Setting a budget for your groceries might sound like a massive chore, but it’s worth the effort. Think about it: You wouldn’t run a business without knowing where every cent is going, so why run your household that way? Sit down tonight and get saving…
Figure out what you are spending
Make a note of every rand spent – every single one! Do this by keeping all of your receipts (whether for an onion you grabbed on the way home, or a bootful of shopping). Once you have a month of spending noted, you can begin categorising. The idea is to track your spending, so that you know what you’re spending money on, but more importantly, where you can cut down. List your items under ‘Food’, ‘Toiletries’, ‘Household products’, and so on. (Hint: There are some cool apps that can help you do this.)
Calculate what you should be spending
For a great food budget, it helps to have a great life budget. Start with your income. Once you’ve subtracted your regular expenses (bond/rent, utilities, transportation), you’ll have a number to work with for expenses such as food, clothing and entertainment. At first, you might suck these numbers out of your thumb, but after a month, you’ll have a better idea of your real budget
Highlight where you’re overspending
Once your spending is all categorised and sitting on a spreadsheet in front of you, you’ll very quickly be able to identify the unnecessary things you are sinking your cash into. (Hint: Add up all those emergency cappuccinos and you’ll most likely get quite a fright). Are you visiting your local takeaway restaurant a bit too often? Could you include a few more meatless meals during the week?
Spend less: start meal planning
Failing to plan is planning to fail, right? It may sound negative, but there is truth in this gem. Sit down with your family on a Sunday and plan your meals for the week – everything from the breakfast oats to the Saturday-night chicken burgers. Think of ways you can make your meals stretch over a few days, reuse leftovers or get smart with your pantry staples
Words: Claire Davies | Photography: Unsplash
