September Already!

Well, here is another month beginning. I can't believe how fast this year has flown by us! I'm starting a personal challenge to track my spending for the month. I've found that I spend better when I'm holding myself accountable. So, this blog will track all spending for groceries and other necessities. I need to clear out some space in the freezers and the pantry, so I'm aiming to spend little on groceries and use up more of what I already have.

I'm spending for a family of 6 plus three fur-babies. That includes two teenagers (read: bottomless pits), a very picky four year old, an 8 month old, myself and my partner, two dogs and a cat. I try to cook dinner most nights, but there are just sometimes when I declare it a "leftover bonanza" and everyone picks for themselves of whatever is available. Sometimes I also take dinner to the in-laws or make dinner over there. And, of course, there are those times when we eat out or bring home take-0ut. For nutrition purposes, I try to limit the amount of eating out. The 4 year old has food allergies which also makes food a challenge, especially if that food isn't prepared by me.

I headed out to the store yesterday to get buns for the brats we were having for dinner, milk, eggs and a few produce items. I spent a total of $25.75 for buns, salad mixes, tomatoes, cucumber, sprouts, croutons, ginger root, radishes, milk and eggs. I have one uncashed rebate check for $10, waiting for more to come in because I hate to go to the bank just to deposit one check.

My goal for the month of September is to spend less than $500 total. I will deduct from the $500 anything I spend and add to it any rebates received.

$500.00 Monthly target
-25.75 September 1 Spending
$474.25
+10.00 Rebate received
$484.25 Left for the month.