Frugal Friday, Mindful spending

We moved recently, and if you have moved you know how much purging goes on!  As I was wondering why in the world I had so much STUFF, I began to think about how we were spending our money and how we could spend less.  Now I don't know if I heard this particular term in reference to spending or if it just popped into my head, so apologies if I am stealing someone's term...but my new goal is MINDFUL SPENDING.  By that I mean thinking through my purchases and asking myself if I am really making the best choices before I actually spend my money.


One of the main places I am putting this to practice is at the grocery store.  How many times do you run to the grocery store to get one thing and walk out with 5 (or more)?  I do it all the time, or at least I did, and my pantry, freezer and fridge were packed.  The result, wasted food on occasion, but worse, the food sitting on your shelves cost money, so if it sits there for 6 or 8 months, you have effectively tied up your money on something you are not using!  Have you ever thought about it like that?  Me neither!


So how am I putting this into practice?


1. Take stock of what you have.  Try and plan each meal using 1 or more ingredients that you already have. Which leads us to....


2. Meal planning.  I know, you don't have time...but if someone paid you to plan meals, would you?  Of course!  


Here are a couple of things that help me:


A great free menu planner printable....here's a great one from Kamley Lane

Need a little inspiration?  Head over to Menu Plan Monday at I'm an Organizing Junkie!


*Don't forget to pick up a copy of your store's sale flyer and plan around what's on sale.  There are some great websites that really help with this, too.  I am in Florida, so I Heart Publix is my favorite site for this.


Saving money is like paying yourself, so go plan!


3. Now that you have a menu, MAKE A LIST and STICK TO IT....this may take great self control and bribing of children, but trust me, it is worth it!


4. Track your spending...every receipt so you can see what you REALLY spend.  Do this over a period of weeks to track your progress.  I bet you will see some.  I have.


Bonus:  my pantry and fridge are so much more organized and I am not scrambling for dinner every night.


Mindful spending.  Let me know if you try it.  Maybe you have a hint to help me?  I would love to know!  Have a great weekend!