Easy Grocery Budget that Works!

Deprecated: Creation of dynamic property SWP_Buttons_Panel::$networks is deprecated in /home4/watchfu4/public_html/wp-content/plugins/social-warfare/lib/buttons-panel/SWP_Buttons_Panel.php on line 208

Deprecated: Creation of dynamic property SWP_Buttons_Panel::$is_shortcode is deprecated in /home4/watchfu4/public_html/wp-content/plugins/social-warfare/lib/buttons-panel/SWP_Buttons_Panel.php on line 211

Deprecated: Creation of dynamic property SWP_Buttons_Panel::$post_data is deprecated in /home4/watchfu4/public_html/wp-content/plugins/social-warfare/lib/buttons-panel/SWP_Buttons_Panel.php on line 324

Deprecated: Using ${var} in strings is deprecated, use {$var} instead in /home4/watchfu4/public_html/wp-content/plugins/social-warfare/lib/utilities/SWP_Post_Cache.php on line 816

Deprecated: Creation of dynamic property SWP_Post_Cache::$post_id is deprecated in /home4/watchfu4/public_html/wp-content/plugins/social-warfare/lib/utilities/SWP_Post_Cache.php on line 94

Deprecated: Creation of dynamic property SWP_Post_Cache::$share_counts is deprecated in /home4/watchfu4/public_html/wp-content/plugins/social-warfare/lib/utilities/SWP_Post_Cache.php on line 937

Deprecated: Creation of dynamic property SWP_Buttons_Panel::$shares is deprecated in /home4/watchfu4/public_html/wp-content/plugins/social-warfare/lib/buttons-panel/SWP_Buttons_Panel.php on line 365

Deprecated: Creation of dynamic property SWP_Buttons_Panel::$permalink is deprecated in /home4/watchfu4/public_html/wp-content/plugins/social-warfare/lib/buttons-panel/SWP_Buttons_Panel.php on line 518

Deprecated: Creation of dynamic property SWP_Buttons_Panel::$classes is deprecated in /home4/watchfu4/public_html/wp-content/plugins/social-warfare/lib/buttons-panel/SWP_Buttons_Panel_Trait.php on line 879

Deprecated: Creation of dynamic property SWP_Buttons_Panel::$attributes is deprecated in /home4/watchfu4/public_html/wp-content/plugins/social-warfare/lib/buttons-panel/SWP_Buttons_Panel_Trait.php on line 859

Deprecated: Creation of dynamic property SWP_Facebook::$html is deprecated in /home4/watchfu4/public_html/wp-content/plugins/social-warfare/lib/social-networks/SWP_Social_Network.php on line 394

Deprecated: Creation of dynamic property SWP_Twitter::$html is deprecated in /home4/watchfu4/public_html/wp-content/plugins/social-warfare/lib/social-networks/SWP_Social_Network.php on line 394

Deprecated: Creation of dynamic property SWP_Pinterest::$html is deprecated in /home4/watchfu4/public_html/wp-content/plugins/social-warfare/lib/social-networks/SWP_Pinterest.php on line 281

Deprecated: Creation of dynamic property SWP_Linkedin::$html is deprecated in /home4/watchfu4/public_html/wp-content/plugins/social-warfare/lib/social-networks/SWP_Social_Network.php on line 394

Deprecated: Creation of dynamic property SWP_Buttons_Panel::$inner_html is deprecated in /home4/watchfu4/public_html/wp-content/plugins/social-warfare/lib/buttons-panel/SWP_Buttons_Panel_Trait.php on line 838

How much do you spend on your groceries every month? Do you spend more than you should and then regret it later that maybe you shouldn’t have bought some of the things you did? Do you want a better way to manage your grocery spending and get it under control?

When you shop, do you ever pay attention to how much you are spending as you pick up your items? Do you coupon? Do you look for deals before you shop?

There are many good ideas when you are shopping for groceries if you want to get the best deal and save money.

But how do you save money when shopping for groceries? It all starts with setting up a budget. Don’t be scared off by that. Budgets are good. They keep us inline and allow us to focus on what we really need.

So, how do you start a budget?

Setting up a Budget

The first thing to do is to set an amount that you can spend. Set it up by month or by week. I like setting it up by the week. I feel it gives me more control over my budget.

To figure out how much to budget, see what you have spent the last 30 days. You can do this by looking at your last credit card statement(s) and identifying your grocery expenses. If you paid cash, do you have receipts or happen to know how much you spent over the past 30 days? If not, you’ll have to track your grocery spending over the next month and keep all of your receipts so you can add them up at the end of 30 days.

Most of us like to eat out (or order in) and I recommend adding this to your budget too. Track your spending over the next 30 days.

Once you know how much you’ve spent over the past 30 days, see how you feel about this amount. Are you happy with it? If you’re not happy with it which I’m sure many of you aren’t, take 10 – 20% off that amount and set that as your budget amount. You don’t want to do anything too drastic of a change or you’ll get discouraged and give up. If you spent $1000 last month on groceries and you look to cut it to $400, chances are you won’t be able to do it and you’ll give up.

And I don’t want you giving up. You’re here because you want help and I want you to succeed in this.

Take Action

Now, you have your budget amount for groceries (and dining out if you need it). This is what you can spend going forward. Try this amount over the next few months and see what your results are. If you are spending less than what you budgeted, you can go lower if you’re comfortable. But if you’ve gone over each month, you may want to consider upping it. Read this post to make sure you are getting the biggest savings you can.

Keep Track

To keep track of your spending, either track it on a spreadsheet, use a Word or Google document, or just grab a paper and a pencil. Just don’t forget to keep track of your grocery spending over the next few months to see how much you’re spending.

Plan Your Shopping Lists

The next thing to do is to go shopping. Keep in mind where you want to shop that given week. If there are 5 stores you like to visit, take a look at each of their fliers (or circulars) and plan out your shopping lists. If you can, mark down the price for each item on your shopping lists. This way you have a rough idea what you will spend.

Go Shopping

When you’re done with your shopping lists, make sure you take them with you when you visit the stores and stick to your list. Take a calculator with you too (or use the one on your smartphone) and keep a tally of everything you are putting in your cart. Know how much you can spend at each store and if you go over, take some things out of your cart if you can.

Log Your Spending

And don’t forget to log your spending in your budget sheet. This is very important. Don’t let any receipts be forgotten as doing this won’t be a true measure of what you are spending each month.

How I Budget

Like I mentioned before, I like to do my budget once a week. It allows me to see how much I’m spending throughout the week and I can then adjust my spending as needed. I budget $150/week for groceries (for 4 people) and $50/week for eating out.

Set up your budget amount. Decide what stores you want to shop at. Make a grocery list. Go shopping and stick to your list. Use a calculator so you don’t overspend. Log your receipts on your budget sheet.

Doing these steps is the best way I have found to stay on a budget. Try your best to stay under your budget. It is a great feeling when you accomplish something. I’m cheering for you!