Positively Challenged by my Budget

Your what?

Yes, my BUDGET.

My husband put me on a budget, $250/week for groceries, food & entertainment. When he first asked me, I thought that was way too much money. I was thinking that my weekly groceries were about $100-$125. I was thinking that I was going to be able to save and buy things FOR ME.

It’s been about 4-5 weeks now and it’s going well but I don’t have a savings YET. The first week was a stretch, mostly because we have a couple dogs and they *both* needed food which was $100 for 2 big bags.

I’ve learned a lot in these past 4-5 weeks. You should really try it. You realize the other expenses that you have: school lunch money for the 2 boys, dry cleaning, EATING OUT, random purchases at Target, Walmart and all the other stores, dog food, birthday gifts for kids’ friend’s party, extra school party stuff, band tee shirt, science club tee shirt, yearbook, etc.

These expenses add up quickly!

Here are some random things I learned:

• Plan your meals. I wasn’t so quick to stop & eat somewhere. I was more planned with meals. Even Subway for 4 is a minimum of $20.

• Be mindful about purchases. (Can I wait until next week? Do we really NEED this NOW?) It was especially hard when items were on sale at the market but I thought about it again. (Yes, it’s a sale but do we NEED it NOW?…it’ll be on sale again)

• Find a coupon. (Coupon Cabin, Slick Deals) Sports Authority, Staples, Office Depot, Bed Bath & Beyond, stores like this, they always have coupons. Don’t buy things without a coupon at these stores!

• It really is ok to say no to your kids. How many times are you at the store and your kids want something (EVERY TIME!!) It discouraged me when I found these items on the floor, so guess what? Even though the kids look like they REALLY want it, it’s temporary. Believe me, they forget about it in a second!

You really should try this. You may (and may not) be surprised at its result.  Let me know some of your lessons, websites with deals and *tricks*. Share!!!