Budget vs Savings

One of the most common questions regarding couponing is "How much can I really save?"  Well, unless you keep track of how much you spend and save each month, you may never know.  When I began my coupon journey, we set up a budget and began keeping track of how much we spent and how much we saved.  This is a great way to focus on your budget throughout the month and also actually see how much you are saving.  Our grocery budget was the same for several months, but our savings continued to grow.  This  allowed us to create an amazing stockpile and during the month of September, we were able to cut $50 off our grocery budget.  As October began, our goal was to continue cutting our monthly grocery budget.  However, throughout the month we were challenged with a decision between cutting our budget and the opportunity to increase our savings.  We decided to to take advantage of some really great deals!   Our final savings for the month of October was $846.   We are truly blessed and thankful that we will be able to give back to families in our community for Thanksgiving.

Here are a few tips to get you started.  Remember, this all takes time so don't overwhelm yourself. Start slow and do what works for you and your family.

1. Create a budget and keep track of what you spend - Whether it is as simple as writing it in a notebook or a fancy spreadsheet you created, you can visually see how much you are spending.  You can set goals and change your budget as necessary.
2. Track your savings - Some receipts will tell you how much you saved on your shopping trip and others you will need to calculate on your own.  Seeing the total savings grow is worth the effort.
3. Learn what a good, better, and best price is for your basic items - Start a price book for the stores you shop most often.  List basic items and prices. 
4. Stock up on items when deals are the best - If you stock up on items when the best price is offered, you will save your family more money over the next months when that item is more expensive.  Stockpile enough for your family until the deal (about 12 weeks).
5. Meal plan - Create a meal plan from your pantry and the best sales of the week.  Meal planning can also help you save money on impulse buying at the store or convenience foods when you don't know what to make for dinner.
6. Plan your shopping trips - Make a  list, research the ads, and check your coupons.  Planning your trip will help you buy only what you need and be aware of the "sales" that really aren't a good deal.
7. Don't chase every deal - You will burn yourself out, possibly spend more money than your budget allows and buy items your family doesn't need or use.