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Grocery Shopping on a Budget

March 9, 2011 By Leave a Comment

Sometimes it is difficult to stick to a budget. However there are things you can do to help you stick to your grocery budget and still have healthy, good tasting meals. The most common way of saving money on groceries is using coupons. The money you will save can definitely make the time it takes to clip coupons worth it in the end.

Another way to save time and money is to make a menu. Make a menu for the amount of time between shopping trips. Planning a menu will help you keep focused on buying foods for specific meals. This also ensures that you have the necessary items on hand for your meals, thereby saving money by avoiding additional trips to the store or re-purchasing items you already have.

Now you need to make a shopping list. It is helpful to start by making two lists. The first list is where you will write down all of the ingredients needed to make the meals in your menu. Your second list will be your actual grocery shopping list. On this list you be listing only items you need. Separate your list into categories to streamline your shopping experience. For example you may have categories such as dairy, fruits, vegetables, meats, etc.

Take a quick inventory of the foods you already have on hand and cross those off of your ingredients list. Put the remaining ingredients on your shopping list. Now put a mark next to the items that you have coupons for. It may be helpful to make note of the specific brand that the coupon is for.

This method is guaranteed to save you time and money on your next grocery shopping trip.

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Leading by Example

February 25, 2011 By Leave a Comment

One of the most important responsibilities that parents have to their children is teaching them how to manage their money. While there are dozens of different ways to teach children how to manage their money the best way to teach them about money and budgeting is to actually become a leading example of budgeting and handling money properly. However, many parents believe that just because the economy is down and they don’t have a lot of money to show their children how to budget that this can prevent them from teaching their children how to properly budget their money. Luckily, there are many ways that parents can show their children how to budget and save money without having to have a lot of money.

Couponing. Couponing is a great way to show children how to save money as well as how to make it easier to afford an essential like food without having to break the bank. Parents can get their children involved in couponing by allowing them to cut out the coupons and even allowing them to shop at their favorite stores with coupons for their favorite items.

Refinancing. Refinancing is a great way for parents to save money. If your child is older you can explain to them the concepts behind a car refinance option, a mortgage refinancing and other loan types. The younger a child is when he or she learns about refinancing the better chances they have of learning to budget and utilize the resources that they have when they get older.

Shopping the Ads. Shopping around for the best deals can be a great way to save money and teach children about budgeting. Multiple stores offer different values and by just taking a few minutes to preplan a shopping trip you can save money.

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Living on Less Part 2

February 25, 2011 By Leave a Comment

You have made the decision to start living on less and enjoying your life. You have taken the first step by finding ways to stretch your grocery budget and have begun a healthier lifestyle. Now it is time to look at some more ideas for learning to live on less.

You need to reduce your overall cost of living. You may be in a situation where you can take advantage of situations in which you can help others while helping yourself. There are several ways you can have a home to live in without paying rent. You may find a situation where there is a need for a live-in helper for an elderly person. This gives you a home without rent and gives them the help and companionship they are in need of. You could help with renovations on a home in exchange for a place to stay. It may be possible to find living accommodations by becoming a caretaker.

While saving money on rent, put whatever money aside that you can so that you can eventually purchase a home of your own. If you can put enough money aside, you may even be able to buy something without getting a mortgage, which will save you even more money in the long run.

Once you have put money aside and you are ready to find a place of your own there will be some more things you can do to save money. Do not just rely on realtor ads for finding your property or home. You can also watch the local newspaper for homes or properties being sold by individuals. Watch for vacant lots or buildings and find the owner and ask if the property is for sale. You may be surprised to find they are willing to sell and it may even be less than you thought. Keep an eye out for foreclosure properties.

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Creating the Perfect Budget for a Spectacular Wedding

February 22, 2011 By Leave a Comment

The decision to get engaged and possibly spend a lifetime together is a grateful time. It can take a while to set in to the reality that this wedding is going to be expensive. There are so many details and the process is a little more complicated than when you selected your wedding rings from engagement.jrdunn.com or any other company. The average wedding costs around $25,000, and you can’t always expect the bride’s family to pay the whole cost anymore. Several payment arrangements may have been considered, but it is the planning and coordinating of all the things that go into the wedding that are most important.

