[SophieBeagle]

So I'm going on Maternity Leave at the end of March and I am trying to work out how long I can take based on my savings and paid Parental Leave from the Govt.

So my question is, how much do think would be a reasonable amount to budget for the weekly shop?

We have DH (who eats a fair bit), myself, baby, a medium sized dog and two cats.

I'm based in Adelaide so not Aldi, any tips on where to buy in bulk?

This is going to sound terrible but, since moving into this house (3 years) I have never done a weekly grocery shop We go as we need to! whoops...

[PatG]

You probably need to keep all of your receipts for a few weeks and then review them. Add up how much you really spent, then if you think you need to cut back work out how much wasn't really needed, excessive treats etc. it varies so much from family to family depending on income, cooking habits, do you eat out at lot, take lunch to work etc. I think there was a thread a while back where people put how much they spend if you want a look at the variety.

[Bluenomi]

How long is a piece of string?

It can vary a lot depending on your eating habits. I'd start buy doing a few weekly shops and see what it comes to. That will give you a starting point and then you can see if you need to cut back on things.

[Suz01]

I spend about $180 a week (DH, DD 2yrs, me, and DS) both still in nappies
We go through a box a fortnight with DD $30 and same for DS. I get bulk no name wipes $10 a wk. When I have to get cleaning and toiletries its more like a $250 shop for that wk once a month.

DH doesn't leave any leftovers and he eats like a horse.

We get mince, chicken breasts, sausages, steak, a roast and rotate expensive items like salmon every couple of wks.

Bulk of our bill is meat vege and nappies. I suggest going onto Coles online and do a shop without purchasing to give s rough guide on cost.

[rosie28]

You should be able to do it for $150 a week, but I'd be tracking all spending (not just groceries) for the next two months if I was you - then you'll know what you actually spend, and you'll be able to identify where you overspend (hopefully you don't!) and where you're doing well.

[missjoads1234]

We have 5 in our house (with another - one or two? ) on his/her way. We have $250 set aside every week for food, twins in nappies, petrol for two cars and formula. We also have 2 cats and a dog.

Its really difficult but totally doable. We buy Aldi nappies (my girls have been in cloth but we've recently switched) shop there as well, buy our formula in bulk. Actually we buy alot in bulk now i think about it!!

Try using this website to buy baby food/nappies in bulk :

Go Toddler

We meal plan every week as well. Saves in the long run.

For your size family i would think $100 in food a week is ample.

[MummySmiles]

Purchase your meat from the central markets and divide it up and freeze. So much cheaper!

[SCARFACE CLAW]

I don't know how anyone here is getting decent food for $150/week. Our weekly grocery budget is $300, for me, DH, two kids and a cat.

[SophieBeagle]

You probably need to keep all of your receipts for a few weeks and then review them.

Good idea. I understand each family is different. I am trying to keep my meal costs down.

We have 5 in our house (with another - one or two? ) on his/her way. We have $250 set aside every week for food, twins in nappies, petrol for two cars and formula. We also have 2 cats and a dog.

Its really difficult but totally doable. We buy Aldi nappies (my girls have been in cloth but we've recently switched) shop there as well, buy our formula in bulk. Actually we buy alot in bulk now i think about it!!

Try using this website to buy baby food/nappies in bulk :

Go Toddler

We meal plan every week as well. Saves in the long run.

For your size family i would think $100 in food a week is ample.

Thanks! And congrats on your addition (or two).
I was hoping for around $100.00 per week but was unsure whether this is unrealistic.

We're planning on using MCN's and Terry nappies to keep the price down. Everything I can save will be counted as extra time home.

Good idea Ann! Do you think the Central Markets would be the best priced?

[Alacritous~Andy]

How long is a piece of string?

It can vary a lot depending on your eating habits. I'd start buy doing a few weekly shops and see what it comes to. That will give you a starting point and then you can see if you need to cut back on things.

I agree. Also don't forget to add in the extra top-up trips for bread and milk etc.

As for where you can save money, once again, it depends on the individual family. It depends how enthusiastic you are, and what you are willing to DIY vs convenience. A few of the big swaps I have made to save us money:

- eat less meat
- cloth instead of disposables (cheap cloth, not expensive MCN)
- make a lot of food from scratch. Eg I make our own yogurt, ricotta, toasted muesli (that stuff is ridiculous to buy pre-made), pizza bases, and shop seasonally.
- shop for pantry staples in bulk at a local outlet (Golden Circle factory outlet)
- white vinegar and bi-carb for most cleaning jobs