tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14245531.post8861855034799438122..comments2023-11-18T01:21:55.631-05:00Comments on My Open Wallet: Details on the Food BudgetMadame Xhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11536189690094235926noreply@blogger.comBlogger22125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14245531.post-60078760104314328702009-10-14T21:00:44.064-04:002009-10-14T21:00:44.064-04:00I was thinking about this post again after a recen...I was thinking about this post again after a recent update on Madame X's overall financial position (the "September Update" post) The marginal return on Madame X's changing her food habits and expenses from the ones she has to the ones I currently have is a gain in savings of about $5500 per year. Over 20 years, that amounts to $110,000 in today's dollars.<br /><br />Unless she has a need or a perceived need for that $110,000 that is more important than having the luxury and convenience/experience of eating out for dinner a couple times a week and buying takeout for work lunches, then there is no reason for her or someone like her to change. And it seems that her current savings trajectory is fine from my point of view--she should have at the minimum about 1.2 million in today's dollars in 20 years given her current savings rate and no hiccups on the way and assuming no increase in income over that period-- so, again, unless she decides she needs that $110,000 in 20 years, there would be no reason to alter those habits.moociferhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01325412523164314073noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14245531.post-54027048300528746372009-01-27T20:50:00.000-05:002009-01-27T20:50:00.000-05:00You pay your bills, don't take a cent from anyone...You pay your bills, don't take a cent from anyone, save a decent amount of money, and love food. What's to criticize?frugal zeitgeisthttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17804781758510341558noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14245531.post-71136492619722155772009-01-27T17:48:00.000-05:002009-01-27T17:48:00.000-05:00I'm shocked that you didn't spend MORE than $8,000...I'm shocked that you didn't spend MORE than $8,000 per year.<BR/><BR/>New York has some damn fine dining options. It would be a disservice to yourself NOT to try out all of that great food.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14245531.post-52817258482410748052009-01-24T18:10:00.000-05:002009-01-24T18:10:00.000-05:00@ "(I live in a DC suburb so that has got to be a ...@ "(I live in a DC suburb so that has got to be a factor; same when I lived in SF 15 years ago - a name brand box of cereal at Safeway could be almost $6).<BR/>"<BR/><BR/>That's exactly the kind of stuff you can't buy when you are spending less than, say, 150 or 125 per month on food. <BR/><BR/>Instead, it's oatmeal, or hot cereal made from bulk bought whole grains in the slowcooker, topped with chopped nuts, a little butter, and brown sugar (if you go for that kind of thing). The price per pound of that is usually well under a dollar (food under a dollar a pound is my general guideline for grocery items). Or, skip the "breakfast food" some of the time and have leftover soup for breakfast, along with a veggie and fruit shake.<BR/><BR/>Stuff like boxed cereal, or other heavily branded and marketed food products, as well as frequently buying cuts of meat that cost more than $2 a pound, will pop your monthly grocery bill up around $400 no problem. Which I don't think is a problem if that's what you want and what you like.moociferhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01325412523164314073noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14245531.post-34012531146398959002009-01-24T17:54:00.000-05:002009-01-24T17:54:00.000-05:00I happen to think it's totally cool to spend $8000...I happen to think it's totally cool to spend $8000 on food and drinks if you want to and have the cash and are clear that the money is worth it to you for whatever reason.<BR/> <BR/><BR/>As to those who wonder how to live on $150 a month--well, I cook from scratch only and *use up* everything and use mostly the most cost effective version of everything. Instead of boneless chicken breasts or stuff like that, you buy a whole roasting chicken and cut it up (takes about 8 minutes), then use the carcass to make chicken stock in your pressure cooker. 2 of those per month is more than enough for me. Eggs are bought in the 18 pack (they don't go bad--at least not within 2 months)<BR/><BR/>Everything else I eat is beans, grains, and fruit--the cheaper varieties. Lunch break is soup from home, leftovers, or a couple pieces of fruit and a short walk outside.<BR/><BR/>Coffee is from home or made at work in the back room using microwaved water, a pyrex bowl, a strainer, and a coffee filter. Wine is from a box, beer is from a 6 pack.