I was trying soooooo hard to not go grocery shopping until January 1st. Then, all my budget problems would be solved! I would have my last $75 for the month of December to clear my overages and apply the rollover to January. I would start January with an increased budget and a sizable overflow and I would never have problems again.
What’s that they say about the plans of mice and men?
Cut to me, at the grocery store, the day before New Year’s Eve, there’s no food left (literally, they were out of chicken breasts) and even the fact that my fave Buy 5, Save $5 sale is going on can’t cheer me. Because at this point, I am still running on a few hours of sleep a night and anything involving numbers takes a serious sit down, with pen, paper, calculator, and a prayer. But here I am, at the Kroges, trying to figure out how the budget works, because we went shopping on a Sunday, two days before the end of the month.
And guess what? I still have no idea. Math!
Here is the way I have decided to try and logic my way out of this. Stop me if I start to sound crazy.
- My last December budget of $75 for the week still applies. Any overages will be applied to the new January budget.
- My first budgeted January grocery trip will be this week, before Sunday, even though it messes with the food supply to days eating ratio. Normally, I like having a set grocery day because I know exactly how many days of food I need to shop for. But every since brining the Teacup home, things have been topsy turvy since we’re on her schedule. Was there ever anything more futile than trying to have a set shopping day with a newborn?
- At some point, the budget will even itself out because of the increased January budget. I’m hoping. And praying.
Many of you have recommended curbside pick up or grocery delivery, which is a great idea. But the majority of our food, because of Mr. B’s Type 1 diabetes, is meat and produce. We are super picky about our meat and produce and I’m just not ready to give that responsibility to a a Kroger employee who doesn’t know that we like a very firm mango.
- Bananas, 2.99 lb-$1.76.
- Blackberries (3)-$5. In store sale, 3 for $5.
- Blueberries-$2.99.
- Boar’s Head Maple Glaze Turkey, .75 lb-$7.79.
- Boar’s Head Sandwich Pepperoni, .75 lb-$7.19. This was on sale for a while. Now it is back to being a million dollars and I am sad.
- Clementines, 5 lbs-$5.99.
- Cranberries-$1.24. In store sale for 50% off. Thank you, post holiday clearance!
- Cucumbers (2)-$.99. In store sale, two for $.99.
- Heritage Farm Whole Chicken, 4.32 lbs-$4.28. My store was out of chicken breasts and these were on sale for .99 a pound. I’ve always wanted to make a roast chicken!
- Heritage Farm Chicken Thighs, 5.45 lbs-$5.40. In store sale for .99 a pound.
- Honey Bunches of Oats-$1.99. $1.29 off regular price with Buy 5, Save $5!
- Ken’s Dressing-$1.49. B5S5!
- Kraft Dressing (2)-$1.98. Down to $.99 a piece withBuy 5, Save $5.
- Kroger String Cheese-$3.29. My daughter’s favorite thing that is NEVER on sale. Sigh.
- Mangoes (3)-$2.04. In store sale, $.69 each.
- Pork Chops (2 lbs)-$7.80. All boneless fork was Buy One, Get One on an in-store sale!
- Private Selection Brioche Rolls-$1.99.
- Private Selection Whole Wheat Bread-$1.99.
- Private Selection Ice Cream (3)-$5. In store sale, 3 for $5.
- Private Selection Linguine-$.55. Buy Five, Save $5 brings it to $.99, stack with $.45 off *Digital Coupon*.
- Red Gold Tomatoes (2)-$1.78.
- Roma Tomatoes, 1.10 lbs-$1.64.
- Sweet Onions, 1.76 lb-$1.74.
- Whiskey Maple Gouda-$5.25.
- Apps I’ll submit to: Fetch Rewards, Ibotta ($.25 off Any Item)
Total Budget: $63.68
Total Spent: $81.15
Total Saved: $32.68
Deducted from Next Trip: $17.47
So excited for the increased budget in 2019. This budget overage started during my pregnancy and even though I’ve had the baby, I can’t seem to get rid of it. Here’s hoping a clear head and increased budget will help me get back on track in January.
Do you use curbside pick up or grocery delivery? What do you love about it? What do you not so much love? Gimme your opinions below!
Kristen B. is wife to the best Prince around, mama to the spunkiest little princesses, and lover of all things Disney. She started her savings journey three years ago and is now dedicated to making her family’s wishes come true one coupon at a time. She is so excited to take her love of saving to the next level and share her journey with you! Click here to catch up on Kristen’s Savings and join in on your own savings adventure!