Having a balanced budget is not always easy. I’m sharing with you 7 tips that allowed me to reduce certain expenses.
1.Use Budget Express for Effective Budget Management:
Before discovering Budget Express, my budget was often overwhelmed by reality. This tool and its analytical features allowed me to better understand my real spending, including those I was unaware of, like dining out or grocery shopping. Thanks to these analyses, I was able to adjust my budget and develop tips to reduce certain unnecessary expenses.
2.Buy Meat Directly from the Farm:
My husband and I were pleasantly surprised to find that the price of meat on the farm was much cheaper than in supermarkets. With an average cost of $4.25 to $5.50 per pound, all cuts combined, it’s both economical and delicious. We have established a weekly budget to anticipate our meat purchases, and for chicken and pork, we take advantage of special offers in flyers.
3.Plan Meals Based on Specials:
Before going to the supermarket, I carefully look at the special offers at Super C, Maxi, IGA, and Metro while preparing the menu for the following days. I’m lucky to have all these supermarkets on the same path so I take advantage of it.
4.Reduce Food Waste:
Food waste is a real waste of money. It’s true that it takes effort, but simple tips can help. For example, reuse leftovers to create new dishes, and turn your leftovers into lunch the next day. I also freeze vegetables in a vacuum before they end up in the compost, or even dehydrate them. Air fryers are also useful in this process.
5.Avoid Shopping Malls:
Moving to a small town far from a major shopping center led me to explore online shopping. I discovered that I could find quality clothing at more than affordable prices for me and my children. In addition, I avoid succumbing to impulses, because I buy according to real needs.
6.Buy at the end of the season to take advantage of discounts:
Buying clothes at the end of the season is a surefire tip to save money. You can find winter items for children with discounts of up to 50% or even 70%. This is a great way to keep the clothing budget in check.
7.Reduce Alcohol Consumption:
In March 2020, due to confinement, I worked from home and therefore developed the habit of having a small glass of wine while preparing dinner while I allowed myself this little pleasure only on Fridays when I worked outside the home. When I analyzed the expenses related to alcohol, I quickly understood that I had to return to the real Vin-dredi.
These seven habits have had the power to transform my budget management, allowing me to make substantial savings. By integrating them into my routine, I took firmer control over my money.
Katie Lefebvre