One of the big things that eats up money is food shopping. It is so easy to go to the store and wander around the aisles with a trolley, throwing in everything that you think you will need. You may think that this is efficient, but actually when you reach the checkout, you will more often than not have a nasty surprise. How can you avoid this? I have found that the best way to make sure that you spend only what you need to and no more, is by making a list before you go to the store.
The point of making a list is that when you are in the store, you will not be as tempted to pick up everything that you think you might like. Before you leave to go shopping, after having breakfast or checking a site like lovemoney.com for savings tips, have a look in your cupboards and fridge to see what you actually need. Plan your meals for the week and write down what you will need to buy for these. It is helpful if you can come up with meals that share ingredients, so that you can buy things in bulk and save money in the long run.
Once you have made a list, remember to bring it with you to the store. This may sound silly, but I can’t tell you how many times I have left without it and had to try and remember all the items. When in the store, try your best to stick to the list. If you are tempted by something, think about when you were back at home deciding what to eat for the week, and whether or not you thought you needed it. If you can get to the checkout with minimal extra items, then that will be a success, and you can worry less about wincing at your final bill.
