I need to keep a constant stock of items to avoid extra trips into my favorite discount grocery store in the next town. Most pantry items in my hometown store are just too expensive to get (sometimes a three dollar difference!) After reviewing my grocery receipts and pantry for a month, I devised a shopping list on my computer that lists everything I use in my home, broken down into general categories like Produce/Fresh; Frozen; Pantry; Office; Toiletries/Household.
I saved it on MS Word, and before I go shopping I do an inventory, then open my list on my computer, "delete" what I do not need to buy, and print out the list. When I close the program, I choose NOT to save the changes, so I always have the complete list. Stuff that needs to be purchased at a specialty store is italicized, and if I have coupons, I highlight the item and keep them with my list, so I don't forget them. The list is very easy to read, and I have extra room to write down notes or unexpected items (like car parts!) It takes a little time to set it up, but the time and gas I save from forgetting an item is very valuable!
By Kelly
To save time and trips to the grocery store, I have a master list of everything I keep on hand. I keep it folded and stuck in a coffee cup in the kitchen cabinet.
To keep an eye on your budget and create an instant shopping list, keep your grocery receipt from your previous trip. Put a tick mark beside each item you need, and list any additional items on the back.
Everyone probably knows that it is helpful to put a shopping list on fridge so that you can make note of what you have run out of. Another good idea is to put a list on the inside of your cupboard or panty where you store dry goods.
I use a system that I learned while I was a restaurant manager and by the nature of my job "had" to control food cost.
Tape a piece of paper on the inside of the cupboard. Divide it into spaces for lists: cleaning supplies, canned goods, bathroom, other.
We all know sticking to a list is the key to saving money. I live 11 miles from town, so I keep what I call a 'running list' all the time. When I make it down the mountain, I know I have to keep to the list to keep the pantry stocked, especially in the winter.
To keep from over buying at the store I always make a list the night before buying groceries. My husband and I do it together, we make sure all staples are covered and the meat and the veggies.
Keep a list of what you usually buy at the store and print it on the computer. You can make several copies at a time. When you get ready to go to the grocery store just glance through and check off what you need.
I have one of those clear see- through magnetic frames; the kind that pulls apart half of the way as you insert whatever picture you might like. Well instead of a picture, I put a blank piece of lined notebook paper in it.
Links to sites that offer free printable grocery lists. Post your favorite links.
Hi MommyKelly,
I looked for the list that I had usded from years ago. This isn't the one that I had originally, but it should work for what you need. I hope this helps.
Sincerely, Doreen from Pa
MommyKelly, I don't see the list from the prior post for comparison to the one I've found; did you get it? I'd like to see it myself. Anyway the list I've found I really enjoy and edit often. It can be found at http://www.familytime.com , go to the tabs at the top of the page and click on shopping list. (the whole site is worth checking out). Hope this helps.KCRC
Just a thought, you can in less than a half hour make one yourself and save it to your computer!
images.google.com/
:)
www.clevermoms.com/
They let you select items in a checkbox and then print out only what you selected. I just copied out the whole thing and wrote on a few things to modify it to my family's use.
I have this one and really like it. It does everything I want it to and it was free to download. You might want to check it out. It is easy to use and prints out the way I wanted it to.
http://www.homeplansoftware.com
The Shopping List The Item List The Category List
Starting a New List Using the Items List Using the Category List
Opening an Existing List Editing the Item List
Saving the List
Printing the list
Editing the Shopping List
Hi Kelly! Try http://www.womansday.com They have some great printable lists. I love the grocery one!
Also, I did a general search(typed in grocery list) and got a bunch of links.
Good luck!
http://www.printablechecklists.com is awesome! lots of lists for EVERYTHING! enjoy!
Tami
I'm a single guardian with a little brother to take care of and I am also going to college. It is ust the two of us. We have a decent budget of 150-200 bucks to spend a month for food. Lately, I've been lazy and we have just been eating microwavables, mac and cheese, speghetti, rice w/ (eggs, spam, bacon, etc), and sandwiches....
A few months ago there was a "master" weekly (or maybe monthly) grocery list on this group that listed what items are on sale and which staples to stock up on when; using this plan, you can drastically reduce your grocery bill. Now, I cannot find the list on thriftyfun.com; anyone know where it is, or how to shopping this way? Thank you!
I have a very limited of money to spent on groceries. Since I buy most of my food from Save-A-Lot, I have saved my receipts each week.