Well, ok, some compromises. Alright, I concede…likely a lot of compromises. I am 20 days away from SAHMhood and cash anxiety is starting to creep in. What? No more impulse buys of cute sweaters and kitschy picture frames while I’m allegedly grocery shopping? I jest…I can totally live with out more kitsch in my life. There are a few things I’ve enjoyed splurging on as a working mom, justifying them with the ol’ “it’s my money, I can do what I want”. Now that I am going to be relying on the DH for funds, I can’t be spending willy-nilly anymore. There will be no OT to save up for those Santana heels…but thankfully, there will be no need to wear Santana heels anymore. Except to church, but I teach K-2 Sunday school. The first thing I learned about teaching is that 6-year-olds and nice clothes/shoes are mutually exclusive. Buuuut, I digress. As I woke up in the wee hours of the morning, tossing and turning, I decided to categorize the things on which I will/will not compromise quality. Price aside, it’s not a good deal if the product doesn’t fit, doesn’t work, tastes awful or has no nutritive value. Here is my list:
1. Cosmetics and soap/lotion. My skin is picky. My skin gets angry with me. My skin tries to crawl off my body if I treat it with anything chemical-y. Therefore, mineral makeup and natural bodycare are musts.
2. Laundry Detergent. A foregone conclusion based on my angry skin as mentioned above.
3. Pet Food. Did I mention my dog farts a lot? Pre- and Probiotic foods cut down on that minor issue. It’s worth the price. Seriously, the little guy can clear a room! And I believe firmy in the Italian saying, “Pay the farmer or pay the doctor”. You get out of your body what you put into it, and pets are no exception.
4. People Food. Again, a given. Why shell out money for food that is laden with ingredients possessing no food value, such as MSG, preservatives, and other fillers? I buy natural and organic whenever possible, leaving Jello No-Bake cheesecakes as my rule breaker.
Having said this, it doesn’t mean I won’t try to save however possible on the above items. I have started watching sales at the natural food stores lately, and often times their produce and meat prices are lower than the supermarkets. Not to mention the bulk department-a treasure trove for staples like rice, dried beans, flour, sugar, and cereal grains. A few of my favorite brands of body care place coupons in the free newsletters put out by the natural food chains, and occasionally the entire bodycare/vitamin section will be 25% off. My advice? Make your own list. Maybe you’re OK with Hambuger Helper now and then, but you absolutely must have the latest issue of US Weekly. That’s cool. The key to budgeting is not deprivation, it’s careful planning and compromise. If eating natural foods means we don’t have cable, so be it. There’s really nothing on, anyway.
Stay at Home Mom CFO Said:
on January 23, 2010 at 4:09 pm
It’s true that the budget must be REALISTIC and reflect what you REALLY spend. Otherwise you’re just setting yourself up for failure. Been there… Good Luck!
junebugjones Said:
on January 24, 2010 at 5:24 am
thanks for the validation and good-luck wishes! You are sooo right-I refuse to get trapped in that “have to spend money to save money” mentality.