Recession, bailout, layoffs, foreclosures, rising inflation, high energy costs - these issues are all over the newspapers, the internet, radio and television.  You can’t get away from it no matter how hard you try…bad news is everywhere regarding the global economy.  If you’re like many nurses, you may be not worried so much about the security of your job, but more about stretching your paycheck as far as you can every month to make ends meet.  You’re already working enough hours as it is, so increasing your workload to increase your paycheck won’t work.  So, what do you do to make ends meet?  The largest variable weekly expenses for individuals or families come from two often overlooked areas:  food and clothing. 

Practicing informed, disciplined purchasing in these areas can help lead to substantial savings each month.  Here are some easy steps you can take in order to get the most for your money each and every week:  Food is one of the largest weekly variable expenditures that most individuals or families have to budget.  There are a variety of easy ways to save money when it comes to food:

• Set up a weekly grocery list and track it – unscheduled or impulse grocery buying is one of the worst money-wasting culprits.  Make a list, check it twice, and keep to that list to make sure you’re not buying duplicates or items you don’t need, particularly when it comes to items like fresh fruits and vegetables that spoil quickly.

• Never go grocery shopping when you’re hungry – it leads to impulse purchases, buying based on cravings (do you really need 3 boxes of mint chocolate chip cookies?), and poor food choices (unhealthy extremes like salty, sweet or fatty rather than healthy).

• Buy in bulk – if you find yourself consistently buying a food or household product that you use over and over again then consider buying it bulk – the prices are usually much better on a unit by unit basis.  One consideration is joining one of the large wholesalers such as Costco, BJ’s or Sam’s Club, if you have one in your area! 

Smart clothing purchases are also an easy and effective way to stretch your budget – avoiding common mistakes can help:

• Stay Classic - While it’s nice to consider yourself “fashionable” and “stylish”, the fact of the matter is that most clothing trends only last for a short period of time, then it’s on to the next one.  Don’t get caught up in mimicking the latest look – only to find yourself giving those ”fashionable” jeans to charity 6 months later.  Stick to classic looks that never really go out of style – if you think you’re going to get less than 2 years of wear from something, then don’t buy it.

• Shop for “need to have” items rather than “nice to have” – we all like to treat ourselves at times to that outfit we saw in the window while strolling through the mall, or leafing through that catalog.  But, we need to ask ourselves if we really need it, if it’s really necessary.  If not, then take a pass, or put it on your birthday or holiday gift list and let someone else give it to you!  Remember, a sale isn’t really a sale if you don’t need it!

• Consignment shops or used clothing stores – you can often find great bargains in these places if you take the time to look.  Clothes that were hardly worn or never fit right for someone else may turn out to be the perfect fit for you!

By adhering to a disciplined buying approach when it comes to food and clothing purchases, you may find yourself having a little extra money left over at the end of the month.  If so…save it for a rainy day!

NurseTogether Staff