Penny Pinching!

​As of lately I have had to figure out ways to stretch my dollars in EVERY aspect of my life. After paying bills and childcare costs I'm usually left with pennies to pinch in order to enjoy life and all the extra curricular activities both Marli and I are involved in and keep the refrigerator full.  

I have made a conscience effort to get AHEAD of my frivolous spending habits. I have created a budget spreadsheet that I use monthly to calculate bills, I have arranged bills to pull out my account on days that work for me... I'm trying to master this adulting life. 
Becoming a more cautious spender at the grocery store has become one of my saving graces. I don't know about ya'll  but i would sometimes feel cheated after leaving the store. less than a cart full and it totals $100. What? I only got 1 pack of chicken and ground beef. Which mid week ill back in order to keep food on the table. I felt like a loser.
Thinking of the cost of items i toss inside my shopping cart... no matter where I am actually makes all the difference. Substituting name brand for generics, swapping out expensive juices for water... i mean you get it. Actually making a conscience effort to keep a running total in my head has helped me save at the register. As I continue to learn I will share my experiences and tips. I know some bad mama's who coupon and make that dollar go a long way.  

Splurge spending has become less appealing to me. 

wow. I just said that. 

I am a mama for real. 

#savvyspending #melanatedmama #shopping #adulting #saving #coupon