spinoff to the grocery shopping question

I have spent almost $800 on groceries in 4 weeks , for 2 people and I have no idea how to budget this. I feel like the food shopping is getting out of hand. I don't know if the prices are going up but I feel like I spend $100 and come home with nothing to show for it. I don't like to clip coupons because the coupons usually are for stuff that I dont use but I do try to shop the circulars. I did try going every 2 weeks but then I look at the circular and notice that something I use might be on sale for a great price and the I remember that I needed other things and then I spend another $50.

How does everyone budget their food bills?

Re: spinoff to the grocery shopping question

It's hard to set an exact amount because food prices keep rising. I clip coupons, shop at 4 different places to get the best bargains and try to cut back when I can. I only have three people in my home and spend, on average, $200 per week. That's not counting what I spend on the three dogs I have. If you are an observant shopper, you know prices have risen dramatically and that is because of shipping costs. Someone has to pay for the price of gas for those trucks and that someone is us. When a dozen eggs went up in price by $.70 in a matter of one month, you know you are fighting a losing battle. There isn't much we can do. Everybody has to eat. So, all you can do is shop around and see what is out there. Look for the best bargains and hope the prices don't rise too much more.

Re: spinoff to the grocery shopping question

I spend $80 each week. I do clip coupons and use the circular to get the best deals.
To be honest, I find foodshopping to be one of the most stressfull chores I have because I know I have to stay within the budget. So during the week I will write things on a food list, but then when I sit down to actually make the final food list (based on the number of meals I will need that week), I usually end up crossing a lot off. I wish I had more freedom, BUT the flip side is even though it is a royal pain, we only spend $320 a month on food for the two of us. If we are havin a party, I usually take a little more, but I try to get by without doing that first.
$800 is waaaaayyyyy too much for two people. I would cut it down to half and see if you can do it that way. Always have a list and try not to deviate from it. You can buy cleaning products at walmart or target because they are pretty cheap. GL

Re: spinoff to the grocery shopping question

Believe it or not I shop PeaPod once a month. It's the home delivery from Stop and Shop. They don't have as great sales and their prices are a little higher, but I get all my meat, paper goods, etc once a month. My budget is $200. It's great because as you go you see the total/savings adding up., They accept the same coupons the store does and will double as well.

Then weekly I allow myself $30 for fresh product (produce, deli). So that works out to about $80 a week for a household of 2.