Saying Goodbye to Coupons?

Couponing has turned into an extreme sport for some, even granting its own TV series and cult-like following. They’re saving loads of money, for sure, but not everyone has the ability to commit to such an undertaking! For those who don’t have the time or energy to pour into couponing, there are ways to still save money on your weekly shopping excursions. We found our inspiration for this list from Dave Ramsey’s recent blog post, found here.

1. Don’t make dinner a huge production
   You may have grown up eating a three course meal every night, but that doesn’t mean you have to keep cooking that way. It’s okay to have a quick and easy meal, the majority of the time. This will help you save money, time, and calories. Who doesn’t love that?
2. Generic, generic, generic
   Generic brands are cheaper; there’s no getting around that. However, consumers can’t seem to support the generic label in the same way they rally around brand names. The reality is, most generic and brand names are the exact same product, just with a different label. Especially with staple food products like flour and sugar, you probably won’t notice a difference, but your wallet will.
3. Shop around
   Shopping can become a routine task, and you may be unaware of cheaper deals happening at other stores. Take a few minutes, skim through the week’s circulars, and see where sales are happening. There may be other stores with better deals than your favorite neighborhood grocer. Look around and see what you can find - jumping outside of your comfort zone could save you a few dollars!
4. Plan ahead
   You know that at Kemp Harvest, we absolutely love planning. It’s the best way to be as prepared as possible for whatever may come your way. The same goes for running errands. Figure out what you’ll need for the week, create a list, and then stick to it. This will help you stay on budget, and prevent those unnecessary impulse buys. You may have fewer candy bars laying around, but you’ll have more money to spend other places – a nice restaurant, new shoes, even paying off old debt!
5. Put the plastic away
   It’s certainly easier to pay with a credit card, but shopping with cash will ensure you’re on budget. It’s a simpler version of the envelope budget (explained in the 3^rd paragraph of this previous blog), but it works for a reason. Decide beforehand how much you’re willing to spend, and only bring that much with you. You’ll be forced to only purchase exactly what you need, and skip out on the extras things that can wait for another week or two. 

While these suggestions aren’t all encompassing, they’re a great way to get into the mindset of saving money everywhere, no matter how little. Even a few dollars from week to week can really add up! Without the hassle of clipping and compiling coupons, you can certainly change your shopping experiences into money-saving soirees.

If we at Kemp Harvest Financial Group can help you in any way with regard to your financial planning needs, please feel free to contact us.

For more topics like this, check out our radio show “Retirement Plain and Simple” every Saturday morning at 8 on WNPV 1440 AM and like us on Facebook!

Securities and investment advisory services offered through National Planning Corporation (NPC), NPC of America in FL & NY, Member FINRA/SIPC, and a Registered Investment Adviser.  Registered Representatives of NPC may transact securities business in a particular state only if first registered, excluded or exempted from Broker-Dealer, agent or Investment Adviser Representative requirements.  In addition, follow-up conversations or meetings with individuals in a particular state that involve either the effecting or attempting to effect transaction in securities, or the rendering of personalized investment advice for compensation, will not be made absent compliance with state Broker-Dealer, agent or Investment Adviser Representative registration requirements, or an applicable exemption or exclusion.  Kemp Harvest Financial Group and NPC are separate and unrelated companies.  NPC PRIVACY POLICY.     NPC #99423 09/17

                                                                                                                       
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