Keeping to Your Grocery Budget

I keep a spreadsheet on my computer with my grocery list. A day or two prior to shopping day, I update the list. I aways keep the staples permanently listed (milk, eggs, etc) and adjust the rest of the list according to upcoming menus, store specials and my family's changing needs.

I try to shop at the same store regularly and sort my list according to where the items are located in the store. For example, I start in the health/pharmacy area first, then head to the back of the store where dairy is and work my way forward. Therefore I list health/pharmacy items first, followed by dairy then deli, which happens to be my next stop. I also paper clip any coupons I have to the list and make sure those items are in bold type so I don't forget them.

Each time I'm ready to go, which is twice a month on pay day, I print off the sheet. The list helps me stick VERY close to my budget and makes my shopping very efficient...even with my two year old in the cart! :)

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