<BR/><BR/>But if I had $8000 free with nothing else I strongly wanted to use it on--I'd go out and eat and EASILY spend $8000 a year.moociferhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01325412523164314073noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14245531.post-32667441612384571402009-01-24T01:22:00.000-05:002009-01-24T01:22:00.000-05:00I was single in Seattle less than 5 years ago and ...I was single in Seattle less than 5 years ago and I spent an average of $50-70 on food a month. I am an expert on how to make my dollar stretch to it's absolute limit. However, I don't ever want to live like that again.<BR/><BR/>It is interesting to me that a few posts back, a man received some disparaging comments about his DVD budget, but no one is making a peep over Madame X's alcohol expenditures! Entertainment is entertainment. At least with the DVDs, you can enjoy them over and over again!Teezyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15651488026976201430noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14245531.post-70687155525192160522009-01-24T00:27:00.000-05:002009-01-24T00:27:00.000-05:00I loved this post and all the comments. I'm a...I loved this post and all the comments. I'm also a 30 something in NYC and I'm usually feeling guilty at all these other PF bloggers spending next to nothing on food. My food spending is close to yours though I don't track my eating out expenses closely as we have a 'no questions asked' his & her allowance.Nabihttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17713726901230101045noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14245531.post-9315098112111904912009-01-23T13:38:00.000-05:002009-01-23T13:38:00.000-05:00I'm sure there are many many people in this countr...I'm sure there are many many people in this country with similar food costs Madame X, the difference is that you are aware of how much you spend and they are probably in denial! Since you save money in other places you can afford to splurge here, also most critics live in low COL areas and can't relate to how much more expensive the basics are. We rarely eat out because I can cook a fabulous meal for less than the cost of a tip.Miss Mhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15926161058644761041noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14245531.post-35615790776755288752009-01-22T23:57:00.000-05:002009-01-22T23:57:00.000-05:00When you see food expenses @ $8k, it's mind boggli...When you see food expenses @ $8k, it's mind boggling that a single person can consume nearly $700/month on food alone. I don't care what anyone says or how healthy you're eating, THAT IS A LOT. <BR/><BR/>But you include numerous items most people don't consider when they see the word "food" (liquor, cleaning supplies) and I keep forgetting you're a NYer (frequent dining out, delis or takeout almost daily for B, L, and D), so $8k doesn't seem like much at all. As I always say, the devil's in the details. <BR/><BR/>And don't feel bad about eating out often. If that is your only vice, it IS a form of entertainment. So does that mean drinks are on you when I come back to NY? ;-)<BR/><BR/>To be honest, if I didn't have a child, I'd probably NEVER cook. LOLAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14245531.post-39848427055903864972009-01-22T22:30:00.000-05:002009-01-22T22:30:00.000-05:00Bronx Chica- ever since moving to NJ from NY, I...Bronx Chica- ever since moving to NJ from NY, I've saved so much. The supermarkets double or triple coupons, value meals are cheaper,& tax is lower or none including at the malls.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14245531.post-81711296637388409742009-01-22T21:37:00.000-05:002009-01-22T21:37:00.000-05:00You shouldn't lose track of the forest for the tre...You shouldn't lose track of the forest for the trees. While worthwhile to save, life without a certain amount of "reasonable" enjoyment is just passing time. <BR/><BR/>I would say that your restaurant bill, which averages a little over one dinner per week, is anything but excessive. <BR/><BR/>Just to establish my bona fides on the saving front, I retired in my thirties (approximately 15 years ago). You have nothing to feel bad about in this category. Now if credit were funding your meals out that would be an entirely different matter.