Shopping Lists

Page Updated on November 24, 2007

Use a shopping list!

If you want to save money during your shopping trip, I repeat, use a shopping list! (and stick to it)

One of the things I repeatedly see popping up in the site searches (yes I get a report on what people have been searching for, so I know what visitors want to see) is a shopping list. You know the ones I'm talking about. They list every common item that people buy (or what the list creator thinks you should buy, as if they know what's best for your family), and you're supposed to circle or highlight the items on the list that you need so you don't have to write them down. I know some people insist that this saves them time, and I'm sure it does if you have things like milk and bread that you must buy each week, but such lists really only seem to waste printer paper and ink because they contain so many items that you AREN'T going to buy (so why are they on your list?).

It's much more reasonable to:

• Create a master shopping list with items you frequently buy and refer to it when you make your weekly shopping list to ensure that you don't forget anything. (Don't waste paper by making 20 copies of the list unless you actually expect to need each item on the list during 20 separate shopping trips. Just use it as a reference.)
• Put an ongoing list on your refrigerator and fill it in as you run out of things. (I suggest using the back of junk mail, or if you use coupons, use an envelope from some junk mail to write your list on, then just store your coupons inside the envelope.)
• When you look through sale ads, coupons, rebates, and so forth, add the discounted items you wish to purchase to your list. (If the item requires a coupon, make sure you indicate this on your list, so you'll be sure to get exactly the right product and remember to use the coupon during checkout.)
• When you plan your meals, add the ingredients you will need to your list. (Try not to list ingredients twice, such as if you need the same ingredient for two different meals. Instead, just write down how much of the product you need next to the product name, and increase the amount if you discover that you'll need it for multiple recipes.)
• Have family members keep their own ongoing lists in their rooms and grab them all before you go on your shopping trip or just have them walk to the kitchen and add their items to your ongoing list.

If you try to save money by primarily shopping for items based on coupons, rebates, sales, and so forth, try using my shopping list form in the Printables section to help you figure out how you can save the most money on every item.

Perhaps you're just curious...

...about what other people buy.

• http://shoppinglists.bravepages.com/ (don't install anything, and use your pop-up blocker)