Life as I knew it has changed recently. Mr M has enforced a family budget. I totally get it. We were not saving any money and spending was getting out of hand. Anything we wanted, we got it. Well, no more. The foot has dropped.

I used to go to the local supermarket almost daily. And although I do not have a figure to produce (I’m too scared to add up all the EFTPOS transactions on my bank statement), I guesstimate that I was spending $200-$250 per week there. Some people may think this is not much but let me remind you that we are a family of 3 and 7-year-old Master T still only eats toddler amounts of food.

Food costs a lot in WA – in Australia actually. I love my food and I hate having to budget the groceries, especially when eating “healthy” and gluten-free costs more than eating packaged, processed shit. I do understand how people eat fast food daily – you probably can eat cheaper that way. Don’t get me wrong – I’m not saying that’s an option for me or my family because it’s not. It’s a lazy and unhealthy way of life. But eating whole, healthy food takes time and planning.

I am now planning meals for up to 10 days in advance. I am limiting my supermarket visits to 2 times a week only. This has been my first week and I have not mastered this skill yet but I am within my budget. But unfortunately, I will not have any surplus funds – I really thought I would have some extra money to go towards next week.

So, how much is the budget? $150 per week. This is quite a cut and sacrifices are being made. I still want to eat healthy and this budget cut will help reduce the amount of crap I used to buy; not that I bought too many processed items. As mentioned in my last post, I am back to weekly baking, which I love to do. It’s a sure way of knowing what goes into the treats and sweets that my family loves. And, in the long run, it is cheaper.

I’m off now to spend the last $12.80 of this week’s budget. I need to get milk, whole oats, wraps, risotto and mushrooms. I wonder if this is even possible. I hope something is on sale.

 

Do you have a grocery budget? If yes, do you stick to it?