1st Blog Staying with a Budget

Here are some tips to stay within your budget when shopping. First decide how much you can spend.Then make a list of the items you need using lined paper. I recommend starting with the most needed or used items .Start listing them in groups of 4 or 5 at a time leaving a empty line then list the next 4 to 5 until complete. Next go online to check for coupons as well as the stores ad's . Several stores have reward cards where you can load coupons for that store or you can print them. Along with your list and coupons take with you a pen or pencil and a calculator, most cell phones have them on it. If shopping with small children I suggest taking a snack and game or toy to keep them busy, budget shopping usually takes a little longer.



I recommend that you don't go shopping when you are hungry or stressed as you will more than likely purchase unneeded items that will throw you off your budget.When you get to the store pull out your list, calculator, pen or pencil and start from the top as your pick up your items write down the cost. Then if you have paper coupons pull them out and subtract the discount. When you get to your empty line use your calculator and add them together put the number on the empty line. This is how much you have already spent. Continue to do this until you have reached you spending limit.Also a good way to save additional money is to shop the sale or clearance items. On groceries buy the store brand many of these items taste the same and use recyclable bags some store will take money off you bill if they use your bags. Here it is only 5 cents but it's 5 cents in my pocket. Happy Saving.