Family Issues

We envy people who needn’t have to borrow money to buy what they want.  But for some of us who have debts, this seemed like an attainable situation in life.  Not necessarily.  Getting out of debt is possible but it needs discipline, persistence, and a little advice on how to save money.

Food is a basic need that we cannot do without.  But remember that though we cannot do without rice for the whole day, we can do without French fries for the whole month.  And so, one of the best things you can do to save money when buying food is to avoid eating out.  Take a lunch with you.  Instead of buying your lunch at work, prepare that lunch together with your breakfast and take it with you to your office.  Meals prepared at home are definitely cheaper than the meals bought at fast food stops and restaurants.  Whenever you feel the itch to get inside the restaurant, be practical and think: Do you really need to eat croissant and drink designer coffee?  If your conscience cannot convince the “child” in you to retreat, then better keep all the receipts and add all the expenses.  The amount you spend could have made a considerable dent to your present debt.

Avoid buying meats that have been pre-cut, such as chicken wings only.  The amount you pay for them is higher because you are also paying the supermarket’s labor in cutting the meat for you.  You can do the cutting yourself.  It is a skill that can be learned.  For example, in cutting chicken, cut at the joints so that you will have an easier time.  Or in wet markets, buy one whole chicken and charm your way to the vendor and request him or her to cut it for you without extra charge.

Try vegetarian dishes.  Meat is significantly more expensive than vegetables.  But veggies can offer the same delicious meal.  Vegetarian dishes are also reputed to be more nutritious and healthful.

Avoid shopping at stores that have higher-priced goods.  Compare the price of milk at one supermarket with that of another.  The difference could be in centavos only, but when added up, you may still save money enough for your fare.

Avoid buying brands.  For example, when choosing soy sauce, you study the price and the volume of each brand and not just pick up the one which is most popular.  A popular brand means that the manufacturer spent lots on money on advertising and so part of the price of that product goes to the various media and talent used.

And last but the not the least, think of this as a mantra:  “Don’t buy what you don’t need.”  Every psychology subject differentiated “wants” from “needs”.  Identify the things you need and go without the “wants”.

Tags: family, family budget, Food, budget, save money