If your high grocery bill has ever shocked you, you’re not alone. People who shop without a detailed and complete grocery list often spend much more than they intend to.
Shopping lists eliminate impulse purchases and extra trips to the store, as well as browsing and wandering through the aisles. (According to CNN.com, studies show that for each additional minute you spend in a grocery store past half an hour, you will likely spend between 50 cents and $1.) A list also ensures you won’t forget an important item and be forced to buy it at the expensive convenience store on the corner when you’ve got a free minute.
Here are some tips on making and using an effective shopping list:
Plan Your Meals
If you plan to shop on a weekly basis, make sure to outline all the meals that you’ll be eating at home for the week. That means breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Beverages also need to be included. You can learn more about creating a meal plan here.
List All Ingredients
Now that you’ve got each meal planned out, you can list each ingredient. This is the most important part of smart grocery shopping. Writing a meticulous shopping list guarantees that you’ll have everything you need for the entire week. It will also allow you to finish your shopping quickly and efficiently.
Ensure Your List Includes Snacks
This is where many people break their grocery budgets. Some people don’t include desserts and between-meal snack foods on their lists, and overspend as a result. Make sure to give yourself realistic guidelines when it comes to snacks. If you don’t list each type of snack by name, at the very least you should give yourself a dollar amount to be spent on non-meal foods.
Pay Attention to Brand and Price
Similar items with different prices are often on a shelf right next to each other. When you pick up an item, glance at the label beneath it to make sure you know what price you are really paying. You would be surprised to know how often shoppers pay more just because they picked up the wrong brand.
Scout out the Best Deals
If ‘salad dressing’ is on your list, do not pick up a bottle from an attractive endcap display. Even if it’s advertised as being on sale, it is probably not the best deal. Instead of buying from a display, always go the salad dressing aisle where you have the full selection of brands and prices to choose from. If you still want to buy the brand featured in the display, it will be there too.
Stay on Task
One impulse buy can negate all the money you’ve saved on a shopping trip if you aren’t careful. You need to use self-discipline and restraint. Do not allow yourself to browse or buy items that aren’t on your list. Try to shop alone: bringing spouses or children with you to the store increases the odds that you will come home with extra items.
Be Flexible
There is one exception to the “stick to your list” rule. If you spot a better deal you can amend your list on the spot. For example, if graham crackers for the kids is on your list but you notice that a comparably-sized box of animal crackers costs 40 cents less, buy the animal crackers. Smart shoppers seize a bargain when they see one.
Cutting your grocery spending in half only takes 15 minutes and a little willpower. All you need to do is plan your meals, list ingredients, and following that list once you reach the grocery store. It’s really that simple.
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