Money Mastery

 

I don't have a roundup of crafts for all of you right now. I really haven't managed to get anything completed. I think I just might have hit a brick wall craft wise as the remaining projects are taking much longer than I thought. So I thought I would try something different today.

There are so many ways that a frugal and thrifty person can save money. Yet the main and probably easiest way is controlling our shopping habits. 

This is one reason I try and have no spend days, and only shop every two weeks. If I don't have something I need I will either try a substitution or do without.

Today I am going to go over some of the ways I save when shopping.

1.  I love shopping at my Co-op grocery store. People say the prices are higher, but I find if you shop their sales and are a member getting money back on what you spend for the year, it is pretty much the same as Sobey's here. If you find a store with good prices, and great merchandise do patronize it as often as you can. 

2.  You can save lots of money by purchasing clothes off season. Most retailers are trying to get rid of the items to make room for the new season clothing.

3.  Shift to thrift stores for kids clothing especially. Children outgrow their clothes very quickly. You can get inexpensive children's clothing very inexpensively. You can often find good quality clothing for yourself as well for an excellent price.

4.  Plan just one big supermarket trip. Use a list and unless something is a big markdown do not purchase if it isn't on the list. Shopping a couple of times a week often encourages us to add extras to the cart.

5.  Shop early to miss the crowds and not have to wait in long lines which might tempt you to add one of those magazines or candy bars to the cart. Always eat before you go, never shop hungry.

6.  Decide how much you want to spend before you go. By limiting your spending, you will be less tempted to splurge on non-necessities. 

7.  Add items to the grocery list as you run out and then check to see if they are on sale. This way you won't forget anything.

8.  If you are always shopping the same store organize your list by aisle. Something that can be difficult as many stores are constantly changing things around.

9.  Menu plan using what you have in your fridge, freezer and pantry. Then you only need to add a few ingredients that you do not have any longer, or you may find that you only need things like dairy, fresh fruit and vegetables.

10.  Look high and look low. Groceries tend to place the more expensive items at eye level.

11.  Try out those store brands instead of the name brands. You may just like them more and in many cases they cost much less.

12.  Check the per serving cost. 

13.  Try and cook from scratch more. Processed foods are more expensive and cooking from scratch enables you to make your meals more to your taste.

14.  Make your own spice mixes. The packages are only for one meal and your own spice mixes can be made to handle more than one meal and for at least half the cost.

15.  Grow a garden in season and freeze or can the harvest. If you can't have a garden due to room constraints, perhaps there is a Farmer's Market you can pick things up at a more reasonable cost.

So there are just a few ways to save money on shopping. 

Everybody have a wonderful evening.

God bless.