You might consider the ceremony the most essential part of the wedding, however, it only approximates to two percent of the budget of most weddings. The reception is what will cost the most, as the food and beverages, cake, rental fees, and compensation for the waitstaff and bartenders can total nearly half the total budget of the wedding. Rings, gifts, and even transportation are small fractions, and together total less than 10 percent of the budget. Gifts for all the wedding party can still approach $1,000, while the important photographs and video, accounting for 12 percent of the wedding budget, can cost thousands.

Simple elements like flowers add charm, but together with the overall decor, can account for up to nine percent of your wedding costs, which amounts to over a couple of thousand dollars. The same goes for entertainment such as musicians, DJs, or sound equipment rentals. If this seems like a lot, you also have to consider the basics like invitations, thank you cards, and place cards for tables, which can cost well over a thousand dollars total. Together with the gowns and other clothing and marriage license, etc., the cost of a wedding requires creating a budget that fits you and your family’s lifestyle.

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Living on Less Part 1

February 18, 2011 By Leave a Comment

We have all heard the old adage “live within your means.” But, do you know what it actually means to live within your means? It simply means that you need to learn to live on less. Living on less does not necessarily mean going without or living like hermits. It means being wise with your money. Learn to save money where you can, cut out unnecessary expenses, and stop buying things on credit. If you don’t have the money for it… don’t buy it!

It is possible to live on less and be healthy and happy. How, you might ask; through simple every day decisions that can save you a lot of money in the long run, thus allowing you to live better on a tighter budget. In this recession people have had to get creative to learn to live on less than they are used to. Maybe it is time for you to learn how to live well within your income bracket and find some extra money to put aside for those difficult times.

Start by streamlining your eating and grocery buying process. Stop eating out and buying prepackaged meals. Instead buy raw ingredients and start cooking again. Buy grocery items in bulk, maybe you can even find someone to share with to cut costs even more. Whenever possible buy your foods directly from the farmer. This avoids the middleman, which in turn keeps money in your own pocket. Eat fruits and vegetables that are in season, which is when they are the cheapest (and freshest). You can even stock up and freeze or preserve foods for later. Use up all of your food. Keep track of the foods that are in your refrigerator and use them. Do not let things spoil. Do not over-indulge. These suggestions are all not only good for your wallet; they are good for your waistline and overall health!

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Estimating Income Taxes Before They’re Due

January 1, 2011 By Leave a Comment

When someone asks you how much money you are expecting back from your tax refund, do you have an answer to give them? Do you have to simply shrug because you have no idea what to expect? There is no reason for you to be living in the dark when it comes to your tax refund. Instead, what you can do is take some basic steps to find out approximately what kind of refund you can be expecting. A little bit of planning can really open up your opportunities by telling you what to expect and exactly how to go about filing your taxes for the best possible refund.

A free tax calculator will be able to estimate what your income taxes are going to be. There are numerous benefits here, including the ability to plan out exactly how you are going to spend the tax refund that you are expecting. Keep in mind that a free tax calculator is beneficial all the time, whether you want to understand the taxes being taken out of your paycheck or get an estimate of how much you are going to owe or receive in the form of taxes right at the end of the year. A few small pieces of information can give a tax calculator the information that it needs to give you a real answer. There is no reason for you to live without knowing how much you can expect to receive in your tax refund, not considering how simple these tools are to use.

If you are looking forward to your tax refund and want to know how much money you can be expecting, then it would be beneficial for you to look to a free tax calculator for advice and information. This type of tool is free to use and yet it gives you a wealth of important information about the expected tax refund so you can begin planning how you will celebrate.

