NO excess Spend Month

Ok, this is not my idea, but it is my take on it. Here is a link to where I read about it. There are 4 in my family, 2 adults and kids age 8 and 11. Our goal is to spend only $300 during the month of January on groceries, household supplies, and basically anything that is not a tithe, bill, medical expense or gasoline.  The people i have seen do this previously, have included gasoline in their monthly "budget" but I really don't see how we can cut our spending in that department so I am not including that.

We started January 1 and this is what i have spent so far:

Organic Harvest: $14.00

• Jar of Salsa
• Peanut Butter
• Olive Oil
• Local Honey
• Chia Seeds

The cost before coupons was $27.18 but I had a $5 off of a $25 purchase and a Living social deal that cost me $10 for $20 of groceries...so when it was all said and done, it actually cost me $14.18 since I had bought the living social deal earlier in the week. I found .18 in the bottom of my purse, so I didn't take that out of my budget.

Earth Fare $2

• organic hass avocado
• organic carrots

I had a coupon to buy the items for $1 each. I was in the area, so I picked them up.

ALDI: $13.82

• Organic Cheddar
• Milk
• Dried Cranberries
• Sharp Cheddar
• Hot Dog Buns
• Bananas
• Eggs

Publix: $27.75

• Green Giant boxes veggies, qty 6
• Chicken Breasts, 9 lbs

That is a total of $53.03 for my first "week." I did buy some things that I could do without, at least for a while, but they were at a VERY good price so I risked it. Everything i have read says to spend as little as possible the first week, but we will see how it goes! I plan on cleaning out my freezer this week for dinners and planning for the coming weeks with what I have in my pantry.

Are you taking the challenge? How is it going?