Having a budget--and managing it--is probably one of the most difficult things to do.
Aside from constantly sticking to it, there are so many temptations all around that you want to go beyond your plan.
But, to have something set aside for a rainy day, this is a must.
Grocery shopping is just one of the challenges.
When you want something that is not on your list, think again.
Is this something that you only want, or would it help you in the long run? Stay-at-home-mom and blog writer Carrie Kirby, who helps mothers spend less, says that she has set an $80 budget a week for her grocery shopping.
"I know that some people manage to spend as little as half that to feed a family of four (the two kids are little enough that they don't eat much), but for us $80 has been a challenge," she says.
"But, despite the challenges, I was pleased to find that the budget goal (some weeks it's been merely a goal) has taught me a few things about shopping and about myself.
" Here are some of the things she has learned when it comes to grocery shopping on a budget - and consumer check.
Take advantage of coupons- Match coupons with items and products that are already discounted.
Even if the items are on clearance, you'd be surprised to know that most stores will accept coupons, too.
The result is that you might walk out of that store with free items in hand.
Check out the healthy food- It's true that unhealthy food is inexpensive, but there is also healthy food that is inexpensive, as well.
In season fruit, such a peaches cost a lot less, so do dried beans and salmon, too.
Check out slabs of beef, as there may be some inexpensive ones to be found-and it's healthy too.
Use cash- Use cash when out grocery shopping instead of credit cards so the amount you spend won't incur interest rates.
Credit cards are, of course, a dime a dozen but you might get lost in the interest rates--and you'd be paying more for goods than you should.
Use your credit card wisely- There are some people who use credit cards like they are using cash.
This should not be the case, as you may end up swamped with interest rates in the long run, having no money with which to repay your debt.
Keep in mind, though, that when you use your credit cards, do a credit check on a regular basis to check for errors or inconsistencies in your spending.
Buy less- It's an obvious answer.
When you buy less, you get to enjoy the products and services more than when you buy more than you should.
When you buy more, chances are it might go to waste as many products have expiration dates.
"What I didn't account for is that when you buy more than you can eat fresh in a week, you have to take time to prepare it for the freezer, or you'll be spending time dumping it into the trash," says Kirby.
"Cleaning out the fridge is work, too--and if you are regularly dumping leftovers, you are wasting money.
Sometimes I open a friend's fridge and I can't see the back or the walls because there is so much food stuffed in there.
They don't even know what they have--so, of course, a lot of it is going to end up in the garbage.
" Booze and cigarettes are expensive- Don't buy products that you really don't need such as booze and cigarettes.
These are not only detrimental to your pocket, they are also detrimental to your health.
If you really can't stay away from this temptation, don't buy them too often and purchase the most inexpensive brands.
Be frugal- Be frugal in how you spend.
"I can't make any more money than I already do without spending money on a babysitter," says Kirby.
"Clipping coupons, making extra grocery trips (on foot with the stroller) to buy loss leaders, reading the sales flyers--these are all things I can manage with the children with me.
At first flipping through a coupon file while controlling the kids in the store was difficult, but now I have the hang of it and it's working out.
Actually, my 4-year-old has gotten kind of into helping me...
"