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14245531.post-81433263414007036302009-01-22T16:54:00.000-05:002009-01-22T16:54:00.000-05:00Food is a tricky item in my budget, too. I count e...Food is a tricky item in my budget, too. I count eating out as entertainment, but I spend about $200 per month just on groceries. I insist on eating high-quality food (translation: more expensive!), but I do always pack my breakfast and lunch. I would love to say that this is because I'm committed to frugality; it's really because I work in a school that serves absolute garbage. (If something happens and I can't bring lunch, I just don't eat - it's really that bad.) So I guess a big-time money-saver would be making more meals, but really, your overall expenditures are well within your means so if spending more on food than other may or you may really like is important to you, it doesn't seem like an issue. <BR/><BR/>Plus, it's great to take advantage of all of NYC's excellent restaurants. It would kind of suck to be in one of the best cities (for food, and otherwise) in the world and stay cooped up at home every night to save some money. Not worth it!TeacHerhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08641784616684869834noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14245531.post-78613216855557063112009-01-22T16:02:00.000-05:002009-01-22T16:02:00.000-05:00I'm a single, in my 20's and living in Manhattan. ...I'm a single, in my 20's and living in Manhattan. I don’t think $8,000 sounds like much compared to what many of what my friends spend. I can’t imagine what New Yorkers as a whole spend on eating out! I don't make a lot of money, but I've found ways to still eat well. It takes a bit of creative grocery shopping, but I don’t use coupons or run myself ragged. I cook most of my meals and pack most of my lunches. My work offers breads and bagels, they're not the best quality but it's a free breakfast. <BR/><BR/>My grocery budget is $175 month. I might order takeout or go out to eat about 2-3 times per month. I include this in my entertainment budget, so it’s not something I track separately. Under $100 a month is a decent estimate not including trips to the bar. It comes down that I’d rather spend money on clothes than at a restaurant. At the moment, I am not dating anyone that would be figured into this estimate and I don’t use men for the free meals either…there are some girls that do here…I think there’s even a club! <BR/><BR/>I love Trader Joe’s it’s the only supermarket with normal prices. It’s on my way home from work, and I go about once a month to stock up on meat, pasta sauces, etc. I know where to buy a dozen eggs for only $1.79, and which supermarkets within walking distance offers the best prices for cheese, produce, and breads. I know which street vendors have the best fruit and veggie prices. If I’m going to make a recipe, I browse online circulars to see which has the most items on sale and I’ll go to that store. One recipe usually provides me with 3-4 meals, so I aim to do this at least once a week. Most meals cost only $3 each. I rarely waste food or let food go bad.Raehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00440608298015005414noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14245531.post-40551738352388640212009-01-22T15:41:00.000-05:002009-01-22T15:41:00.000-05:00i enjoy my food. so i am willing to spend more on ...i enjoy my food. so i am willing to spend more on food and spend less on something else, for example clothes.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14245531.post-43737892682411115492009-01-22T14:42:00.000-05:002009-01-22T14:42:00.000-05:00Madame X,I am a regular anonymous reader, like you...Madame X,<BR/><BR/>I am a regular anonymous reader, like you I am in my 30s, live in Brooklyn, make 100K plus, eat out as a social activity and love food. However, I recently (since Sept.) started bringing lunch and breakfast. Amazing not only how much $ you save, but how much better quality food you can eat. And you are right, I do it by cooking big soups and salads on the weekend and then eating them for lunch and dinner during the week. For breakfast, I bring greek yogurt. Another way I save on food is trying to really avoid ever buying processed food. It is bad for the body and the budget! So I just buy meat, cheese, fruit and veggies. Even if it is usually high-end organic or expensive, it still saves $ versus buying chips or ice cream or pre-packaged food.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14245531.post-10281919311008477712009-01-22T13:53:00.000-05:002009-01-22T13:53:00.000-05:00Comparing stuff like this is tricky. NYC is more ...Comparing stuff like this is tricky. NYC is more expensive than anywhere else I can possibly think of.<BR/><BR/>What I don't get is why other people feel the need to judge how you spend your money. My partner and I spend a lot less on food/alcohol, but I make less money than you do and we're still in debt. We also spend almost $200 per month on our pets, which most people would consider exorbitant. It's all relative.Car Free in Phillyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16062587644980479929noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14245531.post-3512018894695167552009-01-22T13:46:00.000-05:002009-01-22T13:46:00.000-05:00Wow. I am shocked that you are being criticized fo...Wow. I am shocked that you are being criticized for your food budget when you clearly spend within your means. You are paying all of your bills, saving and investing