Let’s face it, budgets are rarely fun. However, throwing shopping into the equation can only help, right? Get ready for some ideas on how to save money while you shop for everything from household essentials to groceries to clothing and more.
Review your overall finances
Before you make any smaller financial decisions, you’ll need to take a realistic look at your overall budget. A “budget” is simply comparing your income to your expenses, then setting spending priorities. You can do this with old-fashioned paper and pen or use an online budget calculator.
Prepare a food budget you’ll stick to
Food budgeting can be tricky, since there are several factors involved. To calculate how much you spend on food every week, be sure to include groceries, take-out, and coffee runs. Once you have that number, you can work on reducing it. Here are some simple guidelines to help:
- Eat out less
- Make coffee at home
- Create a grocery list that has low food waste
- Bring lunch to work
- Buy food seasonally
Stock up
We all need those household essentials like toilet paper, dishwashing soap, and toiletries. However, it can be expensive (and time-consuming) to buy these items in small quantities every week or two. Instead, try shopping online for a sale, then make a bulk purchase.
Get thrifty
Shopping at your local thrift store or consignment shop can put a serious dent in the amount of money you spend on clothing, toys, household items, furniture, and more. Bonus: you will find unique items and be helping to reduce your carbon footprint.
Keep your gifts crafty and creative
Crafts aren’t just for kids. There are many elevated gifts you can make or put together that will impress your recipient! The list is long: fiber crafts (knitting, crochet, cross-stitch), pottery, woodburning, candle-making, perfume-making, paper arts, etc. Check out craft books at your local library or fall into an internet vortex of ideas.😊 Of course, you can also upcycle, repurpose, or thrift your gift!
Creating new patterns of behavior can be challenging, but putting together a plan of action is a great first step. Little changes add up; for instance, making coffee at home a few days a week can save you $50 a month! Try our Savings Calculator to see how small decisions can grow your money.
Finally, don’t forget to check out our no-fee resources, BALANCE and Banzai, for more money-saving tips. Have fun!