I had my list of errands today which included several stops: grocery store, post office, gas station, etc.
I have a plain old envelope system which has prepuchased gift cards (as gifts and from a program at church where a certain percentage benefits the school), plus cash from DH's side jobs where 50% goes to groceries, 30% to gas, and 20% to misc.
I spent $62 at the grocery store and used 3-$20 gift cards. This was grocery staples and produce for four/five days.
Balance: $95 gift cards, $47 cash
I used a $25 gift card at the gas station. Balance: $25 gift card, $30 cash
I spent $4.80 at the post office, $3.50 to cover tax on kids purchase at Toys R Us (they pooled allowances to buy PS 2 Kareoke 80s Pop - I had $10 off $50 purchase and they offered to reimburse the $3.50 tax), $16.50 for DH's Fathers Day gift.
Balance in Misc Envelope $3.00
This certain makes it easy to budget - I plan on assessing the cash situation on Saturday's and add money accordingly.
I am needing to wean myself from plunkering down the credit/debit cards for the point program. I just redeemed a ton of points. I do think though that this puts money management in a different perspective when you're seeing the actual dollars coming in or coming out.
Upon my return home I jotted down amounts spent, stuck the receipts in and put the envelopes back.
First Time Shopping with Envelope System
June 10th, 2008 at 09:20 pm
June 11th, 2008 at 12:25 am 1213140309
Anyway, I just wanted you to know that I put up the BBQ Meatloaf muffins recipe. Very tasty, but I still like the original best!
June 11th, 2008 at 03:17 am 1213150628
June 11th, 2008 at 04:07 am 1213153646
Klbb90, yes, very true! And I have found it realistic to shop every 4 to 5 days for only the 4 to 5 days ahead (I do cook things in large quantities and need to restock my depleted frozen food stock) so it easier to keep quantities down.
House - thanks for the muffin recipe variation. I will say it again, my fam loves them! I'm making them at least once a week with DH taking some for lunch. My picky 5 year old puts mashed potatoe frosting on for fun!