Budget Buster Series - Part 2

Ok, so it's been a while - but I'm back on my soap box and ready to spew the second part of FHL's four part budget busting series.

Part two consists of "cutting corners" aka - spending less on all of those  "adult-ish expenses" (cable, groceries, utilities).

Let's start with food, because frankly, if you take a real look at your budget it's probably the area that is currently making your wallet explode at the seems. Have you ever really calculated how much your family spends on food on a daily, monthly or weekly basis? If you haven't - try it. You'll be amazed.

Brag-worthily moment: my weekly grocery shopping bill regularly comes to $75.00 or less per week. For those of you who don't know, I'm feeing two people mouths and three doggie mouths, which equates to a decent amount of grub required.....

Before I left my full-time corporate job, I budgeted $150.00 dollars a week for groceries and I ALWAYS spent it. I would mindless throw all kinds of goodies in the cart each week, only to mindlessly toss lots of stuff we didn't eat. Shameful, I know.

So, you ask - how does one avoid letting their weekly shopping trip break the bank?

PLAN YOUR MEALS! SHOP WITH A LIST! BUY STORE BRAND...............AND......

BRING A CALULATOR

 

Look, I know the last part makes people cringe. We've (Ok maybe we all haven't - I HAVE) judged the lady with 20 kids, a massive coupon organizer and calculator in tow but lets get real and realize that this lady it SMART! She doesn't waste money, and neither should you!

 

The calculator is KEY to keeping you on track. Watching that number grow really does something to your psyche (if you don't need it - don't buy it!).

 

The second "cutting corners" tip - haggle like you mean it people! Cable companies, natural-gas providers, etc. are all vying for your business- MAKE THEM WORK FOR IT.

 

Don't ever pay the advertised price for utilities. Call 'em up and tell them you're leaving. They'll get the message and you'll get some extra green in your pocket (disclaimer: this doesn't always work, and you may get someone with an attitude but for pete's sake at least give it a go! Wouldn't you be super peeved if you found out your neighbor was paying less for the exact same cable package? Use that thought as your backbone and have at it).  

 

Lastly,  take a long hard look at all of those other "no fun" monthly expenses. Cell phone bills, car repair bills, etc. Could you switch to a family plan to make that cell phone that much more affordable? Are you taking your car to the dealership for service (unless you drive a maserati I personally think you are just fine taking a visit to the local mechanic).

 

Remember, the less cash you spend on lame-o adult things, the more cash you have to spend on fun things :)

 

If all of my rambling wasn't enough budget busting advice for you, check out some of the help websites below.

 

 http://money.cnn.com/magazines/moneymag/money101/lesson2/index.htm

(this one mentions "spending creep" which is totally a real thing. Ever heard the phrase "the more money you make the more money you spend".....it happens!)

http://www.goodhousekeeping.com/family/budget/cut-grocery-bill-jan05

(this one mentions our good friend the coupon!)

http://momanddadmoney.com/negotiating-your-bills/

(the key to getting want you want - BE NICE! BE PATIENT, neither of which is particularly easy for me)

 

Happy Tuesday!