How Much Do You Spend on Food Each Month? (vs., Whole Foods)

[city living]

Originally Posted by SeventhFloor

Of course I have beer as an item in Excel! It's part of the budget.....once people are honest with themselves budgeting gets a lot easier. Recognize that the type of lifestyle that you want to live may not be the type of lifestyle that you can afford.

Well, I can (and do) live on a beer budget---just don't have it as a separate item on Excel is all.

I just worked a double so I am hoping there is one more beer left in my refrigerator...

ETA: No, sadly, it was in my pantry. Now I am using the express freeze option on my refrigerator.

[goodlife36]

Originally Posted by Kefir King

Actually the half duck was $14 and it was terrific. Partner had an $8 entrée and the rest was tax and tip.


Today was another lunch: 2 terrific Buffets at ANDAZ (Indian), 74th and First. ($31.20 inc. tax and tip.)


Simple cheap home cooked meals for next week. Mostly calorie concerns.

That is good. Balance is important.

[goodlife36]

I did pretty well for the month. If I do not spend any money for the rest of the week, I will have $183.62 left at the end of the month. That includes both my food and discretionary budget.

Next Saturday starts a new month. I am going to reduce my food budget from $400 to $300. I would prefer $250 but I do not know. Let see how it goes. I am going to actually have "me" money now. I used to eat all of my "me" money. Yay!

[SeventhFloor]

Originally Posted by goodlife36

I did pretty well for the month. If I do not spend any money for the rest of the week, I will have $183.62 left at the end of the month. That includes both my food and discretionary budget.

Next Saturday starts a new month. I am going to reduce my food budget from $400 to $300. I would prefer $250 but I do not know. Let see how it goes. I am going to actually have "me" money now. I used to eat all of my "me" money. Yay!

What are you planning to do with the savings?

[goodlife36]

I do not know. I want something pink and girly. Maybe some towels and a comforter set. I will wait until next month and combine the money.

[Kefir King]

Originally Posted by SeventhFloor

What are you planning to do with the savings?

Probably SAVING it is not the worst idea. Feeling the need to spend away any accumulations is a good way to stay behind the eight-ball.

[goodlife36]

I was waiting for someone to suggest that. I have no desire to save this money. I am going to spend it but not frivolously. I will, however, take the $50 excess from my food budget and create a slush fund. I hope I can get it down to $250.

I am so glad I started this thread. It made me accountable. Thanks for all of your posts.

[Kefir King]

BEST use for found money is to pay down expensive debt.

[goodlife36]

I agree but I already have money allocated for that.

[NuYAwkzFinest]

for two.... about 250-300 a month.... including occasional take out. I cook most days.