Budgeting with Grace for Women in Their 20s

Hey there, ladies! Welcome back to For The Love Of The Funds, I’m Such A Lady series where we're all about embracing the chaos of adulting while making girl math make cents. Today, we're diving deep into giving yourself grace when budgeting. Let's face it, we all love to spoil ourselves, but nobody loves a drained bank account. It’s all about finding that sweet spot where you can enjoy life and still have money left over for the essentials (and a little extra for that fancy latte). So let's get into it!

Grocery Shopping: Keep It Simple

Grocery shopping doesn't have to be a stress-fest. I used to wander the aisles aimlessly, picking up whatever looked good or was aesthetically pleasing, only to realize I spent way more than I planned. It's like there's some kind of force field in the grocery store that makes everything look like a must-have. Now, I go in with a meal plan for the week. I write down what I need, and I stick to the outer edges of the store, where the fresh produce, dairy, and meats are. If I need something from the middle aisles, I make sure it's on my list. This is a dangerous game to play, and I'm still learning how to do it without falling for the traps.

Do y'all know what I forget to do every single time before I even leave the house? Check what I already have. Seriously, it sounds so simple, but I can't tell you how many times I've gone to the store and bought something I already had at home. I get caught up in the excitement of shopping, and suddenly, I have three cartons of heavy whipping cream and two bags of rice. But then, when I got home, I realized I forgot to buy the one thing I actually needed like spaghetti sauce, or another obey seasoning like my brain is playing tricks on me, focusing on aesthetically pleasing stuff and completely ignoring the essentials. I be so irritated lol, Im working on it though.

So here's the lesson I keep learning the hard way: take five minutes to check your pantry and fridge before you leave. Make sure you actually need that extra box of pasta or that sauce. Because trust me, I've got more than enough bags of rice that will last me through the next few months. It's a small step, but it can save you a ton of money and a lot of frustration. So before you head out, take a deep breath, open those pantry doors, and make sure you aren't doubling up on what you already have.

So let's talk about these grocery stores. Because when did strawberries go up to $7.00? I refuse to believe this is my life now, and I'm not paying full price. I'm going to find a sale! Trader Joe's is my go-to for vibes if I am being transparent but sometimes even they test my patience with their prices. Lately, I love a good Aldi run—it’s like it knew my wallet’s budget before I even walked in. I’m going there today, and I'll share my haul on FinanceTheBrand's Instagram. Tune in.

Let's not forget Walmart. I know it's not target but it's gonna get the job done every time. If you know how to cook, the brand doesn't matter as much. I learned from the best. “If you ain't sneezing, it ain't seasoned”. Just ask your momma she will tell you. So don't be afraid to pick up that cheaper brand if it helps you stay on budget. But let's not get it confused, a girl likes what a girl likes, and I'm buying no Great Value Oreos when I know for a fact I love the original Oreo brand.  I'm just not going to compromise on some things and neither should you. But sometimes you can totally opt for a cheaper price, and it'll do you just as much justice as the expensive brand. It's all about knowing what you can swap out without feeling like you're sacrificing too much. 

And speaking on what to sacrifice in your budget, there's always the good old Dollar Tree. You'd be surprised at the kitchen supplies, storage containers, and even pantry staples you can find there for just $1, it gets the job done and leaves you with more cash for the things you really want. So whether you're shopping at Target Kroger, Safeway, Same’s Aldi, Walmart, or whatever floats your boat remember, it's about making your money work for you, not the other way around. And here's a pro tip: never shop when you're hungry. I used to do this all the time, and it was a recipe for disaster. Suddenly, everything looks good, and before you know it, your cart is filled with snacks and zero actual meals. So, grab a quick snack before you leave the house, and you'll save yourself from impulse buying. Clock It!

The Target Run: Survive and Thrive

Target is like Disneyland for adults. You walk in needing toothpaste and leave with a new outfit, some snacks, and a bunch of home decor. The first step to budgeting with grace on a Target run? Have a plan. Make a list and stick to it. I know it sounds boring, but trust me, it’s the best way to avoid those impulse buys. And if you find yourself tempted by that super cute throw pillow? Give yourself a 24-hour cooling-off period lol. If you're still thinking about it tomorrow, AND YOU HAVE THE BUDGET FOR IT ! go for it because maybe then it's worth the splurge. If not, you’ve just saved yourself from unnecessary spending

And here's a tip: Use the Target app. You can find deals, and discounts, and even get rewards through Target Circle. It's like having a little financial fairy in your pocket that helps you save money.

