Some of you are new to couponing and working hard learn how to save money. Some of you have done this for years. No matter how long you have been saving, you know how amazing it feels when you do just that! However, the one question I know many people have is how to actually apply a value to what they have saved.
Some people use cash and actually see the savings and others use a debit card, so it may not be savings you can actually hold in your hand. If you really want to keep track of how much you save, what you may want to do is start a spreadsheet. You can keep track of how much you save every single time you shop. You may be surprised at how quickly the savings add up!
If you want to turn your grocery and retail savings into something that can really add up, a great option is to set up a savings account. If you happen to save $20 at the store, you can make a deposit for the same amount into your savings account. If you use a debit card, just complete a quick transfer. Sometimes seeing this bank account increase is the easiest way to keep track of your savings. Once the end of the year comes you can use that money towards paying down debt, the holidays — or whatever else your heart desires.
We utilize this method – but a little differently. At the end of each pay period, we take any cash left over from grocery and other envelope accounts and place it into a larger envelope. A few years ago, we were able to use the cash we saved to pay cash for our new HDTV and stand. Last year, we used that money towards painting our house. This year, we are saving for a trip for our family.
Whether you decide to actually account for your savings, or even just pat yourself on the back for spending less than you have before, it’s up to you. It is just about trying to save money on your purchases. I always say it isn’t what you spend – it’s what you keep!
Jean says
I recently did this…I needed to see the numbers to know that my coupon and price matching was worth the time and effort I was putting forth. I started an excel spreadsheet and tracked my savings through coupons and price matching (at Walmart) from June 16 to October 10, 2011…. My savings???? $649.66!!!!! I was thrilled to see that the time and effort was very much worth it! I kind of stopped tracking my savings because I’m shopping at Aldi for my weekly shopping. I’m still couponing and price-matching on great deals for my stock-pile, but not for weekly shopping… Seeing the number certainly helps to motivate me to continue!!
Tracie says
Thanks for sharing Jean! When you can see you are really saving, it helps keep you motivated.
chris says
I use a google spreadsheet to track our savings. Since you can share it and it lives in the cloud it is a great way to record our savings anywhere. Wr track our coupon savings and also the sale price savings. It is nice to know when you are out of something and grab it from your stockpile that you used a coupon and bought it while it as on sale.