When you’re going shopping, it seems like a no-brainer to just write down a shopping list and head to the store with the purpose of only buying items on that list, which is really easy to do. But sometimes you’re already out running errands and are close to the grocery store without a list, or perhaps you’re just not good with lists. Another way you can keep to your budget is to make yourself a hard cut off of how many items to buy while you’re at the store. That way, even if you don’t have a list, you can still have a solid number that represents going over your budget. So what can you do to help you formulate your cut-off point?
Remember Your Budget
If you’re keeping up with your budget, remember the number before you head out for the day so you can have a monetary amount in your mind when you stop by the store. It might be a good idea to check your bank balances online so you can have an exact amount to keep in mind during the day. Say, for example, you make an impromptu trip to the grocery store, you can decide to only get a certain number of items so you can get in and get out quickly. It might also help to utilize the baskets at the grocery store instead of the carts – that way you can only buy enough to fill the basket, not the cart.
Only Bring Your Debit Card
If you’re paying down credit cards and can keep them at home, do it! Carrying only your debit card will mean you have to stick to your budgeting parameters. If you’re able to write down a number guide on a sticky note to put on your debit card, it’ll remind you to stay diligent about your spending. Take note of how much items cost, and a rough calculation in your head can tell you what the number of items you can buy is.
Stick to One Store At A Time
Another way you can have a hard cut off of items to buy is to stick to just one store and wait to buy other items at another time. This is probably most helpful during the holidays, when people are running ragged trying to hit every single store so they can get their shopping done. If you have enough time to hit one store at a time so you can keep your item number low, it’ll take baby steps to get your shopping done, instead of sprinting around everywhere!
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