6 Steps to a Better Grocery List

When I first started out, I was paying roughly $150 to $200 in groceries a week for two people. I often went to the store and just bought what I felt like eating for the week. I know spend no more than $100 a week and I still eat the same great things as before. In order to create a good grocery list, you need to give yourself a REALISTIC budget. I’m focusing on the word realistic because too many people try to go too low too quickly and end up risking their health and end up just going back to their money wasting ways.

A few things to note before I begin…..

1. I have a large pantry for my common foods

2. I own a large freezer for all my meats

3. I never sacrifice my health to save a few extra dollars

4. I installed a very advanced water purification system 2 years ago.

O.K so lets begin

Step One - Distinguishing between wants and needs

You don’t need that bag of candy or that 2 litre of cola but you do need that dish liquid and that toothpaste. Once you stick to things you truly need and treat yourself occasionally on those things you desire, you’ll be able to cut down your grocery spending.

Step Two - Look through the grocery store Ads

Reading the ads is a great way to save money. You can always find great deals on so many things you’ll most likely need in the upcoming weeks or months.

Step Three - Plan your weekly meals

Planning your meals based on the weekly sale items allows for less planning. I recommend this sort of meal planning for those with little time to spare.

Step Four - Look through your pantry and freezer

I keep a dry erase note-board on my freezer and pantry to keep track of what I’m low on. When I take the last of an item, I write it down so that it gives me time to buy it on sale before I run out. I always take a quick peek at the pantry to see if I can stock up on certain sale items that week.

Step Five - Write that list

Break the list down into categories such as veggies, meats, frozen, etc. in order to navigate through the store in an efficient manner. Your list should comprise of mostly sale items found in the ads and a few common items you weren’t able to buy on sale before they ran out.

Step Six - Stick to your list

What’s the point of making a list if you aren’t going to stick to it?

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Filed Under Frugal Living, Grocery Shopping 

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