Juggling......

The juggling of our finances is a full time job. Every morning and evening, I must weigh what we can and can't do, what bills can be paid, and how much is left for food and entertainment.

This job begins each week with the newspaper. Every week, I sit down with the various circulars and determine what sales and coupons will dictate our menu, which stores are offering incentives, double and triple coupons, and what necessities we have. I take time to plan plan our weekly menu based on this information. Hint: never enter a grocery store without a list and a menu!!!!! I save hundreds by planning ahead! I actually post this menu on our refrigerater and organize my days around it's structure! That's not to say that we don't switch days out, just that I know what is in the house and we eat those foods that will quickly spoil first.

Another key factor, USE UP EVERYTHING YOU HAVE BEFORE YOU BUY MORE!!!!! While this may mean that everyone is not praising your evening meal once in awhile, I find that things get pushed into the back of the freezer and are completely forgotten until it's too late.

It takes time and energy to plan ahead effectively, but I have cut my grocery bills substantially by doing so. Give it a try!