and this is how you choose to spend your money. Is that really so bad? It seems that you order take out an average of once a week (assuming your SO pays the same number of times) and you go to a restaurant for dinner about twice a week on your own dime (same assumption). Maybe you eat out a few more times during the week on the company tab. In a city like New York, I don't find that surprising *at all*.The Landladyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01000119199627580443noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14245531.post-53537637848493477862009-01-22T13:00:00.000-05:002009-01-22T13:00:00.000-05:00I live in Boston. Including groceries, alcohol, di...I live in Boston. Including groceries, alcohol, dining out and going out, you're lucky if I spend $250 a month and I eat very well thankyouverymuch. How do I do it? <BR/>1. I cook as much as possible. That means making my own lunches. <BR/>2. I buy coupons from thecouponmaster.com and use them on food that's already on sale. <BR/>3. I only dine out and go out a few times a month. <BR/><BR/>And here I was thinking I spend too much money to feed myself. This story makes me feel a little better.Shawnnahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13597597200898982608noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14245531.post-45278560314786207352009-01-22T12:08:00.000-05:002009-01-22T12:08:00.000-05:00I look at your budget and I have mixed reviews. T...I look at your budget and I have mixed reviews. The monthly average seems high to me since I live in a much less expensive city. I currently live in VA but grew up and frequently visit Queens, NY. That budget would buy you alot here but there is a distinctive cost difference between the locations.<BR/><BR/>I love to eat out myself but have to tightly manage it. This budget would be a point of concern for me if it were coupled with a high clothing budget or other entertainment budget. But since this seems to be your "thing" I don't see anything wrong.Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13080794554984876710noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14245531.post-49809440146246332742009-01-22T12:03:00.000-05:002009-01-22T12:03:00.000-05:00@first comment:It would be interesting to compare ...@first comment:<BR/>It would be interesting to compare the total price of a set basket of grocery items across the nation. I've seen very rough "cost of living" metrics that compare the COL in various cities in the US, but they don't break it down into components like housing, food, etc.<BR/><BR/>But for anecdotal evidence that groceries in NYC cost much more than other parts of the country, I'll offer you this data point:<BR/><BR/>8th continent soy milk (64oz)<BR/>Cost in suburbia PA supermarket (friends that used to live in NYC moved there so I check out the grocery store there when I visit):<BR/>$2.99<BR/>NYC freshdirect (grocery delivery service with minimal overhead):<BR/>$3.79 (+27% vs PA)<BR/>NYC Gristede's supermarket down the street:<BR/>$4.39 (+47% vs PA, +16% vs freshdirect)<BR/><BR/>Similar results with other food items. I envy those living outside NYC who have bigger grocery stores with 2-4x the product selection at cheaper prices...Mikehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16253569911520475317noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14245531.post-52570174006423841072009-01-22T11:10:00.000-05:002009-01-22T11:10:00.000-05:00From the looks of your budget (very high on food, ...From the looks of your budget (very high on food, very low on entertainment), your idea of the entertainment is dining out. I'm the same way and keep this in mind when looking at my budget. THough the food budget looks very high by itself, the "food + entertainment" budget looks about right.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14245531.post-37445806918994924882009-01-22T10:30:00.000-05:002009-01-22T10:30:00.000-05:00If you divide $8000 a year by 12, it isn't *that* ...If you divide $8000 a year by 12, it isn't *that* much per month. You include your eating out as food too, which of course drives up the total cost.<BR/><BR/>I spend $400/mn on groceries alone *if I am careful*; this does not include house,pet or personal supplies. Eating out is my greatest entertainment expense and kept separate. So...if I am being "good" I am spending at least $500/mn on average. This is with cutting back - it used to be more.<BR/><BR/>I'm shocked really when I hear a single people should get by on $150-$200/mn for food. Seriously...what do they eat? <BR/><BR/>Madame X - can you give examples of what the common price is for your common grocery items please? I think that is important in a discussion. (I live in a DC suburb so that has got to be a factor; same when I lived in SF 15 years ago - a name brand box of cereal at Safeway could be almost $6).Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com