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 World 4D Champ
Posts: 28264
    
Location: PA | I have a two part system. I have an excel spreadsheet that I love! I have different tabs for different things...for instance, i have a budget tab, espense breakdown tab (where i write down every expense for the month, so i can see what we are spending), a monthly bills tab (they are in order of due date....i put which paycheck they are coming out of, and when I pay them, i put PD), etc.
I also have a Steno Pad where I write down each paycheck, and what bill is coming out of that pay...and I do this months in advance. So right now I have through May done.
I do keep a checkbook register so i know exactly what we have in our account at all times. My husband has been laid off quite a bit over the last few years, and this is the only way we've made it through. I know where every penny goes, and where we can cut when need be. Plus, I know exactly how much we have to spend unil next pay. It works for me! | |
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Elite Veteran
Posts: 629
| want2chase3 - 2016-03-08 4:58 PM
Speaking on groceries, how often do ya'll shop?.and how much do you buy.. a weeks worth 2 weeks, a month? I think that's probably my biggest expense, a family of 7. I feel like I run to town almost every other day to grab something from the store... I have a hard time figuring out a weeks worth of suppers sometimes.
I do a big grocery trip once/month and that works for me, because I get paid once/month. I buy the big things. Meat, toiletries, and whatever we need at the time, canned/frozen veggies, etc. Then every Sunday I go and refill things that can't be frozen and bought in larger quantities, like milk and eggs.
I absolutely DESPISED going to the grocery store every other day. It was cutting into what little riding time I had, especially during the months where it gets dark early. So, I put a stop to that and started meal planning. I may not stick to cooking exactly what i anticipated making for that night, but at least when I meal plan, I know I have food in the house to cook SOMETHING. And I always make sure to have a few frozen pizzas, or the ingredients for breakfast for dinner, so that I can throw something together if something comes up and I can't make what I originally planned. | |
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 Money Eating Baggage Owner
Posts: 9586
Location: Phoenix | Esther - 2016-03-09 7:36 AM
If anyone would share their excel, I would appreciate it! I write it down in my register but I like for my husband to be able to see what we have since he doesn't "do the money". I have been keeping a calendar out on the kitchen bar with every bill written down for the date, and a register sheet but the register keeps getting lost or the kids color it. I think the excel sheet would be easier to keep track of instead of writing it down over and over.
PM me and I'll share mine!! | |
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 Warrior Mom
Posts: 4400
| OutlawsLastDance - 2016-03-09 10:51 AM
want2chase3 - 2016-03-08 4:58 PM
Speaking on groceries, how often do ya'll shop?.and how much do you buy.. a weeks worth 2 weeks, a month? I think that's probably my biggest expense, a family of 7. I feel like I run to town almost every other day to grab something from the store... I have a hard time figuring out a weeks worth of suppers sometimes.
I do a big grocery trip once/month and that works for me, because I get paid once/month. I buy the big things. Meat, toiletries, and whatever we need at the time, canned/frozen veggies, etc. Then every Sunday I go and refill things that can't be frozen and bought in larger quantities, like milk and eggs.
I absolutely DESPISED going to the grocery store every other day. It was cutting into what little riding time I had, especially during the months where it gets dark early. So, I put a stop to that and started meal planning. I may not stick to cooking exactly what i anticipated making for that night, but at least when I meal plan, I know I have food in the house to cook SOMETHING. And I always make sure to have a few frozen pizzas, or the ingredients for breakfast for dinner, so that I can throw something together if something comes up and I can't make what I originally planned.
I too hate going to the grocery store a few times a week. Especially since it's about a 45 min drive one way. I've just got to sit down and meal plan at the beginning of the week. I can handle going once a week, if I can plan it right! Sunday afternoon would be ideal. I just feel like everyone gets sick of eating the same meals week after week! | |
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Money Eating Baggage Owner
Posts: 9586
Location: Phoenix | Another thing that helps me is putting the bills in my phone calendar, recurring monthly. On Payday, I run through each day and see what bills need to be paid this pay period. Once paid, I delete them from my calendar. On my budget spreadsheet, I look at the bills and plan them out at least a month in advance. That way, I can tinker around and if there's extra money on one paycheck and we're cutting it close on another, I can pay a bill in advance and even it out. I also cut up any bill over $200 into 2 payments. Half with one check, the other half in another 2 weeks. | |
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Elite Veteran
Posts: 672
| want2chase3 - 2016-03-09 11:28 AM
OutlawsLastDance - 2016-03-09 10:51 AM
want2chase3 - 2016-03-08 4:58 PM
Speaking on groceries, how often do ya'll shop?.and how much do you buy.. a weeks worth 2 weeks, a month? I think that's probably my biggest expense, a family of 7. I feel like I run to town almost every other day to grab something from the store... I have a hard time figuring out a weeks worth of suppers sometimes.
