My goal is to get my grocery budget down to less than $100 a week.

It was my goal last year and I averaged $125 a week. It doesn't seem like much but over a whole year that is a $1300 difference!

__________________

I'm not making a 'resolution' per say (B/c if I say resolution, I don't stick to it) I'm making a financial life change! And it's already in progress.
Our goal is to get more out of our money, and actually save.
Since Dh makes the money, I am in charge of bills and budgeting. I made a budget and I'm STICKING TO IT. Identify where the money is going. Oh DH is eating out too much this month...I'll make his lunch the night before and give him a set amount of cash to use at his discretion, when he is out, he is out...No debit card use! I'm spending how much on needless trips to the store? Well, those are OUT! Can I slash my food bill? Prob not, I feed a family of 4 for about $250 every month (this includes meats) maybe I can do better by watching sales and coupons though! Buying too many books?(it is a weakness) Not anymore, I got myself and Kels a library card, I hate saying no to books, so I will prob treat the kids to an occasional one (hell Dollar tree and deep discount sales!) , but with the library so close....Read all you want, I'm taking advantage of it!

We want to pay off the credit cards which hold between them about $3000. I'll start with the lowest balance and start chipping away, if I use the tax return for part of them, I'll knock out a good amount, and then NO more Credit card use except emergencies. We were very good about it til we needed a new roof (hey, that is an emergency!).

I think by sticking to the budget, making a conscious effort to save money,(And staying out of Target) We'll be okay, not ahead of the game yet...but someday....we will be!

__________________
Does Money Matter?

My goal is to set up a budget we can live with and STICK TO IT. WE have no savings or anything like that, so I plan on pulling money out of every paycheck for savings. We have nomoney if an emergency happens upon us.

I plan on being debt free, so any extra money will go toward our debt till its paid off, and I can see that happening by summer. I'm hoping at least.

My last goal is to keep dh on track, and in check. He tends to get carried away, essp when he sees a positive balance in the checking acct, so I need to not let him be so liberal with his spending.

__________________
~Missy~Mommy
Meghan7.Samantha6,Cameron4

Back together!! Sept 28th Boston TDCenter!! Woohooooo!

That is amazing. I really have to start using coupons more. Do you count TP, cleaning supplies, etc as a part of your grocery bill? I count everything consumable that I would buy at the grocery store, including vitamins, cleaning supples, paper towels, Kleenex, etc and I really struggle getting the grocery budget down.

__________________

No,but only b/c I don't buy them often...This was one of my arguments for BJ's! On weeks when the kids aren't home (They stay with my parents a few weeks in the summer and over winter break) If I am low on cleaning stuff or papers then, I try and stock up since I know with just DH and myself our food bill will be next to nothing.) Another thing I have gotten good at is waiting for A triple coupon sale and then using my .75 cents off coupons for cleaners or using them at Harris Teeter (they ALWAYS double) when a product is on sale, and that is the only time I buy anything non-consumable at the grocery store (they are priced much higher than Target or Wal-Mart). Aldi's also helps us save a ton of money on food shopping!

Sorry, done hi-jacking the post!

__________________
Does Money Matter?

I have a crazy one, but I am actually excited about it. Learning about this site has helped.

My goal for 2007 is not to buy anything for the entire year, except essentials (food, medicine, cleaning products, and underwear). The only thing that I think that I will buy that is non essential is digital picture prints (I have a 1 year old son!),

I have so many craft supplies, that gift giving won't be a problem.

Now, I am just trying to decide if I should tell people during the year or after? What do you all think?

I DEFINITELY think you should tell. If you don't, you're more likely to cheat! Plus, you might inspire some friends and family along the way.

I would LOVE for you to blog about it here on the site. How inspiring you could be to thousands of other moms! If you haven't set up a blog for yourself yet, please don't wait! (clikck on blogs above, then scroll down to "my blog").

1. build my emergency fund up to at least $500 and hopefully more
2. built another savings up to $500 for Disney trip for the future
3. finish price book and use it
4. keep a record of what I have stockpiled downstairs for future clothes for my girls so I don't end up with 6 blue shirts
5. don't buy things just because its on clearance
6. for myself only buy underwear and socks new, the rest will try and get from Goodwill and consignment.
7. keep a menu
8. make more things from scratch
9. continue to contribute to 529 plans
10. NO MORE NEW DEBT
11. only buy books for myself used and if I have store credit. I'm a sucker for the Scholastic forms that come home from school for my girls.
12. Rapid Debt Reduction Plan

OK I have a question first! What is the rapid debt reduction plan?
So my goals are going to be small and then when I have accomplished them I want to add more to them.
1) Make a price book
2) take head out of the sand and list ALL debt-worried-
3)focus on one bill at a time and pay more on it first will be motorcycle
4)track spending and then make a budget
5)quit going out to lunch.
So that is it so far once I have finished one of these then I will add a new goal. Baby steps and support thats my plan!LOL

__________________
Karen