Save Money and More!

Maybe you've heard the advice in passing: Make a list when going to the grocery store. If you've never tried it, I'm here to say it works. BUT, you have to do something first.

You need to first make a menu plan for the week.  Then you need to make sure you know your budget.

This is something I've been learning in the 2 months of being married. When I lived on my own, sure, I made lists. But a) I didn't have a concrete dinner plan and b) I often strayed from the list because I didn't know my budget.  

What I've learned is that if you make a meal plan, make a list and stick to it, you'll save not only money, but food.

For 2 weeks, Andrew and I strayed from the formula. We were "too busy!" so he threw together a list and either he or I would go to the store and pick up the items.

But, I've discovered that things we bought, we didn't use because we had no real plan to use them. Some of it sits in the freezer, which is ok. But lettuce only lasts so long!

Yesterday, I went shopping. The day before we went back to the plan: we decided what we wanted for meals for the following 6 days and then figured out what food we'd need to make it happen.

I went to the discount supermarket (they had cheese on sale which saved me $4 off the bat) stuck to my list and came in under budget.
Let me tell you, it felt good! It also felt good to realise I'd bought enough evaporated milk and macaroni to make mac and cheese next week as well! (I didn't know if the can of milk was 12oz or not so I bought 2!)

Bottom line: it takes a little more time, initially, but it pays off. If you have a meal plan, you won't be scrambling to figure things out in a pinch. Plus, will save you money and keep you from wasting food. Stick to a list and a budget and you won't be tempted to buy extra items because "It's on sale!" (That was my problem when I lived on my own!)

Review: Have a budget, make a meal plan then make a shopping list and stick to it!