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Dating on a Dime

December 31, 2010 By Leave a Comment

Even though money may be tight, you do not have to forgo a social life. Entertaining, going out and even special date nights can still be possible on a very limited budget. Some of the most fun things you can plan do not cost anything, and there are many ways to save when you are planning outings and events. Whether you want a family outing, date night with your spouse or a special evening out with that special someone, you can have a blast without blasting a hole in your wallet.

Family-friendly fun does not have to mean expensive amusement or water parks. In the summer months, look for nearby parks and camping spots. You can go hiking or biking along trails, which is also a great way to get the entire family active. Planning day trips like this will not only keep your kids from “vegging out” in front of the television, it will also instill in them a love of the outdoors and physical activity. Starting them out young encourages a lifelong habit of thrifty and healthy activity.

Instead of paying for a sitter so you can enjoy a night to yourselves, try swapping nights with another couple. Not only will you get to save money on child care, but the kids can enjoy having a play date together. If you are still dating, there are other ways you can save money and still have a good time. Ask your friend out to lunch and a matinee, rather than dinner and a movie. Schedule an activity date, take a long walk and window shop or just go for a drive in the country. You can plan to stop for a picnic with just a little planning ahead, giving you a romantic and inexpensive date that you will always remember.

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Cut Your Grocery Bill

December 21, 2010 By Leave a Comment

One of the easiest places to start saving money is in your weekly grocery shopping. There are several ways that you can start cutting back on the amount of money you spend at the market without feeling the pinch. The first place to begin is with some simple meal planning. Make charting out your meals for the week on a calendar part of your routine. Once you have your meals planned, its easier to make your shopping list and keep it to only what you really need. Also keep a list in your kitchen where you jot down staples that are running low.

Now that you have your shopping list put together, compare it to the sale flyers from your local grocery stores. Be sure to clip any coupons you can use, but don’t purchase an item just because you have a coupon. Spending less on an item you don’t need and won’t use is not really saving you any money. Spend a few moments deciding if you can save enough money by visiting more than one store, or if it will be more cost effective to simply choose the store with the best overall deals. Another great tip is to start by looking over sale flyers, and then planning meals based on those. If nothing else, this strategy may help you provide more variety in your meals and keep you from relying on the same old spaghetti or meatloaf for dinner.

Finally, sign up for a shopping club membership and purchase your staples in bulk. Only go for those items that you really use, and use a lot. You can probably find great deals on paper products, canned goods, frozen, pre-prepared items, pastas and rice. To keep from getting bored, make sure you have a well-stocked spice and seasoning cabinet. Changing a marinade or adding a cultural flair to ordinary chicken can make all the difference.

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How to Make a Household Budget

December 19, 2010 By Leave a Comment

One of the largest areas where our public school system is lacking in American education is within practical personal finance areas. Many of our youth graduate from high school not knowing how to balance a checkbook, prepare a budget, or compare auto insurance policies. Because of that deficiency, too many young adults find themselves in financial trouble, even though they may be earning enough to provide themselves with a solid living. Learning how to create and live by a household budget will reduce stress and ensure a healthy financial future.

The first step to creating a budget is to determine your fixed monthly payments for things like rent, utilities and car or student loan payments. If your utility services offer fixed monthly billing, sign up; that will make it much easier for you to budget your monthly expenses. Next, calculate how much you spend for things like gasoline, groceries, car insurance and personal toiletries. Finally, calculate a reasonable percentage of your monthly income to set aside for savings. If your employer does not offer a 401k or other retirement savings plan, try to set aside between 3 and 10% of your monthly pre-tax income.

Now that you have a total of expenses, compare this number to your monthly income, after taxes. If there is a shortfall, you will need to make adjustments to your spending habits. You may be able to cut back on cellular or cable television services, look for discounts on car insurance, or consolidate student loan debt. If you are carrying any credit card debt, make sure to plan on paying the balances off as soon as possible. It will save you more money in the long run to eliminate this debt than to pay interest on it while saving 3% per month. If you have a surplus of cash after all of your expenses, consider upping your savings, or paying extra on your loans. That additional payment will save you interest.

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