shopping lists works wonders

**Bournecrazy** · 07-10-2008, 01:22 PM

i made a shopping list before i went out, from the website of the shop i was going too, and looked for everything i wanted to buy, and the offers going on. So i went shopping with my list got a few extras but also saved on items i already had on my list, like pasta on the website it was 0.79 but instore store generic value was 0.19 a pack so i got two! it stopped me wandering around the aisles grabbing rubbish

**eyrehead** · 07-10-2008, 01:37 PM

I'm not always real good about sticking to the list, especially if I make the mistake of going shopping while hungry!! UGH!! But I too, stuck to my list, and kept my grocery bill under $100 for the first time in months!!

**frugalandsimple** · 07-10-2008, 01:43 PM

I always write down a list of things I need to get when I'm shopping for groceries so I don't forget anything

**Bournecrazy** · 07-10-2008, 03:50 PM

i did actually go shopping hungary, but i managed i normally make a lit of things that i would like but not a proper list i stick too. but its good i have enough food / drinks to last a good week maybe more

**treeluva** · 07-10-2008, 05:18 PM

I need to get back into the habit of making a list... when I went in with a list and a price list, I always came in under budget and seemed to get more food....

**MomToTwoBoys** · 07-10-2008, 05:28 PM

I stopped taking DH and both DS with me to the grocery store. I found out that was most of the problem; everyone would want me to buy something that wasn't on the list and we'd end up spending at least fourty dollars on just junk food alone. I do buy things for everyone to snack on but it's homemade stuff now. I'll buy two bags of chips a week to go with meatball subs, and one gets eaten before I make the subs. I just try to make as much food at dinner as I can.

**Mom23boys** · 07-10-2008, 05:43 PM

I always shop with a list. It keeps me on track and reduces my need to impulse buy. I am glad it worked for you too!

By the way, that was a great deal on pasta!! I would have bought more than one too!

**Cricketlegs** · 07-10-2008, 11:46 PM

I don't usually have a list.

I do have a notebook and I divide my budget into categories-for example--meat $75, produce $30, dairy etc.

Then I shop my departments and jot down the amounts in each category as I go along with the item shorthanded beside it and rounding up to the nearest whole dollar until my amount for that department is met.

Hard to overspend if you only allow yourself XX dollars per department. Also, if I spend $25 in produce and I am done there I shoot the additional to another department such as meat or dairy.

Another trick I do is I ask myself if it is a prepackaged food and if it is I change my mind and try to keep to staples so it limits junk and processed food buys. I have started making my own biscuits, pancake mixes, cookies, and other sweets. I also try to hold off on chips, sodas, and things like canned soups as they are full of MSG and sodium. I also found some condensed beef stock that is msg free and less sodium so I don't buy stocks or gravy mixes. A jar is $4 but makes tons and tastes wonderful.

Then when I check out I am usually 10 to 20 under budget because I round up to the nearest whole dollar and most food items are not taxable.

**angelbumpkin** · 07-11-2008, 12:01 AM

List shopper here and nothing can be added to the list while shopping either dh trys that.

**Palooka** · 07-11-2008, 01:25 AM

Tell me about it. A list is great. Just tonight I discovered I bought tea bags twice this month and they have not been opened. Like two big boxes. I thought I was out and didn't even make a list or look in my pantry. Like Duh!

Silly me. At least tea stays good for awhile though. I spend way less with a list and I feel way more organized. It's the taking the time to make one is the hard part for me.

**Clutterbug Jen** · 07-11-2008, 02:39 AM

I make a list as well but have once or twice forgot it at home. Ugh!! *lol*

I've also done the going shopping hungry thing even though I know way better than to do it.

Needless to say - on those trips, I don't fare near as well as when I eat before I go!

Jen

**DonnainME** · 07-11-2008, 07:57 AM

I try to make the list. We have one made for our trip on Saturday to the double coupon store. I even went to their website and printed out their deals in a shopping list. I still have to go thru my coupons and match a few of their sales up with that.

**itlw8** · 07-11-2008, 08:33 AM

We do much better with a list also.

We even made a list for garage sales.

One it helps as dh will look for bargains on the list and two if it is not on our list I really think about if I really need it even if it is a great bargain

**LexTysMommy** · 07-11-2008, 08:39 AM

I make a list, go through cabinets and fridge and tell myself ONLY GET WHATS ON LIST..this never works. I always say cant believe i forgot that.

great deal on pasta!

**TexasPeanut** · 07-11-2008, 08:48 AM

I always grocery shop with a list. That's the one list I will not lose lol. I always use a calculator while shopping. I have a set total that I follow every week and as I add things to the cart I punch it into the calculator. The only time I manage to go over is if there's a great sale going on and the extra food is going straight into our freezer or stockpile.