Life is so much easier when you’re organized. I swear it is! When I make a grocery list I always write things in the same order. It saves time when you’re in the store. I make my list by SECTION (i.e. Dairy, Produce, Meat, Frozen Section, Regular aisles), and I always put the categories in the same order. I put an *asterisk* if I have a coupon for that item so I remember to pull it out of the envelope AS I PUT IT IN THE SHOPPING CART.

MOST of the time I write out the menu for the week. I simply cannot go grocery shopping if I’m not sure what I’m making. Sometimes you have to be flexible and have a few handy back-up menu ideas just-in-case. You save money and time when you make a list and FOLLOW IT… yep, the “and follow it” part is key. There are lots of grocery list templates online and sold in various locations. My simple list still works best for me. If you have coupons, it’s nice to write your list on an envelope, stick your coupons inside (for the items on your list). I normally don’t carry around a big stack of coupons, I go through them and pull out the ones I might use. I say might because a deal is only a deal if it’s something you use.

Here’s a link to a template that you can print and use until you get the hang of it. It’s little things like this that save you time (and money!). I hope this little tip helps someone out there… it took me quite a while before I started doing it this way, but have been doing it for the past 20+ years and it never fails. If I have several stops to make in a day (i.e. grocery store, Trader Joes, Target) I will write each store out in the above order. Makes shopping quick too!

Catch you back here tomorrow!