Well, we've finally realized that living on one modest income means living with less.
We have big dreams. A list of high-dollar purchases that we will someday make: a proper mattress set (our "box springs" is foam in a wood frame), seating so guests can sit somewhere other than the floor, a bigger TV, etc. etc. So much stuff. It's a good thing we can live without... At least until about a year from now, when we project that our finances might be in a place that we can feel comfortable with ($25 in savings does not make one feel comfortable).
There's now a master plan in place, also known as a budget. I think budgets are no fun, but luckily Jonathan is the head budget honcho, so I can know what's going on without stressing that I'm messing it up. The budget allows us to save, reduce debt, pay all of our bills, and even have a few bucks leftover. It's not as bad as I always thought it would be, and it forces me to be a bit more creative.
Exhibit A: Grocery shopping. Man, can that get expensive. We've always been planners and shopped from a list and all that, but I've never really used coupons or anything. Until recently, when I discovered that Harris Teeter posts all of their weekly specials online. It's amazing. I can plan the week's meals around the specials and we save soooo much money! Last night we spent about $60 for a week's groceries (a bit higher than our goal of $50 max/week), but we also saved $35 in the process. Yep, we got $95 in groceries for $60. The week before, when I didn't plan the menu around the specials with quite as much care, we still saved over $15 on a $45 total. I know I'm nowhere near the level of some savvy shoppers who can get a cart full of groceries for $10 or something, but I'm making an attempt and doing much better than I used to when shopping. I'm on my way.
So that's today's public service announcement in our troubled economy.
Oh, and if you shop at HT and have any need for Pepsi products, they're buy 2 get 3 free. Or just come to our house, because we have enough to last a few months. (Shredded cheese is also BOGO, as are red baron pizzas if you like an occasional meal-from-a-box like we do) ;)
We have big dreams. A list of high-dollar purchases that we will someday make: a proper mattress set (our "box springs" is foam in a wood frame), seating so guests can sit somewhere other than the floor, a bigger TV, etc. etc. So much stuff. It's a good thing we can live without... At least until about a year from now, when we project that our finances might be in a place that we can feel comfortable with ($25 in savings does not make one feel comfortable).
There's now a master plan in place, also known as a budget. I think budgets are no fun, but luckily Jonathan is the head budget honcho, so I can know what's going on without stressing that I'm messing it up. The budget allows us to save, reduce debt, pay all of our bills, and even have a few bucks leftover. It's not as bad as I always thought it would be, and it forces me to be a bit more creative.
Exhibit A: Grocery shopping. Man, can that get expensive. We've always been planners and shopped from a list and all that, but I've never really used coupons or anything. Until recently, when I discovered that Harris Teeter posts all of their weekly specials online. It's amazing. I can plan the week's meals around the specials and we save soooo much money! Last night we spent about $60 for a week's groceries (a bit higher than our goal of $50 max/week), but we also saved $35 in the process. Yep, we got $95 in groceries for $60. The week before, when I didn't plan the menu around the specials with quite as much care, we still saved over $15 on a $45 total. I know I'm nowhere near the level of some savvy shoppers who can get a cart full of groceries for $10 or something, but I'm making an attempt and doing much better than I used to when shopping. I'm on my way.
So that's today's public service announcement in our troubled economy.
Oh, and if you shop at HT and have any need for Pepsi products, they're buy 2 get 3 free. Or just come to our house, because we have enough to last a few months. (Shredded cheese is also BOGO, as are red baron pizzas if you like an occasional meal-from-a-box like we do) ;)
Comments
So glad to hear you've discovered the beauty of "Thrift" shopping. Now... If I can only talk you into haunting ReSale shops for just about everything else in the world. It really does make your heart soar to buy a $400 pair of Italian boots for $5...
I love you.
Glad to see a new post.
XOXOmom