I have to admit, I am a terrible shopper! I don’t always pay attention to prices, I impulse buy, and I usually have to run back to the store a few days later because I forgot something. I’ve never really made a New Years resolution, but after my second trip to the grocery store this week I’ve decided to make one this year. I’m actually going to stick to a budget!

We have a budget and have revamped it a few times over the years. The only problem is that we go over the weekly budget at least 2 weeks a month. After doing some research for tips on sticking to a budget, I’ve realized that I’m spending way too much on groceries each week!

I clip coupons, but really don’t use them. I feel like I spend more when using coupons because I’m just buying things because I am getting 20 cents off. Serious coupon clipping is a part time job and is not worth it for me personally, so I’ve set out to find ways to save money the easiest way possible. This is going to be a work in progress and I plan on writing follow up posts as the weeks go by {mainly to keep me on track!}

I found a great blog The Fun, Cheap, or Free Queen. She has mapped out how she grocery shops and I’ve gotten many practical ideas {this is my new favorite blog…aside from this one of course!}

Here’s my list of things to do before I actually start shopping.

1. The Budget - It’s time to reevaluate our budget! The national average for groceries is approximately $100 per household member per month… ugh! This was my red flag. There are 3 {4 this June} of us and I’ve been spending at least double. I’ve got some big changes up ahead of me!
2. Get a Credit Card - My husband is not going to like this one! We’ve worked very hard for the last 5 years to eliminate our debt which included getting rid of all credit cards. We currently have one just for emergencies, but it doesn’t have any rewards that a lot of companies are offering these days. The only thing is that it MUST be paid off each month. This helps to not go on a shopping spree each month, maxing it out. Lots of discipline needs to go into using a credit card.
3. Use The Wednesday Adds - We get the local paper and I breeze through the local grocery store adds, but never stop to compare. I don’t want to spend my time running from store to store to get the best deal, however Walmart will price adjust from any store, usually without showing the add. I’ve know this, but have never taken advantage of it. The only issue I have with grocery shopping in Walmart is the fact that I can pretty much get everything there. Most times I brows through the kitchen section and make my way through the craft section and see things that {of course} I need to have! Like using a credit card, this takes discipline, which leads me to my number 4:
4. Put On The Blinders - Make a list and stick to it!! I keep a magnetic pad of paper on my refrigerator and write down things as they run low or out. This way, I won’t have to rack my brain when I sit down to make a final list.
5. Use a Big Box Store - I have a secret love for Costco. I never had a membership, but my sister did. We haven’t lived in the same state for over 7 years, but I try to take advantage of shopping there every time I went to visit. Dog food, diapers, wipes, batteries, or just a huge bag of snacks would always be on my list. Unfortunately, we live in a small town and Costco and Sam’s Club are both an hour away. I know that’s doable and I’ve used having a toddler as an excuse. But the more I think about it, making this trip only once a month would be fine. Plus if I go an hour North, I can bring my son to a great children’s museum and if I go an hour East, we’ll be closer to my husband’s work and can meet him for lunch! {Sorry, I know this doesn’t help you one bit! But writing this down helps me decide that it would be worth it }
6. Shop With a Calculator - This is great to compare unit prices and get the best value.

Do you have any tricks to sticking to a budget?

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