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Last month was another money saver on food and toiletries. For ages, we had settled on a maximum of £160 each month for food and toiletries for both of us. Again, this month totalled £120. That even includes stocking up on some things for the spare cupboard.
Whilst we have always tried to be careful with spending on this front, it does show that meal planning using a menu really does pay off. Breakfasts are always the same, midday lunches are devised from stores on what is available and what we feel like eating. Dinner/tea is from the menu and supper, usually though not always (we eat at our tea at 5pm), is fruit and yoghurt. Bread and other baking also falls into this monthly amount.
DDiL and DS generally manage on the same amount (excluding dogs), so it is nice to know something has been passed on!
Each month we have varying amounts of money leftover from DB's pension, which goes into savings. Bill money is put to one side each month as well. We don't feel we are scraping by and if financially we couldn't afford a light lunch out on our walking days (a nice treat each week), then we would take sandwiches. Being careful allows us a few treats and that is lovely and greatly looked forward to!
How very true! It feels great to economise and save money, but still have a little spare for the odd treat!
ReplyDeleteTreats are what life is made for!
DeleteWe dpend about 60 a week for the four of us but less in tge summer when there's more veg. I think I could cut this down if I went to lidl more but it's not a nice shopping experience in there with my two!
ReplyDeleteWe only had one so it was easier!
DeleteYep, treats are good. I do admire you, I try to spend less on food but I have an avid power lifter so lots of chicken and eggs are a must. Just seems to add up. We don't eat out much at all and I enjoy cooking so that's what we do. X
ReplyDeleteHave you seen this:
Deletehttp://frugaldom.blogspot.co.uk/search?q=Chicken click on the link within this post should take you to the Muscle food website, might be cheaper?
You do this so sensibly. You are totally right about having a little in the kitty for the occasional treat though. I am in awe of your budgeting skills.
ReplyDeleteWe have lived like this for years now and it is the norm. Bill money is checked annually, 10% added to allow for extra's ect. My pension will not kick in for another 7 years, after that, we will probably still live the same but maybe spend a bit more, maybe:)
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