want EVERYTHING they see! 

When I was talking to my husband about this month's budget challenge he was excited but he added "Have you budgeted for dollar cars?" (Dollar cars are what Rohrl, my two year old, calls Hot Wheels) It's our way of getting he and his brother to sit still and not touch every single glass jar or breakable item they see. It wouldn't be too bad if we got them one a trip but my boys have the best puppy dog eyes and they usually get 3 or 4... or 5. It doesn't help when your husband is a car enthusiast as well and HAS to get every Porsche, Audi, Lamborghini or Ferrari he sees. Seriously, our Hot Wheels collection is ridiculous!

Where was I... Oh yes; back to the budget challenge. If you missed my first post you can check it out here.
My goal for August is to spend no more than $300 on groceries. That includes diapers, toiletries, cleaning supplies, etc. This week we took a big step in cutting expenses by getting Rohrl potty trained. This is one proud mama!! So as a treat he got to go to Target and pick out big boy undies. Out of all the choices, Cars, Jake & The Neverland Pirates, TMNT he chose plain ol' grey boxers just like his daddy. TMI, sorry.

So, last week we only went shopping twice. We had our first monthly big trip to Smith's and then a few days later we went to the bread store and Walmart and Target. One of the biggest way we cut expenses on a monthly basis is buying bread at Franz Bakery Outlet. It's the same bread we buy from the store but at a fraction of the price. Plus, if they have any bread that is expiring within a few days you get a free loaf with any purchase. So I pay $.81 for 2 loaves of bread.

I spent a bit more than I wanted to but I did stock up on snacks for the next 2 months or so and we got a big bag of candy for a class my husband was teaching. Check out my post on Facebook to see how to get 20 boxes of snacks and drinks for just $.75/box! 



Here's this week's break down:

Smith's $76.68
Franz $.81
Walmart $29.00
Target $35.79

Total: $142.28

With only having to make one more big trip to the store this month I think I'll still be able to stay under $300.

How are you doing on your goals? Did you buy anything fun? Leave a comment and let's help keep each other accountable :)
Tastefully Frugal: August Budget Challenge Week 1 Recap

Tuesday, August 12, 2014

August Budget Challenge Week 1 Recap



Hi there my loyal readers. I hope everyone had a good weekend. This weekend we spent a lot of time with family which was nice. It also cut down on all trips to the grocery store; which was just an extra bonus. I've found that where most of our money goes is on the quick trips to the store to buy one or two things. That $5 trip quickly turns into a $30 trip. Especially with two little boys who want EVERYTHING they see! 

When I was talking to my husband about this month's budget challenge he was excited but he added "Have you budgeted for dollar cars?" (Dollar cars are what Rohrl, my two year old, calls Hot Wheels) It's our way of getting he and his brother to sit still and not touch every single glass jar or breakable item they see. It wouldn't be too bad if we got them one a trip but my boys have the best puppy dog eyes and they usually get 3 or 4... or 5. It doesn't help when your husband is a car enthusiast as well and HAS to get every Porsche, Audi, Lamborghini or Ferrari he sees. Seriously, our Hot Wheels collection is ridiculous!

Where was I... Oh yes; back to the budget challenge. If you missed my first post you can check it out here.
My goal for August is to spend no more than $300 on groceries. That includes diapers, toiletries, cleaning supplies, etc. This week we took a big step in cutting expenses by getting Rohrl potty trained. This is one proud mama!! So as a treat he got to go to Target and pick out big boy undies. Out of all the choices, Cars, Jake & The Neverland Pirates, TMNT he chose plain ol' grey boxers just like his daddy. TMI, sorry.

So, last week we only went shopping twice. We had our first monthly big trip to Smith's and then a few days later we went to the bread store and Walmart and Target. One of the biggest way we cut expenses on a monthly basis is buying bread at Franz Bakery Outlet. It's the same bread we buy from the store but at a fraction of the price. Plus, if they have any bread that is expiring within a few days you get a free loaf with any purchase. So I pay $.81 for 2 loaves of bread.

I spent a bit more than I wanted to but I did stock up on snacks for the next 2 months or so and we got a big bag of candy for a class my husband was teaching. Check out my post on Facebook to see how to get 20 boxes of snacks and drinks for just $.75/box! 



Here's this week's break down:

Smith's $76.68
Franz $.81
Walmart $29.00
Target $35.79

Total: $142.28

With only having to make one more big trip to the store this month I think I'll still be able to stay under $300.

How are you doing on your goals? Did you buy anything fun? Leave a comment and let's help keep each other accountable :)

4 Comments:

At August 12, 2014 at 8:56 PM , Blogger Kendra said...

You're doing great, Syndey! I will start Sept 1st! We have a week long camp trip coming up and Sept we are back to routine so will try then! I buy lots of bread if it's expiring soon too and freeze it. Keep up the saving :)
Kendra @ www.joyinourhome.com

 
At August 13, 2014 at 8:09 AM , Blogger Unknown said...

Thank you so much Kendra! I was going to start in July but we had so much going on and with family visiting for 3 weeks I knew it was going to be hard sticking to a budget. I hope you guys have fun camping! I can not wait until my boys are older so we can go camping.... we tried once and ended up coming home at midnight ugh!

 
At August 21, 2014 at 1:40 PM , Anonymous Anonymous said...

I love this! I'll be starting a Couponing for Beginners Series at DIYfaerie next Friday! Come check out how I feed my family of 4 (including paper products, cleaning, toiletries, AND food) for $200 a month with coupons!

~Meaghan from DIYfaerie

 
At August 22, 2014 at 1:53 PM , Blogger Unknown said...

Meaghan that is so awesome!! I can not wait to see how you do it!! It has been a struggle keeping it under $300 for me! You Rock!!

 

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