Spending plans are a money management tool designed to help you manage your purchases and control spending.

When you plan for the purchase, you know the amount of money you budgeted for the expense — which allows you much more control over your spending. You can set a cap on the amount you will spend. In this way, you’re much more likely to save money on your purchases because you can factor in sales items.

Grocery stores are recurring revenue systems. Stores make money week after week, often from the same consumers. A grocery spending plan — a list you take with you to the store — is your best weapon against a system designed to encourage you to spend more than you actually want to. A grocery list helps you curb impulse spending.

A money-savings tip: Do not sample food during your shopping. And if you sample, remember that you do not have to buy that caloric-loaded, lip-smacking, hips- and butt-swelling treat. It’s a marketing tactic! Don’t fall for it.

Another money- and health-saving tip: Make the majority of your purchases from the store’s perimeter. Stay on the edge where the fruits, vegetables, and nutritious stuff lives. The high-fat, high-sugar, lower nutritional value products are located in the middle of the store.

Make a grocery list before you go shopping. You will spend less and have what you need to prepare delicious and healthy meals for the week. Each week is different; make a new list before every trip.

If you want to go for frugality — and why not — look for coupons and sale items. Advertisers spend billions annually to get you into stores to buy sale items and all the other goodies at full price. It’s a money-wise person who takes the time to check out the newspaper before her weekly shopping excursion. Buy only what is on your list. You’ll save money, eat better and healthier, and lose a few pounds too. It’s a win-win way of managing your life, money and health.

Monitor your spending regularly. After the first month, review your progress. Have your food expenditures decreased from the months before you started relying on a grocery list? Are you eating more of the food purchased instead of tossing fruits and veggies out because you didn’t include them in your meal plans? What about your kids — are they wasting less and eating better?

What benefits have you experienced from preparing your grocery spending plans? Let me know.

Warmly,
Judith, The Money Lady

Talking About Wealth

Comedians are often funny while imparting some damn truthful information. Comedians like Chris Rock. This brother is so smart and insightful that he makes himself angry as he thinks about the truths he shares with his audience. He sees finance clearly and explains it graphically. To love or hate him is your choice. But listen up and learn. The man knows money.

Chris is sometimes crude, annoying, and irritating. But, if you can get past the swear words, racial insults and mental body blows, Mr. Rock is fundamentally enlightening and illuminating.

Check him out … if you dare. He is not talking about being Rich. He’s talking about building wealth.

Warmly,

Judith, The Money Lady