$200 a month —
I’m one of those nuts that keeps track of everything I spend. In 2012 my dining out averaged $65 a month which includes monthly business meetings with clients. Groceries average $140 a month. In November I found a great on-line company that was giving a huge discount and free shipping so ordered a years supply of Cheer, Cascade, toilet tissue and paper towels.
There are lots of things I no longer buy at the store because they just cost too much. I look for those items which are buy 1, get 1 free. Have lots of coupons I ended up not using because the brand available by a coupon cost more with the coupon than other brands without a coupon. Also started frequenting the Dollar Tree more.
Before 2012 I used to spend up to $400 a month and a whole lot more eating out. Not easy or fun to cook for just one. Gas, insurance and taxes all keep going up so that money had to come out of the grocery budget.