New Years Resolution #1 - Keeping a Budget

Here it goes with the listing of a typical New Years Resolution. I have taken on the task of sticking to a budget for my own sanity. Having worked 3 jobs at one time made me realize that if I stick to a strict budget and watch what I spend, I could work one job and enjoy my life more. The lightbulb has finally switched on!

      One gift I received for Christmas is “100 Meals for $5 or Less”. Once I started reading this book, it pushed me in the right direction to smart shopping and saving time. Maybe some people are already savvy when it comes to saving time and money at the grocery store. I need a lot of help when it comes to the weekly “milk, eggs and bread” purchases. 

        A few points that I have taken to heart from the book are:

1. Have a plan. Look and see what you have first in your cabinets and fridge and make a list. Then make a list of what you actually need at the store for recipes. Use everything that you have already to save money for your budget. Easy as pie.

1. Have a list. Typically, I would go in a store and just buy food at random and include it in my grocery budget. Many times, I did not even need these items and had no real use for them because I had no recipes to base them off of. Since reading this book, I have taken time to sit down and make a list of items I only need and have plans for. I have already noticed a big decrease in my grocery bill already.

1. Never shop hungry. This already may be known by most but every once in while due to our crazy schedules, we shop on an empty stomach.  I have done this too many times and when combined with my sweet tooth, I have ended up with more junk food one girl should consume.  So, my suggestions is bring a bottle of water with you or just purchase one as soon as you walk in. This is will suppress a soon-to-be raging appetite. 

 My owner pointer:

1. Organize your receipt for your budget when checking out. This is all done by how place your items on the conveyer belt. For my budget, I have a groceries budget, an apartment supplies budget, and one for my cats. I have simply put everything by category so when I am at home adding the totals, it is very easy to organize and figure out. It really saves time in the end. You can even highlight the categories, too, if you are more visual for categories. 

And there we go. This is one resolution in the works. I will try and keep you posted on my progress.