My food and drink budget was broken
A couple months ago I would’ve been ashamed to show you my food and drink expenses. They were atmospheric. I’d regularly spend over $400, with the occasional $500 or $600 month here and there. It was my one budgetary weakness, but something moveable and malleable. I decided to aim right at it.
In January, both to celebrate the New Year and form a resolution, I decided to set my first hardcore food and drink budget. I wanted to reduce everything: eating out, eating in, drinking out, and drinking in. I wanted to get down to $200 for anything food or drink related. I wanted to prove it to myself, and feel the budgetary benefit; frankly, I needed this change.
As the month came to a close, I reflected on what had worked, what I bought, and how much I spent. I was over budget — big time. My expense tracker showed a glaring total: $362.69.
What I learned from last month
While I had significantly reduced my food and drink budget compared to prior months, I was bummed. Here I was, trying to shape up and save. Heck, I’m the guy who runs a site about frugality and simple living, and even I couldn’t reduce these expenses enough.
Despite overshooting my budget by about $160, January provided some important lessons.
First, go to the store and buy strategically.
If you constantly go to the store and are exposed to new stimuli and purchase options, you’ll spend more. Go when you need to and bring a solid list of must-haves — not wants. This lesson is harder for me to implement, and you’ll notice how many trips are made because of it. I tend to go whenever I can, as I carpool with friends to the store.
Second, reduce date expenditures and eating/drinking out.
I’m a single guy, and in January I went on a few too many dates. Both of these killed my budget, but when decreased, they’d be an opportunity to save in February.
Third, with dietary restrictions, look for common products before speciality options.
I don’t eat entirely gluten-free, but I’m low-FODMAP, which often means less gluten-laden products. In January, I bought gluten-free pretzels and other assorted products that were made to taste and feel like normal foods. Buying naturally gluten-free items would save me a lot.
February’s results are in — drumroll please!
February is the shortest month of the year. I only needed to stay at or below $200 this month for 28 days. As the days rolled on by, I could feel it, I was going to be close.
Day 1: $54.81 (Groceries for self and hosted a party)
Day 2: $0
Day 3: $0
Day 4: $37.53 (Groceries)
Day 5: $0
Day 6: $0
Day 7: $24.52 (Groceries)
Day 8: $0
Day 9: $5.57 (Groceries)
Day 10: $0
Day 11: $0
Day 12: $1.77 (ARGHH, SO HUNGRY! Clif Bar)
Day 13: $28.50 (Groceries)
Day 14: $33.79 (Groceries)
Day 15: $0
Day 16: $3.66 (Coffee drink)
Day 17: $10.47 (Groceries)
Day 18: $0
Day 19: $0
Day 20: $4.32 (Groceries)
Day 21: $0
Day 22: $0
Day 23: $0
Day 24: $0
Day 25: $0
Day 26: $7 (Groceries)
Day 27: $0
Day 28: $0
Today, I’m happy to report I spent only $211.94! While that’s about $12 over the intended budget, I could not be more content. Woo!
Over the last couple years, I’ve cheated and procrastinated away thousands of dollars in food and drink expenses. I’ve rationalized the spending every time (“Oh, my week is difficult, I’m tired, and need some food.”).
Looking at the past, with $400-600 months of spending, I feel guilty and saddened. I was trying to save and build a better future, but one of the weakest parts of my budget stayed untrained. I was spending too much, and needed to do more than admit it — I needed to share it with you all.
Important strategies going forward
1. Get creative with social opportunities
Don’t be afraid to host and create social gatherings! Bring on the friendships — these are too important to miss out. Instead of going out on the town, stay in-house and when possible, make them potlucks. Likewise, game nights and good ol’ conversation doesn’t cost a thing.
2. Bring protein-heavy snacks to reduce cravings in a pinch
This particular strategy was vital to my success this month. If you don’t like protein powder, then I’m sorry, this tip doesn’t apply. For me, it’s a terrific mood and nutrient source. Protein makes you feel fuller, longer. By having dry powder on hand — ready to mix — I was able to stave off cravings, which could’ve led to outsized spending. Nowadays, I carry it nearly everywhere I go.
3. Intentionally cook and plan for leftovers
In past months, I’ve opted to cook for a single sitting. I totally exploded this mindset, and made more than enough every time. The extras went into tupperware to go. Lunches were constantly pre-planned and packed the night before. It made procrastination a difficult excuse, as it was too easy to cook more than enough.
4. Living simply means cooking simply
These days I’m living simply. I don’t have a car, rarely travel, and run to and from work. I’m trying to live within my means. But even greater, I’m trying to embrace these moments. This simple living includes basic meals. I’m not cooking anything fancy or with exotic ingredients — just wholesome, healthy foods. My tummy and budget love it!
