February Budget Roundup

 

February was a short month but most of the grocery budget was spent early on.  The last 8 days were really hard to stay away from the grocery store.  We ate chili that had been previously frozen and had nice cheap meals like ham and macaroni and cheese (if you don't eat it much it becomes a treat).   The cupboards were combed over for items that needed using up like some cherry jello that had moved with us in June(I haven't had jello in years and it was pretty good!). I am happy February is over as really need to go shopping!

Groceries
Budget for two adults $425 Canadian less January overage of $15.22 = $409.78
This budget includes all over the counter medications, personal care products, and groceries.

Actual $400.48.  Under by $9.30 that gets added to the March Budget.  This was only accomplished by avoiding going to the store.  I ran out of items and purposely did without to make it.

We are very low or out of a lot of non-food products so need to do a massive shop on things like vitamins and allergy medicines as suddenly hubby has had an allergy attack-tis the season.  There is plenty of food in the cupboards and the freezers so hopefully the budget can be achieved in March. I keep adding to my price book to record the lowest price seen and what quantity that price was at.  The price book was only started a few months ago so it has taken a while to come together but now it is becoming handy to determine if the price is absolute lowest or a "stock up" price.  Each month I try and stock up on at least one food or non-food item so that I will not have to buy it for a long time while getting the lowest price at the same time. 

Coupons used $26.53.  Coupons are primarily used in our household for non-food items like contact solution that we stocked up on this month which is something I cannot make nor is there a no-name brand version available.  Fortunately there are some high valued $2-5 off coupons that have been matched with a sale price.

This month I need to stock up on beef and pork although it will only be bought it if it is under my maximum $3 per lb.   I am trying to have less meat at each meal so this month will be stocking up on fruit and veggies to try and move to a more plant based diet to improve our health, waistlines, and pocketbook.   I have been prowling the internet for good healthy vegetable soups using little or no meat.  Any suggesetions? 

Clothing
Clothing budget for the year is $200.  This budget is only for myself as we spend what we need to on Hubby's business attire for the business.

This month I bought a shirt at Salvation Army.  Balance remaining for the rest of the year is $187.50.  I really need some new undergarments so need to do a regular retail shop in March as those are only purchased new.  I would really like to find some more socks made of bamboo.   I bought some several years ago and they wore really well and are very soft.  A friend just bought bedding made of bamboo and it feels like cashmere-it made me want to go out and blow $300 for some (not really but hopefully the price will come down on the bedding).

Hair
Budget for the year is $250

I got a haircut and did a home color job on the same day.  I also stocked up on one extra hair color for next time.  Total spent this month $41.47.  A little more was spent on color this time to see if it is any better.  It isn't so I bought the color I have used before for next time on sale.   Total remaining for rest of the year $208.53.

With regard to our house that is for sale in Alberta, it has been on the market two weeks, had about 10 viewings but no takers yet.  It is not a first time home buyers house as is very large and above average cost - I am trying to stay positive as this is the second time we have had it on the market so after this, I will not be blogging about it until it sells.

I have personal goal to lose five pounds each month for the next three months - just putting it out there.  I currently weigh 148lbs and am five foot four.  My eventual goal weight is 133lbs which is the weight I was at ten years ago and feel my best at (coincidentally it is also the weight when I met hubby). This requires moving more and eating less- big shocker that those two things might equate to a weight loss.

Cheers!