I'm leaving to spend $300

No offense, but men seem to be able to go and get just what they need, because they usually don't like shopping. As for shopping on a daily basis, those food costs will add up real quick.

No offence taken. Maybe men find it easier to plan one meal at a time. Whereas women are able to se the whole week in their mind. I certainly can't think as far ahead as Friday on Monday.

I used to love to cook, once upon a time, but now I hate it. I used to bake everything from scratch, make my own gravies, you name it. Now if it doesn't go in the microwave and can't be heated quickly it makes me groan really loudly. LOL.

I don't know. I kind of find doing grocery shopping a bit of a chore. Theres the going there, the arguing over whats going to be bought, the carrying it home and finally the putting it away. By that time you don't feel like cooking anything.

I don't like buying too much throughout the month, because it seems to cost more that way.

true, it can cost more but for me, some months, it'll be more but on others it'll be less as i won't really need much on those months. and it's also quite convenient as i don't have to lug so much stuff. but of course, if my kids are older and all, i might consider buying on a lump though i might miss some things as i might forget. but that is a good point that you gave. thanks

I have an 11 year old son that would eat me out of house and home if I allowed it. But I would never deny him eating, so I buy plenty.

I love your avatar. I actually don't spend too much in between shopping trips. The biggest one was today and in about 2-3 weeks I'll do another trip for the rest of the month. I don't usually need alot in between.

Thats completely understandable if you don't have transportation, but it sure must get expensive.

My boyfriend is the same way. He only will eat the 93% lean and naturally its the most expensive ground beef in the store.

Actually, this is for 2 weeks, but did include some things that will be used over the whole month.

$500 includes gas, food and other things for an entire month for two people? Pretty darn good.

Nope there are just three of us, but I have an 11 year old thats like a bottomless pit. LOL.

My shopping for perishable items has become just about null and void these days. In the Phoenix heat, things go bad before we can use them, so fresh vegetables and fruit are being added at a minimum in our house.

It would be hard to justify buying food that was going to spoil right away in the heat...I'd prefer not to in that case too!

I think the increasing cost of gas is making everyone take a second look at making more trips than they have to.

That is really good for a family of 7. You have more than twice the number of people we have.

Well, they're mostly little kids that don't eat much, plus I get some help. I am on a program called WIC that gives me free baby formula, milk, eggs, and a bit of cereal, so that saves some money. I supplement the free formula with a no name brand, and make the bottles with half the free formula and half the cheap stuff I buy, so it lasts longer. I also buy all my meat in bulk at a wholesale club, along with a few other things, so that saves some money as well. I have recently started buying my produce at the farmer's market instead of at the stores, and I've started my own vegetable garden to help relieve that cost as well. The remainder of my shopping is done at Walmart Super Center, where the prices are usually better than a regular grocery store. I also try to make most things from scratch. I no longer buy packages of cookies, instead I'll buy chocolte chips and make the cookies myself. Healthier and cheaper. I've started making my own bread and muffins too. And I don't buy boxed or packaged dinners as they don't create enough food without buying 2 or 3 which would cost nearly $20. I just buy the ingredients for $10 and make twice as much, so we can use the leftovers for lunch or another meal.

If you buy in bulk then you are probably saving money. I think the weekly trips to the grocery store though can be somewhat expensive. Buying all at one time saves money in my eyes.

You are probably right, I should try it sometime. I'm afraid I might forget what all I have in the cubbard for dinner!

My son does the same thing. Eats all the treats in a day or two and complains loudly that there isn't anything to eat. And will be the first to spend his allowance at the corner convenience store. LOL.

An hour to do your shopping? Ouch. Yes, I agree you should make yourself a list. I can just go down to the corner store and could even walk it if I had to, although nothing is really that important that I'd take up walking in this heat.

I really like when my cupboards and refrigerator are full too. It gives me a great sense of well being.

That is a nice little savings. Anything you can do to save a little bit at the grocery store is a help.

Yeah, Hatley. I'll bet you are thrilled that you got that stimulus check. Every little bit helps. I know what its like to have to carry groceries on a bus and its no fun thats for sure.

I think you end up spending a whole lot more if you buy a little at a time.