5. Wealth can actually help decrease food budgets
Buying in bulk, storing foods, and planning for the store are all privileges. As a commenter noted in January, those in poverty and/or forced to stick strictly to $200 for one month would have it more difficult. I was able to buy more than enough every time, and the average month-to-month allows me to save more money. This is yet another example of how wealth and space can provide unique advantages.
This March I’ll be continuing the $200 food budget, and I’d love for you to join me again! The adventure begins today. Who’s with me?
Congratulations on a successful February challenge! I love the idea of supplementing my diet with a protein powder but have had decidedly unsuccessful attempts at finding one I like. Would you mind sharing the brand and flavor you use? Do you mix it with water or another substance? I’ve mixed vanilla protein powder in a healthier muffin recipe which works and gives them more “staying power” but it would be nice to have something I could slip into a drink.
Thanks for sharing your progress. 🙂
I use Vegan Smart. It is pea protein powder which is one of the safest and doesn’t have a lot of sugar. I realize that doesn’t sound that appetizing, but it does taste good, just not really sweet.
Great questions!
I love Optimum Nutrition’s whey protein powder. It has a nice flavor, low sugar content, and minimal fake stuff at a good price. I’m lactose intolerant, so I only mix it with water; also, when you’re on the go, it would be challenging to bring milk.
Thanks for your comment,
Sam
Thanks! I will try both Optimum Nutrition’s powder and Vegan Smart.
Congratulations! I think it’s particularly great that you figured out a simple way to ward off cravings (the protein powder.) To me that seems key in terms of cutting down on random mid-afternoon purchases. (I usually bring a cut-up apple to work to accomplish the same thing.) Awesome job and I look forward to watching you refine your strategies more going forward.
Thanks for the encouragement! I’ve really enjoyed sharing this latest little adventure with you all. 🙂
Congratulations! Great job!
I want to thank you for motivating me as well. My goal was $200 including groceries, entertainment, misc. I don’t include gasoline. I spent $192. Yea! Last month I was over at $324. In Feb. 2012 it was about $700. I don’t date and this has been a gradual process for me so I wasn’t going in blind.
At the beginning of each month I take out $60 cash for each Sunday of the month because that is when I do my grocery shopping. My goal is to spend $50, but I am happy if I stay within $60. This month, for the first time in a long time I have money left in the envelope.
I will say that this last week when I knew I was within my spending plan I blew about $5 on junk food. It tasted great, but made my body feel yucky and there was a tinge of guilt. Next time I will choose keeping the cash.
I’m joining you again for March. My goal will be $250 because I will be shopping for 5 weeks. Hope I can maintain my motivation through that last week this time.
Congratulations and thanks again.
Linda,
Holy cow! You did it!
That’s an exceptional accomplishment, but this also speaks to the gradual process necessary to cut down on a food budget. I’m a firm believer that we all learn these habits, and that to change them, we must re-learn. And from my experience, learning takes a long time.
The cash envelope system is a popular tool recommended by Dave Ramsey. It’s not a bad idea, but if you do have ways to get more cash can still be difficult to stick to. Glad it worked for you!
Well done this month, and I hope you can keep it up.
Sam
Nice work! Food is a budget challenge for me, too. I went over last month, so I decided to start this month by not grocery shopping for a week. I have lots of food in the freezer, so my family will be eating those items this week.
Congratulations. Instead of protein powder I carry a small container of almonds. Buy them in bulk and carry about a small handful with me.
This is a great idea, Lizzy! Thanks for sharing.
Nice work! That’s a huge change for you and it’s awesome that your groceries include EVERYTHING you eat!
I was with you for February because our Janaury budget was so high. Our family of three ended up coming in under the $200 mark, so I was pretty happy! For us it was about actually eating the food we already had in the house. We had a full freezer and pantry, so there wasn’t a need for us to spend much. We also get dinners at the in-laws twice a week, which really helps. We’ll be setting our meal plan for March tonight, so I’ll let you know if we’re in again (we still have stuff left that I’m not really sure what to do with… so it could be another planned cheap month.)
Well done! That’s incredibly impressive, especially with a family of three. That puts me to shame. Haha. Granted, I’m still working on my budget and trying to reduce it. I’m not done yet!
Now, food storage can greatly influence the month’s total spending. I wonder what would happen if you had no food (to try the challenge) and only $200. Think you could still make it?! Would love to hear all about it. 🙂
Thanks for following along,
Sam
That would be a much harder challenge! I do think I could do it (I love a challenge). But I think we wouldn’t want to do it again!
Great job on the Feb challenge! We are trying to get into the habit of making enough to have left overs and actually eating them!
That’s the trick! Best of luck.
Wow, Sam, congratulations! I feel proud of you and I don’t even know you, LOL! I notice entertainment expenses were kept to a minimum — did you decide to move dating into its own category? Or were the group events your social gatherings for the month?
