My Grocery Can

I have mentioned my Grocery Can a few times before but I feel it is necessary to take a closer look at it. This can is my number one motivation to slash my grocery budget. Whether I am dreaming of buying new shoes, paying down debt or purchasing a cruise to the Bahamas, none of that would keep me as focused on savings as my can.

For my grocery budget I have adopted Dave Ramsey's rapidly growing concept of the cash-only system. At the beginning of each month, I withdraw the exact allotted amount for that month's groceries. I then put together my Once-A-Month Shopping list and cut out as much as I possibly can, knowing that each penny I save will go straight into my Grocery Can.

After my shopping trip, I leave out a few dollars for picking up milk and I put the remainder of money into the can. On top of that money, I also toss in any loose change or money that may be leftover from my family's clothing budget (also a cash-only system).

Whether I take that money out monthly for a new pair of shoes, use it for emergency back-up funds or wait a while to purchase a larger ticket item, I have a place that I can tangibly see my savings. I can look in that can and realize how far I have stretched that money and how much further I can stretch it. Whatever I may use that money for, I will be motivated to stretch it even further so I can keep as much cash in that can as possible.

Sometimes it is full, sometimes it is drained by a purchase. But every month I strive to put as much as I can into that Grocery Can. I consider it the payment for my time spent planning and cooking.

I encourage you to do the same. Select a place to stash your leftover cash. You do not need a specific object in mind for this method to work. I have actually found that when I have no plans for the money, I am more motivated to watch it grow, whereas when I have plans, I tend to spend it faster. Whichever way works for you, planned or not, aim to fill that can.

(Obviously, keeping large amounts of money unprotected in your home can be risky, so if you are shooting for a large ticket item, I recommend putting the cash into the bank, noting its designation in your finance books.)

So set up your Grocery Can and take pleasure in seeing the fruits of your labor. Enjoy realizing how far you are stretching your dollar, as opposed to the facade of swiping a debit card. Seek to stretch yourself further each month and reap the rewards any way you wish.

For more money-saving tips, check out: Life as Mom, A Bowl Full of Lemons and Learning the Frugal Life