Now you might think that this is a very poor strategy to reduce debt, after all how much could you possibly save on food shopping that could seriously reduce your debt. But I think you’ll be surprised at how many actual dollars you can accumulate towards reducing debt by doing this. And that’s the key, doing it but let’s deal with your skepticism first, after all I want you to get on board here.
It’s my mission to help you reduce debt and to at least begin to imagine what it might be like to live a life totally free of debt. But of course we have to start with reducing the debt you have. So the plan is to get a bit of success under your belt and then you can start thinking about the holy grail of budgeting – debt free living – yes, that’s right debt free living. First reduce your debts, then kill those debts off one by one, it can be done.
OK, here’s some tips and tricks to help stem the flood of money when you go to the store. Each of these things will seem pretty insignificant on their own but once you combine them the effect is quite startling. The leakage in my budget here was phenomenal, and when I talked to my friends it seemed we were all guilty of it to some degree or other. Once I started doing these things not only did I have some extra dollars which I put towards debt reduction, my stress levels dropped, and I found I had some spare time in my week.
Here’s the plan have a master list of all the food items you buy, it will take a little time to create but is fantastic for planning out what you need. This helps you avoid the ‘Oh no I forgot…’ which then results in a quick trip to get it, and 6 other things you didn’t need! Part of this cunning plan is to plan to go to the store only once a week, you may need to make a quick visit for a few fresh veggies during this time, if you do then just go and get what you need and then LEAVE. No cruising the aisles or getting something nice from the bakery…remember the goal – reduce debt!
Plan to Reduce Debt
Plan your meals for the week and plan around what you and your family are doing. This again helps to avoid the rush to the store to get things for an extra guest, or for a special occasion, and again you’ll get 6 things you don’t really need. This also helps with avoiding waste for those nights that family members are out.
Also by knowing what meals you’re going to cook for the coming week you won’t buy fresh veggies that you end up throwing out because you haven’t used them. Plan your meals around the most economical buys at your store, and only buy what you’re going to use, so know what you’re going to cook, and how many you’re cooking for. Such a lot of detail I know, but keep your eye on the ball – remember, reduce that debt – when you see the dollars you’ll save you’ll realize it’s all worth it.
Don t Forget Reduce Debt
Plan your meals around the cheapest cuts of meat, and try to get two meals for the price of one by buying bulk packs of meat. Reducing debt has never been so easy has it, just cook a big casserole and freeze half of it, how much easier can it be? But don’t eat the second half of the casserole as snack food unless you planned to do that. I have to freeze things very quickly as anything edible in the fridge goes straight into my 16 year old sons mouth. We call him the food opportunist as he will eat what is in front of him, but wouldn’t bother if he had to make it himself. And if I talk to him about debt reduction he goes into a kind of trance, solution – quickly freeze the leftovers.
Being Hungry Doesn t Help To Reduce Debt
Nearly there, when you’re making your list check what’s already in your cupboards. Check your freezer and then check your plan, and finally check your master list. This all helps to ensure you get what you need and you don’t need to go to the store again. The petrol you save will also help with dollars for debt reduction. Before you go to the store one last thing – eat something. Everyone knows this old trick but do you actually do it? If you don’t you’ll be tempted to buy things simply because you’re hungry and they look or smell appetizing. Spending $5.00 on something because you didn’t have a quick sandwich at home (which would have cost very little) is not a good debt reduction strategy.
Be Organized To Reduce Debt
OK, final few tips. I’ve already talked about eating before you shop, also do your best to avoid shopping when you’re tired or depressed. Try not to shop when the store is at its busiest and also do your best to shop alone. Family members coming to help usually don’t help with your debt reduction goal. They pop things in your trolley that you don’t know about and also encourage yo to impulse buy, leave them at home. Remember this is about being organized and creating extra dollars for debt reduction. Good Luck.
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