I have a big crock pot of Indian dal (red lentil soup) simmering as we speak — I’ll freeze it into 8 individual servings this evening, after I have a big bowl w/ brown rice for dinner! I usually throw in a few handfuls of whatever green leaves I have in the fridge (spinach, kale, even lettuce) and I’ve created delicious, healthy, and very inexpensive meals. This is very satisfying — mentally, creatively, physically — and financially!
PS. I thought of your January post yesterday while at the grocery store — I saw a few great staples on sale and hoped you, too, were buying strategically. Great job!
Bette,
Thanks so much for the words of encouragement and optimism! It’s much appreciated and needed. 🙂 Entertainment expenses were absolutely kept to minimum — including dating — but that’s not because I changed the category for them. In fact, I still lumped together food, drinks, eating out, dates. etc. under this one budget. Hence the reason I feel pretty content about the results! Hah.
Thanks for brightening my day,
Sam
Since we are down to only two children at home, I wasn’t really too focused on our food budget! It seemed in 2013, before my oldest moved out with her two so we had a family of 8, our budget was about $600. But in 2014, down to family of 5 then 4 in Dec, our food budget was holding between $500-600. ???? Shouldn’t it go down per person leaving the nest?
Proud to say last month we came in about $461! Next month plan is to be under $400. I think small changes are easier to make lasting effect.
Not buying fast food or food at work has helped a lot. I make a crock pot turkey chili once a month that costs $8-$9 & makes like 8 freezer servings for work. Also I do protein snacks in the form of Greek yogurt when I get cravings. We don’t have food allergies per say but find whey causes tummy troubles as well as I can’t have high soy based products.
You are right about trying to find common substitutions. For bread, you can use large lettuce leaf to make wraps. Or my friend at work with Celiac still uses certain wraps for her sandwiches. I think lettuce wraps are much cheaper and healthier.
I can’t match your awesome goal but I think you can do it! For dating, go to a park, museum, picnic… your mate will expect now what she will in the future…just a thought. Make the coffee at home for her and meet up. Thoughtful is more important but that’s just my opinion.
Dawn,
Your comment is incredibly inspiring, and I hope more people will read it with me! What you’ve done is nothing short of amazing with a couple children in the home. Under $400?! You’ll have to keep us all posted on how you do.
Not eating out — as you mentioned — is vital. I had no real concept for how much more expensive it was until I tried this food budget experiment. Now it’s crystal clear!
Thanks for the date ideas, too.
Sam
Way to go!!! I am so happy for you!! You’re right that having a potluck in house is a great idea to socialize. I met my husband and got to know him very well EVEN BEFORE we starting dating because my Aunt and Uncle were always having potluck gatherings and inviting family and friends that didn’t have something else to do. We played card or board games and talked and laughed and had a great time. It is amazing how much you can get to know people in such a setting. It is also less stressful and everyone is more at ease. When my husband and I started dating it was great to have already learned so much about each other and made it so easy to trust each other and go deeper in our personal conversations when we were alone with each other. We were both shy and I don’t think we would have ever gotten together if it wasn’t for the gracious hosting of my Aunt and Uncle opening their home to anyone who wanted to gather there. So important, and I’m looking forward to hosting homemade pizza night, popcorn and lemonade night, or potluck nights at our home. Our daughter is soon to get her drivers license and so are her friends. I want to give them a safe, fun, and relaxed place to gather and fellowship in a group and watch where it all leads! I have been happily married for 17 years and have 4 children. I am so thankful for my Aunts willingness to open her home. Here’s to you having many fun but frugal gathering with friends.
I budget groceries/drinks for a family of 3 (2 adults and 1 teenager) plus two large dogs (greyhounds) for $600 a month, so I was surprised that a single person could spend that much too.
I admit that I make most of our food including homemade pizza, cookies, bread, etc. I have several appliances (as well as a Vitamix) to help me though, including a bread machine and electric crock pot/slow cooker. But I figure the money they save us makes them a great investment because I use them on a daily/weekly.
I also ALWAYS use a shopping list when I go shopping.
I get lots of hints and tips on saving money from this site plus others like http://www.simplesavings.com.au and http://www.cheapskates.com.au (I’m not affiliated to them in any way) and as much as possible I buy organic or grow things in the garden. It’s surprising how much you can grow in a small space. We get so much food for free from the garden you wouldn’t believe it, and we don’t grow that much.
I batch cook all the time (why make one family pie when you can make two and freeze one?) and we eat loads of vegetables and beans/lentils because they are cheap AND filling. Just add them to any meal and you’ll see the difference they make. In fact, they make up most of the food on our plates.
