We are all victims of the paycheck blues. Every two weeks we check our pay stub, get our check in hand or check our bank account - then go shopping. By the end of the weekend, we are stocked up somewhat, but our bank is dry, and again - we hit the blues.
One way to avoid the blues is to reduce or spend better when buying our groceries. Did you know that a family's groceries can be the largest expense outside of rent or a mortgage? On average, if you earn $700 a pay period, you'll spend a 3rd of that, almost $250 on groceries alone.
So how to reduce and rein in your spending? By doing a few simple things regularly you can save yourself a few dollars here, a ten-spot there, and by the end of 3 months, you can have a nice little bundle to use for a treat or to pay off a nagging bill or two.
1 - Buy in bulk. Wherever possible, buy is bulk, buy lots, and store it. One thing that kills a lot of bank accounts is always running out to the store to buy one or two forgotten things. Because you always buy something on impulse at those times. Take Pasta for example - it's used is just about very American household at least 2 times a week, possibly more. If you go for pasta when it's cheap and on sale, and buy a bunch. Dry pasta can be stored for 6 months before spoiling, and that's a long supply to hold if you buy it wisely. Then you don't have to rush out when you have a dinner party and want spaghetti or lasagna - the pasta is there, and buying it in bulk, you can often save between $1 - $3 a box.
2 - Keep a price book with you. As you shop - write down the prices as you pick out your groceries. The next time, compare and smart shop to ensure that you keep at the same pricings that way you stay on your same budget and you can afford to get more for the same money. That always feels good. Also, note down if something you use often is on sale, that way you can keep track of it, and when it hits a sale price again, buy it in bulk and stock up until next time.
The most important thing to do is to commit yourself to maintain the habit. Normally it take about 6 weeks to break a habit or to form a new one. So be consistent, be firm, and keep at it. The longer you do, the more you will save and have to spend on other things. By using the price log book, you can keep track not only of the prices of things, but of your own spending, and stop the impulse buying that forces most of us to live paycheck to paycheck.