OT: Groceries

Sparky1014

Hoping you all might be able to help with a bit of a budgeting question.  I know one of the things I will have to do on the application is list what my monthly expenses are. I've been tracking my spending carefully the last few months, and it seems I spend an unusually high amount on groceries per month for just one person. I do live in a higher cost of living area, and I tend to eat predominantly fresh/natural/organic. I know once I add a child in, I will continue with the fresh/healthy eating, but that my expenses (childcare, child activities, medical, etc) will increase. What's a reasonable monthly grocery budget for a family of 2 or 3? Thanks!

annalisel

2 adults - high cost of living area, mostly fresh and organic. We spend about $600/month and that's what we put on the application.

IdigDirt

I live in a MCOL area and try to eat somewhat healthy but not as much as I could like. My budget for 3 (H,DS and I) is around 350 a month which includes all toiletries. We eat mostly vegetarian so that may make it lower. HTH

Sparky1014

Thanks! It definitely helps, and makes me think maybe my grocery budget isn't that bad. I'm at about $400/month now, and could probably cut down some.

maryoosa

We said our grocery budget was around 400. I have no idea what it really was because we live in a large urban area and very rarely actually buy groceries because we used to eat out almost all the time. That said- what your agency is looking for, likely, in this question list is "Do you have enough money after you pay all your bills and needs to support a child"

Sparky1014

I downloaded one of the budgeting apps for my phone, it's been very eye opening for me to see exactly where the money goes each month. I'm fost/adopt for older children, so no worries about formula, but I hadn't even thought of that. 

hey_its_jenn

Right now between DH and I, we spend about $400 a month, or so that's what we have been budgeting.  We normally only do one big trip every 3 months.  I will say, though, I've been doing more of my household items from Amazon.  Free shipping and if I do the subscribe and save of 5 items per month (which is super easy with dog and cat food), I save 20% off the top. It's been a big help!