The Power of a Grocery List

Grocery Lists - A True Game Changer for Saving You Money

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Are you the shopper who takes a list to the grocery store? I have become that person. Mostly because if I don’t, I forget everything I’ve planned as I walk through those doors. Personally, a list truly saves my sanity …. and my budget.

Many people think making lists is a nuisance or “old-fashioned”, but it’s one of the smartest things you can do before you shop. Whether you use your phone, a grocery list app, or good old paper and pen, a list will save you significant money and change your grocery game.

Why a Grocery List?

Imagine a day when you went shopping without a list. You may do this all the time, or it may be an occasional thing. Think back and be honest with yourself. Did you buy a few items you didn’t need?

Did you aimlessly reach for things that looked good but had no real purpose (maybe it wasn’t healthy, or you had no plans to use it for any meal that week)? Don’t feel bad; we've all done it more times than we care to admit!

A list can help you stay focused. It provides a strategy for getting through the store without forgetting something important. Lists save time and prevent stress. Who likes getting home from shopping only to realize they forgot a major item such as bread or eggs?

It’s truly a pain, and getting back out is not something we want to do. Plus, those impulse buys add up, and before we know it, our bill is much higher than planned.

What’s the Best Way to Create a Good List?

We know writing a list is smart, but let’s discuss how to make one. It’s not hard to get into a groove and routine with list-making. I consider my list a shopping “helper”. If I don’t have it, I feel disorganized and the best way to create one is to start.

Crazy as it sounds, I like jotting down a few items on next week's list as I write one for this week. Why would I jump into list-making that far ahead? I will share in a minute. Keep reading!

Let me explain the best strategy that saves you time and money. It’s a super easy one that I continue to practice.

1. Take inventory: Checking your fridge, pantry, freezer, and spice cabinet is the best place to start. What do you already have and what are you running low on? It’s expensive to buy duplicates and we don’t want items going out of date because we have too many. Using what you have first is always best!

2. Plan out your meals: So, you’ve taken inventory. You know what you have now. Maybe you found some chicken in the freezer, plenty of ground beef, and several packages of frozen vegetables. It’s time to decide what to make with what you already have. This also helps you decide what new things to add to your meal ideas. Planning meals is great because we don’t have to think, “What’s for dinner” each night. It relieves some stress knowing what you’re going to be making. Don’t forget to review what you have and need for other meals such as lunches, snacks, and breakfast. For example, if you already have plenty of cereal, don’t buy more this week. Eat what you have and save money (cereal is expensive!). I find it helpful to use easy list-making systems to keep me motivated. If they are too complicated, I become lazy and unorganized. I love this easy meal planner with a grocery list. It's a great way to plan meals and jot down ingredients, making shopping so much easier!

3. Create Categories on your list: When jotting down your list, put your items into categories. For example, think about your store and its layout. What area do you visit first when you walk in? Make your list according to that. I always start in the health and beauty aisle, so the first section on my list covers this area. Then I go to the dairy/eggs section next. This makes shopping much easier and ensures I pick up everything I need.

4. Start next week’s list now: What? Isn’t writing this week’s list enough? As silly as it sounds, keeping a running list can save you time and precious money. When taking inventory and creating this week's list, write down laundry detergent (for the near future because you'll need it in another week, and you don't want to forget). You may not need more yet, but you will soon! Or that box of trash bags ….. You have plenty for now, but don’t want to forget them later and run out. When you see an item getting low, take a note. I typically have a current list and a second one tucked behind to add these items for the near future.

   Another helpful strategy is to utilize a small dry-erase board on your fridge. This gives you a quick place to jot down something so you don't forget. See below for a link to my free grocery list and meal planner!

5. Stick like glue to your list: This part can be challenging but super important. Buying things only on your list keeps you organized and savvy with your money. And if it helps, write down an item or two that makes you feel you are cheating a bit (cookies, or even a healthier version of them, for example), so that you stay in control and on track. You decided ahead of time to get cookies, they didn’t choose to jump in your cart!

More tips and tricks….

List-making can become a great habit. Here are a few additional ways to help you save money on shopping trips.

1. Scope out any sales: It’s always smart to buy on sale when possible. Review your store’s weekly ads or apps that highlight current promotions. Plan your meals and list around these deals to maximize your savings.

2. Be flexible: It’s okay to pick up something on sale that you didn’t have written down if you know you need it and will use it.

3. List apps can be helpful: If you prefer technology, an app can help you create and manage your grocery list. Some apps allow you to share your list with family members, so everyone can add items as needed.

4. Review your list: Look at your list before you shop. Make sure that you have included everything you need for the week. This helps prevent last-minute trips to the store, which can be annoying and costly.

5. Take a picture: Have you ever gotten to the store and realized your perfectly crafted list was still on the counter? I sure have! It’s enough to make you cry. I like to snap a quick photo of my list after I check the final draft. Should I get distracted and leave without it, I have it on my phone. Another tip, … put it in your purse or pocket as soon as you have your final draft (but don’t change purses without moving your list over too!)

Final thought …..It’s simply smart to make a list!

Shopping with a list is the best way to save money and time.

It keeps you organized. …. You don’t forget the bananas or the taco shells, and you get through the store faster with your items listed in handy dandy categories.

You save money because you don’t have to drive back to the store to get something you forgot, and you don’t impulse buy since you have your week planned out.

This easy step will help keep your budget on track and your mind at ease. You will be in control and organized with your weekly meals, which is a wonderful feeling!

Happy shopping!!

Get your FREE Grocery List/Meal Planner HERE.