I keep a small calculator in my purse where it's easily accessible. It's as an important a part of grocery shopping as my list and envelope of coupons.
Why, you ask?
It's simple. Keeping a running total of what I'm spending keeps me from just throwing things in my cart, thinking that I have plenty of money to pay for everything. Because we use primarily cash, the last thing I want is to come up short at the cash register and have to put a few things back.
Some people can keep a fairly accurate total in their heads. I am not one of those people. And on those days that I'm not keeping track, I always spend more.
Over spending by $5 or less may not seem like a big deal to some, but what if you overspend by $5 every week? That's $260 a year, my friends! I bet there's something else we could be spending that extra money on, right?
Wanna know how I came up with that number so quick? You guessed it... by using my calculator!
A former place of employment handed out pocket calculators in 1997. I used that little gem until this past December when it finally gave it up. I was so lost without him, my ever faithful shopping companion, that I asked for a new calculator for Christmas. My husband came through with a calculator like this one in my Christmas stocking. I love that man!
Shopping with a calculator may take a little extra time over just randomly throwing items in your shopping cart. But the money saved is definitely worth it in the long run!
**For more frugal tips and tricks, please visit Frugal Fridays at Life As Mom!
3 comments:
I use the calculator on my cell phone constantly. I couldn't agree with you more!
My husband is one of those people that can keep track of our spending at the store in his head, but I'm not, so when he isn't with me I bring along the calculator, too.
DarcyLee,
My husband can do that too! It's very helpful.:-)
Megan,
I forgot that most cell phones have calculators on them. That would be very handy!
Thanks ladies for stopping by!
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