Photograph Credit: iStockphoto
Knowing that a successful year will not materialize on its own, we must plan and prepare for a prosperous 2013.
Throughout the 31 days of January, I will choose one topic each day to prepare or schedule for this year.
Without preparation, I know I will forget, miss, or overlook certain items. If you desire an organized year, then join me in this adventure of Planning for Success for a prosperous 2013.
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Day 3: Print and Display Your Menu Planner – with free printable
Day 4: Record Membership Expiration Dates
Day 5: Mark Due Dates for Monthly Bills
Day 6: Insert Credit Report Schedule
Day 7: Schedule Your Annual Home Maintenance
Day 8: Set Your School and Work Activities
Day 9: Highlight Contract and Subscription Expiration Dates
Day 10: Download a Savings Tracker
In working to save your family money, you have the most flexibility within your food budget. Though everyone would love to save 80-90% on each shopping trip, the reality is a savings between 20-50% overall.
For 2012, I chose to add household items, including cleaning supplies, diapers, toiletries, batteries, etc., to our food budget. With the additional items, I figured I would need to increase our $80 per week food allottment. To adjust, I tracked our savings to evaluate our progress.
In wrapping up 2012, I was thrilled to discover that our family of 5 spent $4,384.51 and saved $2,903.11. With a 39.84% savings for the year, our weekly budget averaged out to $84.32. In planning for 2013, I will raise our weekly food budget by $5 per week or $20 per month while continuing to practice savings strategies.
To help keep track all year, I use a savings tracker. Last year, I used a new-to-me 2012 coupon savings tracker and liked it. Since it is working for me, I plan to use the 2013 version this year. If you need to download a savings tracker, then consider these two options:
- 2013 Coupon Savings Tracker by Happy Money Saver – complete with video tutorial
- 2013 Savings Tracker by The Coupon Project
In planning for success, download a savings tracker. Though you can create your own, the above-listed spreadsheets include the formulas and come ready to start today.
While using time wisely to see how we are spending our food budget, I insert the information from our receipts into the spreadsheet, downloaded onto my computer, to watch our savings increase.
As you track your spending and savings, you can measure your progress and adjust your budget to reach your goals. Happy tracking!
Question: If you use a savings tracker, which is your favorite?