Grocery bills can be expensive. Staples like milk and bread are costing families more than ever. One way to combat the costliness is to write out a grocery list. By having a plan and sticking to it, you can reduce your costs and increase your savings.
The first step is to begin keeping a memo pad on your refrigerator. In doing so, you can keep a running list of anything that you are about out of or need throughout the week. Next, plan your menu using the circular. Your local grocery stores advertise in the circular and based on sale items that week (particularly meats and vegetables) you can determine what you want to prepare for the week ahead. Use a separate memo pad for the menu. You can post this on your refrigerator as well so that you and your family know what to expect for meals. Planning your menu will help you to visualize what food will be eaten. Be sure to include meals out on your menu. This way, you can use leftovers most effectively, instead of throwing it out. Setting your menu will help you to easily determine what you need to pick up at the grocery store. It will reduce the number of trips you make to the store, and in turn help you to reduce your gas prices.
Once you plan your menu you can start writing your grocery list. Peruse your pantry and refrigerator to see what you already have. Make sure any recipes you will be using are out so that you can reference them and write anything you need to prepare them on the grocery list. The grocery list will help you from overbuying on food or making impulse purchases that you don’t need. Write your list. Some people prefer to lump the list by the location in the grocery (i.e. produce, frozen, meat, etc) but this isn’t absolutely necessary. Grocery lists are an asset in today’s economy. They are one easy way to save on food. The key to cutting costs is no further than a memo pad on your refrigerator!