Plan Ahead for expenses mom
We all wish we had more time and money but one easy way to find both is to plan ahead. When you plan ahead, less details will be missed and items can be found on sale. Here are some areas where you can and should be planning ahead:
Groceries - create a stockpile of items you use on a regular basis. When there is a good sale, stock up. Most sales circulate every twelve weeks so buy enough to last you until the next sale. You will be amazed at your savings once you start.
Entertaining - buy paper products and utensils when they are on sale. For holiday items, most go to 75% off within weeks of the holiday so this is a great time to buy for the next year. Every so often, Walgreens puts their disposable utensils on sale for 39 cents. I usually pick up a package or two so I'm prepared for impromptu parties. Also on this topic, plan ahead with food. My freezer is always stocked with homemade quick breads. When I have last minute company or need to bring food to something, I just pull out a loaf and let it thaw for about 30 minutes.
Finances - having an emergency fund will save you greatly in the long run. We never know when a major car repair, medical expense, or job loss will happen. If your emergency fund is in place, you will weather the storm much better. An emergency is not a new outfit or toy though, this fund is only to be touched for true emergencies.
Gifts - pick up clearance items so that you always have something on hand for last minute gifts. I start buying my Christmas gifts in the summer when things are dirt cheap. By the time the holidays roll around, I'm done shopping and can enjoy the holidays. This works great for birthdays, anniversaries, etc. too. Homemade gifts are fun too but if you wait until the last minute, they will not get done.
Clothes - basics can be found on sale for pennies on the dollar at the end of each season. I buy most of my son's clothes a year ahead of time in order to save money. If they do not fit him the next year, I simply resale them on eBay or Craigslist - usually for a profit. This is also the time to pick up high quality basics for yourself that will last for years. The trendy items are fun, but chances are, they will not be in style the next year.
There are many other areas where you can plan ahead to save time and money, but this list is a great start. Use it as a jumping point for creating your own ways to plan ahead.
Contributed by: Julie Wiseman http://life-with-less.blogspot.com.