I do a big grocery trip once/month and that works for me, because I get paid once/month. I buy the big things. Meat, toiletries, and whatever we need at the time, canned/frozen veggies, etc. Then every Sunday I go and refill things that can't be frozen and bought in larger quantities, like milk and eggs.
I absolutely DESPISED going to the grocery store every other day. It was cutting into what little riding time I had, especially during the months where it gets dark early. So, I put a stop to that and started meal planning. I may not stick to cooking exactly what i anticipated making for that night, but at least when I meal plan, I know I have food in the house to cook SOMETHING. And I always make sure to have a few frozen pizzas, or the ingredients for breakfast for dinner, so that I can throw something together if something comes up and I can't make what I originally planned.
I too hate going to the grocery store a few times a week. Especially since it's about a 45 min drive one way. I've just got to sit down and meal plan at the beginning of the week. I can handle going once a week, if I can plan it right! Sunday afternoon would be ideal. I just feel like everyone gets sick of eating the same meals week after week!
Our good grocery store is 1/2hr away so I only go once every 2 weeks. I meal plan for 14 days. It's a big haul but it saves $$ because I can always find more to buy when I make a "quick stop" for milk or something. :) | |
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 Take a Picture
Posts: 12841
| These are simple ways to save and manage your money.
!. Make a list before you go to the grocery store. I live in the country and do not go to the store unless I have multiple items that I need. I make a list fr a grocery store from their add on the internet and go by that list.
2. Don't eat out everyday, either take a sandwich or one of those frozen entrees. That alone will save you at least $3 a day. I take sandwich materials to barrel races so I do not have to buy at the concession stand. My trainer gave me a Yeti cooler because I always have an ice chest. If we go out of town for the weekend or entire week I have food for the whole week for every meal.
3. I don't buy horse equipment, jeans or school clothes (I am a a teacher) unless they are on sale and you have a definite need.
4. Don't go to town unless you have at least three places you have to stop.
5. Use the gas buddy app to find the cheapest gas. if the place is way across town find a closer place.
Pay your bills that are regular like a car payment or rent, house payment first. Food should be about 13% of your net income. You can figure that out and divide it by 4 so you know how much money you have to spend each week. Figure out what other categories you need to budget like misc things such as toothpaste or TP, entry fees, auto insurance and maintainance. | |
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Take a Picture
Posts: 12841
| want2chase3 - 2016-03-09 11:28 AM
OutlawsLastDance - 2016-03-09 10:51 AM
want2chase3 - 2016-03-08 4:58 PM
Speaking on groceries, how often do ya'll shop?.and how much do you buy.. a weeks worth 2 weeks, a month? I think that's probably my biggest expense, a family of 7. I feel like I run to town almost every other day to grab something from the store... I have a hard time figuring out a weeks worth of suppers sometimes.
I do a big grocery trip once/month and that works for me, because I get paid once/month. I buy the big things. Meat, toiletries, and whatever we need at the time, canned/frozen veggies, etc. Then every Sunday I go and refill things that can't be frozen and bought in larger quantities, like milk and eggs.
I absolutely DESPISED going to the grocery store every other day. It was cutting into what little riding time I had, especially during the months where it gets dark early. So, I put a stop to that and started meal planning. I may not stick to cooking exactly what i anticipated making for that night, but at least when I meal plan, I know I have food in the house to cook SOMETHING. And I always make sure to have a few frozen pizzas, or the ingredients for breakfast for dinner, so that I can throw something together if something comes up and I can't make what I originally planned.
I too hate going to the grocery store a few times a week. Especially since it's about a 45 min drive one way. I've just got to sit down and meal plan at the beginning of the week. I can handle going once a week, if I can plan it right! Sunday afternoon would be ideal. I just feel like everyone gets sick of eating the same meals week after week!
I go through the sale items each Wednesday on the internet and make out a grocery list. I like my own cooking and I make a meat loaf or something else and freeze it in small containers for meals to take to school. I am going to make a cake tonight and freeze it in small amounts so I will have a snack or dessert for several days etc. | |
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 Undercover Amish Mafia Member
Posts: 9992
Location: Kansas | hammer_time - 2016-03-07 1:20 PM I will preface this post by stating that I am a Dave Ramsey follower.
1. Excel budget spreadsheet!! I have one I can send you that automatically updates totals and whatnot. (Dave Rasmey does have an app called Every Dollar but I like tinkering on my except sheet because I'm a nerd).
2. Once you have your budget, TAKE OUT CASH. I pay all my bills and literally clear out my account every payday (all but pending bills). I highly recommend getting the envelope system from Dave Ramsey.
3. Listen to the Dave Ramsey podcast. I listen EVERYDAY. Helps me stay motivated and on track and there is SO MUCH good info to learn by listening.
