Your tips to stay in Budget?

[shelbylovesmelby]

Just wondering what every one else does to stay within their budget?


* don't shop w/ kids (especially ones that can talk *LOL*)
* don't shop w/ spouses (especially in my case the whole cart would be chips & soda! )
* write a list of what you are in need of, then write a different list based on the amt of $ you have to spend for essentials & keep the other list for when you have more $
* SHOP ALDI's!
* Look for markdowns @ the regular grocery store (I've been finding processed meats like sausage & lunch meats @ my Jewel store for 75% off when it's within a week of exp... still freezable! Too bad they are going out of business here )
*Grow a garden & can or freeze any extras OR trade produce between neighbors & family.
*If all possible buy generic & only onsale!
*Coupons (doubled if your fortunate to have a store that will do that!)

[fairy74]

Re: Your tips to stay in Budget?

take a list stick to it, get all fruits and vegetables at the farmers market, shop 99 cent superstore for condiments, canned goods, etc., shop at the cheaper stores (i.e. Food Co), don't buy toiletries at the grocery store (they can be found cheaper at the drugstore or beauty supply), coupons, rebates, stay away from prepared foods as much as possible, utilize the bakery outlet stores, buy crusts for pizza and make your own, know how much things cost (I don't use a price book but have a good general idea), shop along the outer perimeter of the store, eat before you go

[fairy74]

Re: Your tips to stay in Budget?

another biggie for me is to stay away from stores that have a coffee bar as I can always convince myself I "deserve" a latte. Also I try to shop off peak times as more stuff ends up in my basket when the store is packed, me trying to get out of the store faster results in icky impulse buys.

[LuxLiving]

Re: Your tips to stay in Budget?

Menu plan and then shop the shelves at home so I don't duplicate purchase things I've already got.

Try to make similar things during the same week....
Ex. Mexican Themed Week, Italian Food Week, etc.
...since similar meals have similar ingredients and can really cut buying waste down.


For hungry guys - Think inexpensive FILLERS - Pasta, Rice, Beans.

[techgirlable]

another biggie for me is to stay away from stores that have a coffee bar as I can always convince myself I "deserve" a latte. Also I try to shop off peak times as more stuff ends up in my basket when the store is packed, me trying to get out of the store faster results in icky impulse buys.

Oh my gosh, I think we might be twins. I ALWAYS buy more than I need in a busy store (which is why I just cancelled my costco membership), and anywhere with a starbucks is a black hole for my money.

My biggest hint is to be realistic. I go in with these great ideas about all the fabulous food I am going to cook, but with a full time job, 3 animals and an 8 month old to care for, I rarely find the time. I am realizing that the biggest thing I can do to save money is just to be realistic about what I will and wont use. Its been a little depressing, but I just have to tell myself that once my daughter's a bit older I can get back into meal planning/ cooking. For now its steam veggies and pizza!