Below are some tips on helping stick to your budget.
Have A Grocery List
Always have a grocery list ready before you go to the grocery store. This way you prevent “impulse buys” and you know what your spend is going to be.
Include Detailed Product Information
Include the name and size of item on sale , sale price, and coupon value. Many times I have gone into the store and bought the wrong item because I wasn’t sure which item size was on sale. By putting the product info and sale price on your list, you know immediately if you have the right one. No surprises at checkout, or at home!
Calculate Total
At the top of your list calculate and circle your total– this keeps you on track with your budget and you have no surprises. It also helps you see if an item was rung up incorrectly. This has helped many times because I have 2 kids and I get preoccupied with them while checking out. This way I know an approximate total, which helps me see immediately if something has rung up incorrectly. Once it allowed me to take advantage of a store’s “Free” policy when the item rang up wrong, it was a pork tenderloin!
Paper Clip Coupons
This way you have them organized and safely with you on the trip. I have had a few times where I have done all the work only to get to the counter and find that I have lost my coupons somewhere in the store or parking lot… I could have cried!
Have A Cash Envelope
I know it seems silly, but the BEST way to stay on track is to pull cash either each week or monthly. Once the cash out of your “grocery” envelope is gone, no more spending until rebudgeting. You will be amazed at how much more cautious you are with each dollar spent when you can physically see it.
:: Go here to get a Faithful Provisions Grocery Budget Worksheet
