November Grocery Spending Plan

This month we're trying really hard to keep our grocery spending down.  We're doing this for a variety of reasons:  we have a lot in the pantry and freezer to use, we generally want to keep expenses down as travel expenses are up this season, and we have some medical expenses to pay that are beyond our normal expenses.

So, we're working with what we have.  This means that we made crock pot Asian chicken with pantry and freezer staples, chili with pantry and freezer staples, oatmeal, eggs, and smoothies with things we have on hand.  We have plans to make a lentil sweet potato soup with staples on hand, will make Asian slaw with cabbage in the fridge, pasta with sauce made this summer, and probably tacos or nachos.  We make use of regular pantry staples like brown rice, quinoa, dry beans and lentils, and pasta.  We can also make pizza with ingredients we have on hand.

We did spend about $40 in groceries at cousin's Christmas celebration last weekend, for meals together and for goodies to make.  We also purchased some things at Trader Joe's and Aldi that will be treats to give for holidays.  We did pick up some fresh produce at Aldi, including fruit for the boys.

The only foreseen grocery expenses this month otherwise are almond or coconut milk, half and half, and maybe fresh fruit.  We have some frozen fruit, but that doesn't go so well in lunches.  We can also fill in with dried fruit.  I had thought I might buy a turkey to put in the freezer, but I can't rationalize spending the $40 to get the discounted turkey price, when we don't really need to spend the $40.  I might stock up on sweet potatoes that are discounted.

We're also grateful for community meals this month.  We have a few pot lucks planned with church, coworkers, and friends.  We have our regular Sunday dinners with Mom, and we have our dinners with parenting class on Mondays.  We might end up coming back from Thanksgiving with leftovers, which is always nice.  I can usually turn these into another meal like turkey tacos, turkey soup, or enchiladas.  If we come back with bread, then I can turn that into French toast or breakfast casserole. All of this means a lighter burden on our grocery budget.

The trips out of town also mean that we're doing less cooking at home and eating more with family.  This eases the grocery budget too, even though it increases travel spending.  We're hopeful that we'll be able to keep travel expenses down because of the gift cards we've earned through our parenting class and a gas card from the Children's Council.  We'll also take our most fuel efficient vehicle.

So, all in all, we're hoping to keep grocery spending to around $80-$100 this month.  Since our usual budget is $150, I think it's doable. 

How are you living and saving green this month in preparation for the holidays?  Are you stocking up with holiday deals, or are you eating what you've got in storage?  I'd love to hear from you!