Can't wait for later in the week - temps in the 60's!!!
Had a blah couple of days. The kids are still sick, and between a $30 copay at the doctor and $70+ in prescriptions, I was a bit bummed. But I already turned in the receipts to hubby's FSA and they turn around the cash pretty quickly.
I'm still riding high from my auto insurance score. But I have to focus on some other things. I did the paperwork to get rid of my mortgage escrow but I won't send it in til later in the month, because my property taxes are due May 1 and I don't want anything screwed up. I also need to take a really good look at our homeowners insurance, because I haven't reviewed it at all in 10 years, and our needs may have changed a bit.
Next line item on the budget is groceries/eating out. Man, there are a ton of places I could cut here! First off, I need to leave the kids home because they add a good $10 to my bill each week. Second, I need to plan around what's on sale, because I never do. There are so many more, I'll have to wait until the next entry to think of the rest.
But I am struggling with one thing: Is it better to be organized (big sticking point for me) and go shopping on the same day/time each week and just buy what you need? Or is it better to only go shopping when you need stuff. I really don't know! I'd love to get in the routine of leaving the kids with hubby, doing my shopping and being done with it, but I also know on the weeks I never made it to the store (because I really didn't need anything and was too lazy) I spent practically nothing. I need to watch that I don't run out last minute for stuff, because that's a budget-buster too. What to do? What to do?
Have a great day!
Spring's around the corner!!
April 4th, 2005 at 10:01 pm
April 5th, 2005 at 04:36 am 1112672213
I think a price book is your best friend in this situation. I keep a price book of several local grocery stores, but with a twist - I often get my prices and loss leaders from the flyers which you can get in the store, in the mail or on their website. If the price is good and its an item that I buy, I note it and write down the date. You really do find out that some items go on sale every 6 weeks or so, and you can plan to pounce from the privacy and safety of your own home. If you become advanced at this, you match your consumption - you run out just when the sale begins.