PM if you have any questions...this is a newfound passion of mine. You have to figure out what works based on your personality. I follow the Dave Ramsey method of giving every dollar a name. But my personality is that if there is money in the account I will spend it so I take out cash for just about everything. I also have a lot of sinking funds....things I'm saving for in envelopes....xmas presents, car repairs, Costco trips, etc.
Can you email me the spreadsheet? | |
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Elite Veteran
Posts: 629
| We just got a membership to the Sam's Club. I went in there and took pictures of the price for everything I would ever buy (grocery wise). Then went home and pulled out my receipts from what I'd been spending elsewhere. I figured what it costs per unit, and made a spreadsheet comparing the prices. My $45 membership paid for itself in 1 trip. So, definitely worth it over a year. Also, it's on my way home from work, so I think that will become my Friday night stop so that I save another trip (its about 25-30 minutes away if I go on the weekend when I'm coming from home).
We also have a Fresh Market on my way home from work that has sales on Tuesday's, putting their ground beef and chicken breasts on sale for $2.99/lb. I know that's not a great price on chicken, but for the quality, and I'm already there for the beef (that's the lowest quality meat ever gets around here) - it's worth the stop.
So I get 15lbs of hamburger, and 8-10lbs of chicken. This past time I got 5 split breasts (so 2 breasts each - for 10 total) and 15lbs of ground beef for $70.00. I get it home and divide it up. I put 1lb of beef in foil and then in baggies and freeze them. And I wrap up 2 breasts. When I take them out to thaw, we can usually share one breast, and then share the other for lunch the next day, or even save it for the next nights meal if we plan to have chicken two nights in a row.
The organizer in me really really loves meal planning, and I love sticking to a budget. | |
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 Expert
Posts: 1395
Location: Missouri | veintiocho - 2016-03-09 11:36 AM
want2chase3 - 2016-03-09 11:28 AM
OutlawsLastDance - 2016-03-09 10:51 AM
want2chase3 - 2016-03-08 4:58 PM
Speaking on groceries, how often do ya'll shop?.and how much do you buy.. a weeks worth 2 weeks, a month? I think that's probably my biggest expense, a family of 7. I feel like I run to town almost every other day to grab something from the store... I have a hard time figuring out a weeks worth of suppers sometimes.
I do a big grocery trip once/month and that works for me, because I get paid once/month. I buy the big things. Meat, toiletries, and whatever we need at the time, canned/frozen veggies, etc. Then every Sunday I go and refill things that can't be frozen and bought in larger quantities, like milk and eggs.
I absolutely DESPISED going to the grocery store every other day. It was cutting into what little riding time I had, especially during the months where it gets dark early. So, I put a stop to that and started meal planning. I may not stick to cooking exactly what i anticipated making for that night, but at least when I meal plan, I know I have food in the house to cook SOMETHING. And I always make sure to have a few frozen pizzas, or the ingredients for breakfast for dinner, so that I can throw something together if something comes up and I can't make what I originally planned.
I too hate going to the grocery store a few times a week. Especially since it's about a 45 min drive one way. I've just got to sit down and meal plan at the beginning of the week. I can handle going once a week, if I can plan it right! Sunday afternoon would be ideal. I just feel like everyone gets sick of eating the same meals week after week!
Our good grocery store is 1/2hr away so I only go once every 2 weeks. I meal plan for 14 days. It's a big haul but it saves $$ because I can always find more to buy when I make a "quick stop" for milk or something. : )
Meal planing has saved us a lot of $$$. I typically shop weekly, but we're not far from town. But having planned dinners, lunches, breakfasts, knowing what we'll be eating each day and sticking to my grocery list has saved a ton over the multiple trips to the store throughout the week. Seems the more I go to the store the more inclined I am to bring home random crap we didn't need! | |
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Elite Veteran
Posts: 629
| MOGirl07 - 2016-03-09 10:43 PM veintiocho - 2016-03-09 11:36 AM want2chase3 - 2016-03-09 11:28 AM OutlawsLastDance - 2016-03-09 10:51 AM want2chase3 - 2016-03-08 4:58 PM Speaking on groceries, how often do ya'll shop?.and how much do you buy.. a weeks worth 2 weeks, a month? I think that's probably my biggest expense, a family of 7. I feel like I run to town almost every other day to grab something from the store... I have a hard time figuring out a weeks worth of suppers sometimes. I do a big grocery trip once/month and that works for me, because I get paid once/month. I buy the big things. Meat, toiletries, and whatever we need at the time, canned/frozen veggies, etc. Then every Sunday I go and refill things that can't be frozen and bought in larger quantities, like milk and eggs. I absolutely DESPISED going to the grocery store every other day. It was cutting into what little riding time I had, especially during the months where it gets dark early. So, I put a stop to that and started meal planning. I may not stick to cooking exactly what i anticipated making for that night, but at least when I meal plan, I know I have food in the house to cook SOMETHING. And I always make sure to have a few frozen pizzas, or the ingredients for breakfast for dinner, so that I can throw something together if something comes up and I can't make what I originally planned. I too hate going to the grocery store a few times a week. Especially since it's about a 45 min drive one way. I've just got to sit down and meal plan at the beginning of the week. I can handle going once a week, if I can plan it right! Sunday afternoon would be ideal. I just feel like everyone gets sick of eating the same meals week after week! Our good grocery store is 1/2hr away so I only go once every 2 weeks. I meal plan for 14 days. It's a big haul but it saves $$ because I can always find more to buy when I make a "quick stop" for milk or something. : ) Meal planing has saved us a lot of $$$. I typically shop weekly, but we're not far from town. But having planned dinners, lunches, breakfasts, knowing what we'll be eating each day and sticking to my grocery list has saved a ton over the multiple trips to the store throughout the week. Seems the more I go to the store the more inclined I am to bring home random crap we didn't need!
