I’ve had several people ask me lately how I’m able to stay within my $40 weekly budget. Here are a few things that instantly come to mind:
1. Stay out of the stores-I try to limit my time in stores. It’s very tempting to purchase things I really don’t need the more I’m in a store. I usually go once a week to pick up any specials and stick to my list..which brings me to my next point.
2. Make a list-AND STICK TO IT!! Browse the ad or the shopping lists, make your list, get your coupons, and shop. Be sure to buy only what is on your list. There are times when I pick up other items, but I try to make that exception to when things are REALLY cheap.
3. Stay out of Walmart-I used to shop at Walmart all the time when we lived in IL. I have nothing against Walmart and still shop there occassionally because they do have some great deals. However, I think too many people have made the assumption(like I did) that Walmart(especially their Great Value brand) is always cheaper. I am a firm believer that if you shop the sales at the local grocery stores(even without coupons), you will do better and save SO much more!
4. Self Discipline-Honestly it takes so much self discipline to stay within my budget. There are times when I want to splurge and not pay close attention to what’s in my cart. I try not to because I know I’ll be paying for it later-by looking at my bank account and when I start kicking myself! All I can tell you is it’s worth it. Be conscious of what you’re buying and you’ll save!
5. Keep a running total of what’s in your cart-while I’m shopping I’m always totaling things up in my head. Then when I check out I already know approximately what my total is going to be. Also, if the total is much higher than I think it should be I can stop before I leave the store to look over my receipt and check for errors.
6. Pay with Cash-when I pay with cash I do much better staying within a budget. The visual for me works tremendously. I can look in my wallet and know I have x amount left for the week/month then plan my spending accordingly.
7. Make a Menu Plan-I can’t stress this enough. When I don’t have a menu plan I tend to spend almost double and I’m stressed out. I dread my husband coming home to ask what’s for dinner when I don’t have a plan. I try to pencil in most of the month so I can be looking for specials on the items I’ll need for the month.
8. Stock pile-when you find a product you use a lot of buy more than one. Then when you want to make pasta you already have a jar of sauce you paid pennies for instead of having to go grab it for full price. One key thing with stock piling is to make sure your budget can afford it. If you don’t have extra money to buy more-DON’T. The sale will come around again. Usually sales cycle through every few weeks-pay attention to your store’s sale cycles!
What do you do to stay within a budget and lower your monthly grocery bill? I’d love to hear other suggestions/tips!
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I use the envelope method. I get 250 dollars a month. I separate that into four different envelopes. That way I know exactly how much I have and I can’t go over that amount. It works like a charm!