Beauty Buys at Sephora and Ulta:

Let me start with, I am not a makeup girly and can barely do a little one, or two. But I know the girls love Ulta and Sephora because I do only because it's cute but the hair store concealer has my heart. NXY brand gonna do it every time. 

I recently realized I am not an Ulta or Sephora girly because just a few weeks ago I went in there to get a lip liner, full coverage powder a little gloss and my total was like $40.00 NEVER Again will I go back lol, but let's be real they can be budget nightmares. Here's how I will navigate them without draining my bank account again. First, I'm gonna do my research to find affordable dupes for high-end products. There's no need to spend a fortune when you can get similar results with a drugstore alternative. HELLO, Why pay $50 for a palette when you can get a similar one for a fraction of the cost? But quality over quantity I guess. 

For the girls that do love it take advantage of the rewards programs. Sephora's Beauty Insider and Ulta's Ultimate Rewards give you points for every dollar spent. Save those points for discounts or freebies. And don’t forget about sales! Sephora's annual Beauty Insider Sale is the perfect time to stock up on your favorites at a discount. Ulta’s 21 Days of Beauty is another great opportunity to grab some deals.

I might not be a makeup girly, but I love a good perfume. Ulta often has some killer coupons for fragrance, skincare, and other beauty products. And let's be honest, Sephora is just cute, even if I'm just browsing. But no way am I paying full price when I know there are deals to be had. That’s why I sign up for every membership and rewards program or any store I will be shopping at a few times. Who doesn’t love a birthday gift and early access to sales?

Here's a tip: try before you buy. Ask for a sample. Don’t be shy.  Ulta often has travel-sized products, so you can test out a product without committing to a full-size purchase. This way, you avoid spending a ton of money on something that might not work for you. Plus, you can use travel-sized products when you're on the go, so it's a win-win.

From Impulse to Intention: My Journey Navigating Homegoods, Marshalls, and At Home

All though Target has my heart, chile Homegoods, marshalls, and At Home, might be the top 3. It is literally the place where every aisle is packed with items you didn't know you needed but suddenly can’t live without. The candle sections are my absolute favorite—there's just something about me having to buy three to four every time. But hey, those little temptations are everywhere, and it's easy to lose track of time (and money).

So, I've had to learn how to navigate these stores without buying everything that catches my eye. My new rule? Go in with a list and a clear purpose. If I'm looking for something specific, like a storage container or a new rug, I focus on that. I avoid wandering through the clearance aisles, where I might be tempted to buy things I don't need just because they’re a good deal. When it comes to candles—my weakness—I allow myself to buy only one. If they don't have what I'm looking for, I don't just grab whatever smells nice; I simply walk away. And to keep impulse buys in check, I carry items around for a bit to see if they really spark joy. If not, they go back on the shelf. It's all about finding balance and making sure I leave the store with my budget (and my sanity) intact. It has been a journey to get me here.

If you stick to a plan most of the time, you won't feel guilty about those occasional indulgences.  Remember, budgeting isn't about deprivation. It’s about making choices that allow you to live your best life without financial stress. If you overspend one day, give yourself some grace—regroup, adjust, and get back on track.

The important thing is you're learning what works for you and making progress toward your financial goals. So next time you’re heading to Target, Trader Joe's, or Sephora, remember to budget with grace. Make a list, set a spending limit, and enjoy the process. Because you deserve to live a life that's both fulfilling and financially secure. Budgeting is a journey, not a destination, and it’s okay to make mistakes along the way. Keep going, keep growing, and give yourself the grace to find what works for you. 

I will be swiping my credit card for these groceries to get my cash back let me be very clear. So in total today I spent $0 because I used my credit card so that’s girl math that makes cents🤸🏽‍♀️💐💰 Work smarter, not harder.

Unit next time ladies, See yall on Mother’s Day <3