We also use the Vitamix for making smoothies, soup (it blends and cooks it in just 5 minutes) and healthy ice-cream using nothing but dates, nuts, frozen bananas and ice (plus other fruit/berries if we want a different flavour).
Our food is so filling and yet cheap and most of it’s natural and organic too.
And we only have a meal out or take-away about once a month so it’s a real treat that we really enjoy.
It’s taken me years to figure out how to do it right, but I think I’ve done it. 🙂
Ruth,
Thank you for your wealth of new ideas! It’s impressive that you’re able to keep food costs that low with everyone you mention. Well done! I’ll be doing even more batch cooking in March.
Now, I’m not ready to purchase a Vitamix. Haha. Those are a small fortune up front, but awesome to see what you can do with one!
Thanks for your comment,
Sam
I used a Vitamix on a trial basis for a month recently. We thoroughly enjoyed experimenting with it and came up with some wonderfully quick, tasty and nutritious creations. In the end, tho, I couldn’t justify the purchase price of nearly $400.
A few weeks later, I discovered our old blender in the back of a cabinet. Why not give it another try? Results? It blended up carrots, veggies, fruits, etc just as well as the Vitamix! Daily smoothies are back!! There may be some limitations with the old model, but we haven’t found them yet.
So, the ‘good old blender’ works perfectly for our needs. As you watch your budget, be wary of shiny new gizmos. Marketers will always pedal the newest bells and whistles in snazzy colors, but don’t give up on those old standbys without a second chance. They may just do ‘good enough’ for your needs. I’m thrilled to have “shopped” my own cabinets and saved hundreds of dollars.
Well done! You’re slightly over but way lower than what you were doing. That’s definitely a victory. My wife and I have a food budget of about $250, but we’d like to eat more whole foods (not the grocery store), so we’re planning on that increasing soon.
We too try to eat more whole foods and organic food. I find that it’s more nutritionally dense and therefore more filling which makes it no more expensive then supermarket food. And it’s definitely better for us.
Your $250 food budget IS impressive though.
Nice work! Justifying food overspending is dangerously easy. I’m looking through my fridge now convincing myself I really can make it a few more days before I HAVE to go grocery shopping 🙂
Congrats! These are some great tips. I keep a small stash of snacks in my desk drawer to help with those long days, etc. It’s a good way to avoid spending at a gas station or somewhere else on snacks that are marked way up!
Congratulations! I don’t know US reality & how much food can you buy for $200 (and what’s the quality of this food) but here in Poland I’m often forced to spend about 200-300PLN for food & others. And that is not very much, so my diet is based on vegetables, pasta, groats & oatmeal. I like it, it’s healthy but it’s also hard to ingest all nutritients eating for just 200PLN/month. My clue to manage to spend 200PLN for food is to plan it properly day by day, go shopping once a week with a list and to buy only what is on the list. And of course – being creative is here a huuge advantage! I hope that your $200-diet is properly balanced and you’re happy eating what you eat 🙂
Thanks so much for your comment! That’s an incredibly important part of the balanced budget. I want to be healthy AND frugal, which can be a tough balance. Oftentimes, to save, people insert more carbs into their diet. My hope is to have a budget under $200 that’s natural, healthy, and includes fresh foods.
Sam
Wow! Impressive! Motivating! Thank you for sharing!
I set a budget of $200 a month a few months ago. Usually I stay right around the budget, but usually go over $15 at most. Last month I lost my job, so I have no income, and I was able to only spend less than $160 on groceries. I rarely eat out, maybe once or twice a month and it’s no where expensive at all (I usually spend less than $20 total). I buy groceries for myself mostly. I share around 8 meals with my boyfriend a month. During the week I can get by on little, mostly snacking or not eating a whole lot, but eating nutritious food. I don’t buy junk food (or at least very very little), never buy sodas or ice cream (it’s expensive!), and never buy impulse things. I buy mostly all produce and the staples, canned tomatoes and beans, grains. I shop for manager’s specials all the time. I probably spend too much on juices in the natural section, but still only buy them on manager’s special. I think $200 a month for one person still sounds like a lot of money, but it’s actually hard to spend less and not be hungry! I have a garden during the summer. This year we have doubled our plot. We don’t know how much we save on groceries with the garden, because we’ve still investing to set the garden up structurally. Glad you proved you could do it, keep it up!
Wow, food must be so cheap where you are. I’m in Australia and I’m currently trying to get my food budget down to $200 per week for a family of 4 both kids in nappies.
Hi Sam! I finally got around to posting the results of our February food budget challenge. The good news is we made it! http://www.52smallchallenges.com/blog/2015/2/27/400-grocery-budget-we-did-it
Awesome work! Thank you so much for sharing this with me. Left you a comment on your site. 🙂
Thanks and you’re welcome! Hopefully we can keep it going!