Does it help you to use a shopping list? About This Page:

[Huntermom]

I have never used a list when I shop. I think it is in part because my ex was very rigid and list obsessed.

As I am growing older, I am forgetting more and more things, resulting in additional trips to the store. Given that the nearest store is 6+ miles, it's not only the extras I spy, but some gas and a 15 minute trip each way.

So so you use a shopping list? How do you organize it? do you stick strictly to it? And do you feel it saves you money?

Thanks.

Diane

[Colexis Mom]

Yes, I usually use a list. It helps me stick to things, when I plan meals, and not buy too many extras. I organize mine by the store layout and the way I go thru the store.

[CinderAbby]

Yes. Not only do I have a shopping list, I have a dinner list too. I feel it saves me money because I go through all my cupboards and pantry while I make it so I don't buy things I already have. I also stick too it, which saves money, because then I don't buy those "impluse buys" (well sometimes I do, but not normally.) It's what I do, what I'm used to so I hate the thought of going without a list. When I make that mistake (sometimes on my "little" trip - milk, bread, etc), my grocery bill ends up being huge because I wander around trying to remember what I wanted and then I get extras - that I don't need and shouldn't even get (frozen snacks, etc).

[revral]

I use a list when I'm doing a major grocery shopping trip or I'm buying stuff for whatever I'm cooking for dinner when a friend is coming over. I will pick up stuff that's not on the list although those things are either things I need that I forgot to put on the list but would be there if I had been thinking straight or something I use that wont go bad, such as toiletpaper, that's on good sale that I'm not willing to pass up. I've created a master list that's saved on my computer and whenever I think of something that I use regularly that's not on it I add it to the list. I just print out a copy of the list and highlight what I want/need to buy when I go to the store. Since I have several stores I'll shop at if it's something I get at a certain store that store's abbreviation is next to the item. Then at the store I just use a regular ballpoint pen to put a line through the highlighted items as they're added to the cart. Mine is organized by type of food such as dairy, baking supplies, frozen, canned/boxed/bagged etc. since I have several stores I'll shop at and will pick stuff up pretty much anywhere if the price is right.

[korki-rad]

I recently switched from having a list to not using a list. Backwards, I know, but I actually end up spending less money this way.

Before, I would meticulously plan out every single meal, then figure out what ingredients I needed for each one...and then a lot of those ingredients would go to waste, because I would change my mind about a recipe, or I didn't use the whole thing, etc. My new method is to have a well-stocked pantry and fridge...all the basics (purchase a bunch when I see them on sale), purchase meat on sale, then "shop" in my pantry, fridge and freezer. If I don't have the ingredients to make something, I have to change my plans or improvise. I think it is making me a better cook, too, since I have to get my nose out of the cookbook and figure out what I can make with what I have.

We have saved literally hundreds of dollars each month now that I've dropped the list. That's me, I guess -- always bucking the crowd! LOL

[wheatenwalker]

Usually I do, I try to plan out meals for the week and make a list so I kow what I need to make those meals- saves impulse buying and saves return trips to the store for ingredients

[Tigger71]

not too rigid but we have a notepad on the inside pantry door and we jot down when something is low (or totally used up -LOL). We take the list and shop - purchasing more of the specials and buying the big ticket items only when on sale. If it's not shopping day (that's a whole other post) then we make do with what is there.

[KTSabie]

We use a grocery list in order to know what we need in our pantry. We like to keep the pantry stocked so we don't have to plan our weekly meals ahead of time.
We always organize our list based on the layout of the store and the order that I will put the food in the cart.
If we don't have a list, we go a bit crazy, so we definitely need the list to cut down on impulses.

[rescuesk]

I always use a list. I shop totally with cash and once a month, so I don't like to forget things or get things I didn't need.

We have a magnetic pad on the fridge and when things get used up or low, they get put on the list. Then that is what I use to make my list. I also go through the store sales flyer and write down the sale items that I need. Then I go through my coupons and write down things I need that I have a coupon for.

The only time I stray from my list is when the store has an in-store special that is too good to pass up!

[saremca]

If I don't write stuff down I forget to buy it. I'm not sure it helps me save money. My DH and I grocery shop together and he is an impulsive grocery buyer. Worse than the kids!

[lauren-roxy]

I always use a list. I find that if I don't make one out that I forget things.

[Caldercup]

I have a list of "needed" items, but I still don't buy those items unless I have a coupon or there's a sale. (That's in a grocery store or big box store, though.)

My real list is my "what's on sale this week" list -- that helps to remind me what items I've already determined are a good price and keeps me from tracking back and forth in the store as I remember stuff.

I'm more of a To Do list maker -- I like to make a big list of things I want to accomplish in a week or weekend. I love crossing stuff off.
Eileen

[Disneydiana]

I always take a list w/ me. I keep the list on the fridge and take note on what we are running out of. when I am ready to go shopping I seperate the list by which stores I can pick up the items at (which ever is cheaper ).

[Gin7274]

If I'm doing major shopping I usually do.

[Griffin]

I always use a list, otherwise I will forget something! I don't have to stick to it if I see something else at the store that is better or whatever. Though once in a while I do forget to look at the list...Then all bets are off!