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My next money saving idea -
It took some time up front, but I made a master grocery list of the store I frequent most often - I split it up into aisles. This keeps me on track, saves time and saves money because I don't get lost, spend as much money on this NOT on my list.
Erica
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beware, stores change there set-up to discourage this behavior. they want you roaming the aisles. Both my stores have changed within the last 6 months. one due to remodeling, the other just because.
allgirls
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a master list is a good idea! I always find that I write my grocery list 2 times...Once just randomly through out the week, and then again when I finalize it so that it is in order of the store. I will have to take the time to try it.
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I set-up a big sheet in excel. I can take inventory or go grocery shopping by it. Love it! I set it up by canned goods, meats, cleaning products... I know what order my sheet is in so I can easily find what I need when I'm in that section of the store.
Items on sale or that I have coupons for get highlighted so they stand out.
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Highlighting the coupons ones.....excellent tips thanks
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Yep, Wal-Mart does change their inventory locations every now and then, so you really can't go by the store layout there. Anyway, obviously your main categories will stay put, just the variables. And, try to buy just what is on the list!
I found Aldi's to be pretty much the same layout. It's a small store here where I live anyway.
Jane
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Great tips! I think I may have to give it a try! Thanks
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Wow, I'm not the only person with a template grocery list in excel. It really saves time. I have check boxes next to the items and keep it on the fridge. My husband can check the items we are out of or write in sometihng not on the list on the side. The list is mapped out by the store aisles. I haven't had any trouble with the store moving things.
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I do the same thing! I have an Excel list by category (Meats, Dairy, Produce, etc) and it works out well because the Commissary does change the layout of the store frequently. I love the idea of highlighting the items with coupons! Last time I used an asterisk and it just didn't work as well as I wanted it to. I'll try the highlighting this time...which reminds, me I need to balance my checkbook, which I do use a highlighter for to highlight the items that have cleared. Works great!
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For me making the list is not the problem. I just need to remember the to take it.