Cheater, Cheater, Pumpkin Eater!

 

Have you ever wondered if we ever completely blow it?   Do we ever go hog wild?  Are we always disciplined about our budget?  Well, the answer is yes and no.

Yes, I sometimes end up spending more at one store than I meant to spend.  For instance this week, we spent more at HG Hills than I had expected. We just "had to have" those clearance Pop-Tarts and one more package of pork chops.  However, I balanced that by cutting back my spending at Publix.  Out went the Jose Ole Tacos and a  bottle of Shout stain remover.

Yes, for special occassions, we splurge on special foods.  This week, we spent $17 (purchased at $3.59/lb Manager's Special) on five luscious T-bone steaks to celebrate my sons 13th birthday.  And no, I didn't take that money out of the food budget.  We typically budget that extra spending as part of the special occassion.  For instance, we set aside money every month all year for Christmas.  Our prime rib for Christmas dinner is part of that budget.

We've been using a cash budget for our food for over 13 years now.  The bottom line is, we've had a lot of practice.  With practice, comes proficiency. In fact, shopping within the parameters of the budget is just second nature now.

Here are a few key factors that help us stay on track (remember, it's taken us a decade of trial and error to get here):

1. You and your spouse need to be in agreement.  If my husband keeps blowing the budget, then we'll never stay on track.
2. You need to be considerate of the little things that are a priority to your spouse.  For years my husband said, "anything but the Pepsi."  If you want your spouse to be on board, you can't ignore their feelings and opinions.
3. Make room for the special stuff.  Don't lie to yourself when you budget.  If you know you're going to buy steaks once a quarter, figure out a way to fit it in your budget.  (Even if you have to take it out of a special events budget, like we do.)
4. Prioritize the items on your shopping list.  I'm always prepared to take things off my list if the budget is tight.  I prioritize the things we are running low on, and the things with the greatest nutritional value.  Apples come before chips, unless we are overloaded with fruit but out of salty snacks.
5. Don't be afraid to spend less than you've budgeted some weeks, in order to have a little extra some other week.  I think the biggest key to extreme savings is saving your money until the truly exceptional price rolls around.
6. Budget enough money.  Again, don't lie to yourself about your budget.  If you know you always go $10 over your budget, maybe your budget needs to be $10 bigger.  What good does it do you to have a budget that looks good on paper, but doesn't work?
7. Be accountable.  Posting my weekly spending for the world to see is great accountability.  Find a friend to share your triumphs and failures with on a regular basis.  Or, join the blogging community and share your budget with a wider audience!