Tuesday, February 19, 2013

Surviving on a Budget

Living on a budget, fixed income, or just trying to save money, there are still ways to do this.  With gas prices all over the board right now and there seems to be no end in sight it will affect everyones bottom line.  You just have to be diligent on how you spend money.  No matter how you try to budget weekly or monthly there is something always coming up. 

We have a garden, and I do can and freeze everything possible from it.  If this is not an option, there are still ways to build a stock pile of food with out breaking your budget.

Don't shop stock up.   Always comb through all the sale fliers and available coupons.   Make detailed lists, know a stores coupon policies and price matching.

Coupon deals in our area are hard to utilize and not what you see on TV big coupon saving shows.  Buy several of the items at a time of things that are on special.  Use coupons where you can.  Price match at stores that allow it and in a few months you will have a nice stock pile.  A nice storage area is not necessary.  Utilize every bit of spare room you have.  Keep it organized and rotate items by expiration dates.  Only buy what you know you will eat or utilize.

In the fall around Thanksgiving and Christmas stores have good deals on canned food, also baking needs. Start paying attention to sale trends each and every month in your area and you soon have an understanding of the best deals.  Bulk buy as much as you can, in the long run it does pay off.  In short know your needs, buy and stock up as cheaply as possible.  Avoid paying full retail price for everything  possible.  After a few months you will have what I refer to as a cushion and if you can't get to a store or need to cut back on your spending you will have our own area to shop in that has already been paid for.

Stick to your shopping plan, have a detailed list, avoid impulse buying, and do not grocery ship when you are tired or hungry. 


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