Groceries including toiletries - how much on average?

Question

Hello,

I am taking over the home finances to see how much we can save. For a Family of 4 we have been spending $1081 on average over the past 3 months. This includes toiletries. I think there is probably some serious cuts that can be made here. Does this number seem high to you? How much does your family of 4 spend?

Answer 1

It really depends on where you live. Depending on your taste and monthly income in the grand scheme it may not be a lot. I spend 600 give or take for a family of 3.

Answer 2

That breaks down to $90/month for food/toiletries per person per month, which is pretty dam little so you must be really stretching your dollar! I spend that much per week on my food alone and am a slim female.

At $270/week that seems kind of high...maybe you can cut down on junk food and clip coupons or buy in bulk...

Answer 3

Yikes, I think it seems a little excessive but I'm a frugal finding addict for my family. I rarely pay anything for toiletries but we are also not brand loyal.

This is how I do it:

I've also began couponing and I'm amazed by how much money (and get items for free)I can save with a few coupons and a sales ad.

http://coupons.smartsource.com//index.as...

The above is a great source for printable coupons. Next continue to buy Sunday's paper for another source of manuf. coupons.

Some stores like Walgreens, Rite Aid, Target will take their store coupon and a manuf. coupon. This allows to me to literally purchase health & beauty products for mere pennies or free.

Know that sometimes you can buy groceries at the above stores.

Get to know your grocery store coupon policies...do they double coupons? Buy groceries on sale with your coupons.

www.mycoupons.com Click on Shopping boards, Click on Tips of the Trade (TOT) you'll find postings from women who spend very little out of pocket for groceries. Scroll down further you'll find a forum on recipes.

Sometimes you can go to the company of a product you want to purchase and see if there are printable coupons on that site.

Other sites you might want to view are:

slickdealz.net

www.fishingfordeals.com

http://www.grocerysavingtips.com

www.afullcup.com (usually you'll find Target coupons on here)