How to Create A family Food Budget
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Track every single item your family consumes each month. Ask all family members to carry around a notebook for at least a month. Have them mark down how much they spend on food. Calculate all food costs including how much you spend on beverages, eating out and each latte purchase at work. - 2
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Decide how much you want to spend on food each month. The amount you spend may vary from person to person. If you have a larger monthly income allow for more money on food. Take into account every family member's nutritional needs. If you have small babies you may have to account for items such as formula. If you have teenagers you should make sure they get a properly balanced diet. - 3
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Decide where you want to shop. The best way to help create a budget is to know where you're going to shop. A familiar place such as a local supermarket will have items in the order that you know and understand. You can easily decide how to navigate each aisle and what aisles to avoid each time. Understanding where you food dollars go each month can help you create a working food budget. - 4
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Allow for emergencies and celebrations each month. Food is often a standard expense. You can figure out what you're going to spend most months. Some months you may face unexpected guests who need to be fed. You may also want to make sure that you allow enough money each month for family celebrations such as Thanksgiving and birthday parties. - 5). Make sure that you're accounting for all family members and their expenses. Don't forget to calculate items such as school lunches or any food your kids are expected to bring to school for parties. Remembering such expenses will help you create a working food budget plan.
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