Grocery Budget Update

At the beginning of the year, after analyzing the nice chunk of change that I saved by meal planning, shopping wisely, and using coupons, I set a yearly grocery budget of $1,003.50.

That's $83.62 per month or approximately $20.90 per week. For me, I think a monthly amount is an easier model to follow because I do have weeks where I don't shop at all because hubby is out of town or we just simply don't need to because we have stockpiled enough to last through a week. I also don't include personal care items or things like diapers in my budget.


So here's what I've spent so far this month on grocery items:


1/2/09 Fred Meyer. Coupon Savings: $3.00; Total spent: $12.62

1/2/09 Target. Coupon Savings: $0; Gift Card used: $5 Total spent: $9.59

1/6/09 Albertson's. Coupon Savings: $0 Total spent: $13.98 (You can read about this transaction here. I bought the coffee as insurance that my total would get me the Catalina coupons for $15 off my next purchases at Albertson's)


Total spent as of January 13, 2009: $36.19


Budget remaining: $47.43. I still have $40 in coupons from Albertson's to use by next week. That deal alone is going to keep me right on track to stay on budget and hopefully get some good stockpile items.


What is your budget for this year and how do you keep it on track? I'm always interested to hear other people's methods and ideas.