Time Management
Whether we are looking for more time in our day, or to save money, I have listed some of my favorite time management tips here, as well as information about stockpiling, being prepared and when certain items are on sale each month.
My parents instilled in me the personality (flaw) to always be on time. My mom would always say, "if you're ten minutes early for an appointment, then you're late". So, hence having that drilled into my head all my life, I am ALWAYS early for everything. I tend to tell myself that it's OK. People like promptness; it shows a sign of dedication, responsibility and thoughtfulness. Maybe I'm wrong, but thinking this way and acting on the early arrival schedule hasn't failed me yet.
Whenever I can, since we live rural, I combine all my errands into one day if possible every week. Saves gas, time and I only have to leave the property once a week versus every day. I am a homebody and if I could, I would never step foot off the homestead.
I have to have a list. I write every stop down on the Master List. Then I have sub-lists which are the individual store/errand stops. All this is in an envelope (with coupons, etc). I even make the Master List stops in order (ie 1. Grocery 2. Library and so on and so on). Much to my husband's amusement, I will write Gas on the Master List. He will say, "How can you forget to stop and get gas?". My response... "It happens. I'm focused and always have so much on my mind, I rely on my lists to accomplish everything." Sadly enough, lists really help me keep on schedule.
I am a huge multi-tasker. It is nothing to see me working on four or five chores at once. I get this trait from my dad. He was always puttering with this and that at the same time. Thanks dad!
In my Household Journal I have weekly to-do lists. Every day has its own area and on Sunday evening as I settle in form the day, I get it out and start writing things down for every day of what needs to be done and what I'd like to do. I keep important phone numbers there (internet service, etc). This helps keep me on track and it's such a fabulous feeling to cross off each task completed.
If you haven't guessed by now, I am BIG on lists and keeping journals and notes.
Stockpiling The Pantry
I shop weekly at the dollar store and can usually find some great items (all for $1) in the grocery department. I watch sales and have complied a main list of who has what better price. I am not store dedicated. I will shop around (online) between three local places for the best deal. What's really nice is most large grocery store chains' apps have the grocery items listed with the prices and what aisle they're in.
Here is an example from a Nashville TN store for light bulbs. This is also a time saver when you're in a hurry. Notice just below the In Stock Home Improvement where it says aisle location
When I see a good sale on something we eat regularly, I will stock up on it. And every week when I go to the dollar store or grocery store, I set aside $10 to buy items that I may see that are on clearance or a good deal for my pantry stockpile. So what if we have ten tins of sardines. My husband LOVES those things and I know they will be consumed.
Every month I will have added an additional $40 worth of stockpile. I rotate the stock and we are sure to have food in the event of a power outage or catastrophe. This gives me a little piece of mind when I think about all the awful events happening; whether natural disasters, preparing for a harsh winter or the economy concerns.
And yes, I do buy packets of seasoning and gravy mixes to add to my pantry. I usually make my own, but in the event of emergency, I have a back-up stash.
What's On Sale & When
This is a great graphic to see what is the best time of year to stock up and get good sale prices on certain items. You know, buying office supplies in August and September because Back To School Time means pens, notebooks, etc are ALL on sale. This is when I stock up on folders, pens and everything else I may need for the next year. There are many more graphs and charts with this information but this one breaks them down according to retail and grocery stores; which is why I like it so much.
Thanks for stopping by and I hope I gave you some ideas about saving time, money and what to watch for
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