I am looking for a device other that a calculator that will keep a running total of what I'm putting in my shopping cart. I am just starting a new budget and would like to keep on track as much as possible.
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I shop at our Super Wal-Mart store and have found that if I put my budgeted amount for groceries on a Wal-Mart Shopping Card that helps limit how much I spend. I always charge everything and pay the bills in full at the end of the month - this way I know I can't go over the amount on my shopping card....hope this idea helps you...
When my kids were young we would add things up as we went around the store. After putting each item in the cart, we would round up to make the adding easier. We quite often had a limited amount of money with which to buy the groceries. We all do this automatically now but it takes a little practice. Good arithmetic practice for the kids.
You could also use a little calculator and write the running total on your shopping list.
Susan from ThriftyFun
Unfortunately I don't think they have come up with that idea yet. Maybe you have the next million dollar idea! But anywho when making your shopping list leave a column to put in the prices (don't forget to multiply if you get more than one of the same item) You will still have to do a little adding either in your head as you go or on a calculator. I also round up as the other lady suggested keeps you from going over budget and being embarrased if you have to put something back.
The device I use is called a "pen". (I'm teasing -- but serious!). As I add an item to my cart, I use the edge or back of my grocery list to write down the price -- rounding up, as suugested by others here. If the item is $1.89, for example, I will write down $2. When I add the next item, I write down the NEW total -- if the second item is 2 for $1 and I buy 4 of them, that's another $2 -- added to the $2 I've already written down, all I would write now is the new total, or $4.
Many, many, years ago I had a little hand-held clicker. As you put items into your shopping cart you would click the dollar amount into this little, plastic clicker and it would keep your total. I haven't seen one in twenty years, but I sure would like to find one today!
I still have a clicker that was used to keep count when crocheting. Check with the local fabric store or maybe Michael's.
I had a clicker like Shannon from Indiana had, all of 40 years ago. I really counted on it then, and am looking for something like it again. It was a simple plastic device. I could click in numbers from 1-4 digits I am again on a limited income, and am trying to manage my budget better. If nothing else, I feel your pain.
If you find one, please let me know where!
Used vintage "red clickers" for grocery shopping can be found and bought on line.. example eBay. I've been thinking about using a sports tally device I've never used one but it looks like it's the same principle .
These can be found on e-bay or looked up on Google. They are called either add-a-matic or upper adder. Good luck. Hope you don't bid on the one I just bid on!
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