This! Last night a box of Oreo's jumped into my basket while picking up a snack my husband asked me for a snack at work. | |
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Elite Veteran
Posts: 883
Location: Southern Indiana | OutlawsLastDance - 2016-03-10 10:59 AM
MOGirl07 - 2016-03-09 10:43 PM veintiocho - 2016-03-09 11:36 AM want2chase3 - 2016-03-09 11:28 AM OutlawsLastDance - 2016-03-09 10:51 AM want2chase3 - 2016-03-08 4:58 PM Speaking on groceries, how often do ya'll shop?.and how much do you buy.. a weeks worth 2 weeks, a month? I think that's probably my biggest expense, a family of 7. I feel like I run to town almost every other day to grab something from the store... I have a hard time figuring out a weeks worth of suppers sometimes. I do a big grocery trip once/month and that works for me, because I get paid once/month. I buy the big things. Meat, toiletries, and whatever we need at the time, canned/frozen veggies, etc. Then every Sunday I go and refill things that can't be frozen and bought in larger quantities, like milk and eggs. I absolutely DESPISED going to the grocery store every other day. It was cutting into what little riding time I had, especially during the months where it gets dark early. So, I put a stop to that and started meal planning. I may not stick to cooking exactly what i anticipated making for that night, but at least when I meal plan, I know I have food in the house to cook SOMETHING. And I always make sure to have a few frozen pizzas, or the ingredients for breakfast for dinner, so that I can throw something together if something comes up and I can't make what I originally planned. I too hate going to the grocery store a few times a week. Especially since it's about a 45 min drive one way. I've just got to sit down and meal plan at the beginning of the week. I can handle going once a week, if I can plan it right! Sunday afternoon would be ideal. I just feel like everyone gets sick of eating the same meals week after week! Our good grocery store is 1/2hr away so I only go once every 2 weeks. I meal plan for 14 days. It's a big haul but it saves $$ because I can always find more to buy when I make a "quick stop" for milk or something. : ) Meal planing has saved us a lot of $$$. I typically shop weekly, but we're not far from town. But having planned dinners, lunches, breakfasts, knowing what we'll be eating each day and sticking to my grocery list has saved a ton over the multiple trips to the store throughout the week. Seems the more I go to the store the more inclined I am to bring home random crap we didn't need!
This! Last night a box of Oreo's jumped into my basket while picking up a snack my husband asked me for a snack at work.
We shop at SAMs and get our ground beef and chicken at fresh market. It's so much fresher and better for you. Sadly ours jumped up to 3.99 on Tuesdays. Still worth it. They will package your meat in 1lb packages if you ask btw! Sometimes I just get the bulk though because it's quicker.
Not running into stores is my #1 best budget saving tip. Doesn't matter if it's the grocery or Target if I go in there I'm gonna buy a bunch of crap I don't need. It's a struggle. I have to convince myself to use what I have at home. Especially when I'm planning food for weekend horse shows. Hot dogs, this, that, a bottle of whiskey...yep I've done spent $70!!!! | |
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 Elite Veteran
Posts: 602
| Try something simple and then start to dig into saving money. I started by paying 1 or 2 bills every week. Then I could budget the rest of my expenses. (i.e. hay, gas, etc) It helped balance money over a month. If I tried to pay bills on the actual due date, it would screw me 2 weeks out of the month. (Most of my bills are the last week or the beginning of each month) | |
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 John Deere Green
Posts: 12272
Location: ~Kansas~ | My husband is the guru... we plan ahead for everything.. we put money into savings each month.. we went from buying groceries bi-weekly to weekly.. we cut down on junk and less waste that way. We don't buying anything we don't need or have the money for. We cut way back on eating out, eating junk food, pop, etc... and we have about $1200 a month just from that. | |
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