If you have ever been to a grocery store without a list you know how things can get out of control quickly with little thought to it. Frugal shoppers know that shopping without a list is not on the agenda for smart-shopping. It is a known fact that people who shop without a list purchase more unnecessary items, and spend more money all around, then those who plan their trip ahead of time.
The savings and clearance racks can catch you off guard if you find yourself at the grocers unprepared. Items you wouldn’t normally buy seem to make their way into your cart when you have no list. The general census states that when you plan ahead you make smarter and more efficient moves; this includes shopping for food. Don’t be caught by shell-shock at the register. Just plan ahead.
One of the simplest ways to always stay on top of your current food needs is to keep a running list on your refrigerator. A running list is a list that is always going, always being used. You mark down every item that you ran out of and when. This will keep you up to date when you have to make your week’s end shopping list. Make sure everyone in the house knows the procedure for the running list. If someone eats, or uses, the last of an item in the kitchen then they should be aware that they are responsible for marking down the item on the running list.
Working together helps the process flow smoothly. With a little effort you can easily save hundreds of dollars each year just by being aware of the food that you buy. Those extra items add up and without the hassle of paying for item you won’t eat or use then you find the savings to be quite relieving.
You can also find some relief at the grocers by keeping a routine in place. Every twelve weeks grocery stores rotate sale items. This means that the same items generally go on sale every three months. So do yourself a favor and stock up on your favorite on-sale items, enough to last you those few months, and by the time you use up your stock-pile another sale should be rolling around. This is a trick that can work for your benefit too. By running the sales every three months the stores assume it’s a long period of time and that everyone will have to purchase more products at the regular price. They can be outsmarted if you buy in bulk quantities and learn to abide by the twelve week rule.