how much do you spend on groceries?

[Granard]

My ex husband lives in the UK and, as part of our divorce, he's provided an affidavit of means. This includes £720 per month for groceries for him and his partner. They live in her house. That seems very high to me for 2 people? I live in Ireland where groceries cost at least 40% more than the UK and half the country heads to Belfast and Newry to avail of cheaper prices but a couple here wouldn't spend the equivalent of £700+. Would welcome hearing some average spends from Mumsnetters. Thank you.

Sorry Granard I didn't read it properly. How awful that he's trying to prove he can't come visit your DD

Hope it's ok to revive an old thread - my question refers specifically to the cost of groceries in Belgium, just outside Brussels (30 min from city centre). DW insists on doing the groceries for our family of 3 which includes the two of us and an 18mth-old baby (so this includes diapers, wet wipes, baby food etc.). I fund this with a budget of 680 euros every month. This is just "normal" expenditure - anything required in terms of medication for the baby, doctor's visit etc., is over and above this. DW's reaction to my disbelief and suggestion that I do the groceries, was to throw a fit. I don't see the bills, but feel this is crazy, and is more connected with DW's spending problem, than high prices. (I know Belgium's expensive - but there's an enormous amount of crap in the house which lies around in boxes getting spoiled, or never used). We buy from Carrefour, and usually buy Carrefour-branded (i.e. generic and not premium) products where possible. No fine food from gourmet shops. Can someone tell me if I'm being unreasonable?

You're probably better to start a new thread rather than posting on an old one :)

£720 may be high but that doesn't mean it's unrealistic, sorry. I have a friend that does the entire family shop at M&S, buys a lot of ready-meals because she can't cook, and I'm sure she spends well in excess of that.

Cogito the original question was answered back in march [hsmile] This has been revived by a person asking a seperate question who has been advised to start their own thread and your answer just shows why [hgrin]

60 for week and 40 for weekend inc. wine and treats. 2 adults 2 DC

FrameyMcFrame, thanks for your very helpful response. Also, thanks Cogito, Rockchick & Ranty. Didn't want to kick up more dust with another thread, so will leave it at that ...