Mind Games Or Reality?

"But we only buy what we need!"

This is a common refrain when considering trimming your spending.
However, it's usually your mind fooling you, and deep down, you know there’s something you can work on.

Try This Exercise

Here’s a good exercise to see if reality matches your feelings:
1. Grab a recent grocery bill and quickly write a score, from 1 to 3, next to each item:
    1 = Real necessity
    2 = Regular want
    3 = Little splurge
2. Review your scores to see if you really only buy what you need or if there’s room for improvement.

Make It Interesting

To make it even more interesting, have each spouse rank the items on their own and compare afterwards. You might discover some surprising differences in how you view your purchases!

This easy exercise can be an eye-opener and help you identify areas where you can cut back without feeling deprived.

Happy budgeting!