Thanks to everyone who did the grocery spending poll. It seems like most people who read my posts are pretty budget-savvy. The average Canadian family spends $668.00 (statistics Canada) per month on groceries and restaurant meals.
I don’t think living on a budget means that you’re constantly trying to save money around every corner. To me, it just means living within your means and having a plan for your money.
It doesn’t matter if someone spends $1000 a month on groceries or $400 a month. The person who spends $400 a month isn’t necessarily better at being on a budget – it’s the person who has decided on an amount and sticks to it.
I was on vacation this past week and talked to some people on the beach about their budget (not your typical vacation topic!) This one couple seemed to have a lot of money (expensive cars, ate out all the time, expensive boat toys) but they said every year they go in debt over their vacation. They said it always took the enjoyment out of the vacation, having to worry about how to pay for it afterwards.
This past year, someone got them on a budget and now they have their accommodations paid for before they get there and they bring along cash for their spending money. They said it is amazing to have a plan for your money. They still have all the nice things they had before, but they are much happier people.