So the first step is to make a list. Not only do you need to look what you are out of and need to replace, but you should try to plan which meals you are going to have for that week. I like to have something that I can whip up anytime too. Eggs are good and cheap. Plus you can fix them multiple ways. Peanut butter and Jelly are also nice. I like to replace jelly with honey sometimes. Also this is a good time to review what you are buying and make changes. Maybe you could go without the 3 boxes of fudge rounds each week.
Okay so I hear this alot, "Oh, I got way too much. I should never come to the store hungry." So don't. Whip up an egg or 2 before you go or maybe eat a PB&J on the way. Another place where people spend too much is on instant foods or prepared meals. It is almost always cheaper, and often tastes better, to fix meals yourself rather than warming something up in the microwave. So maybe skip the prepackaged, nuke it yourself meatloaf and learn how to turn those little knobs on the oven. Once you have reviewed your list, planned your meals, and had the before going to the grocery store snack your ready to go!
Another thing I hear is, "I spend so much more when I bring my (kids, wife, spouse, uncle who mooches off us) with me to the store." I think it is great to bring people with you to the store, especially your kids. But I think bringing them to the store should be like taking them to work. You don't let your kids tell you what are going to do at work, don't let them tell you what you are going to buy at the store. At the same time though when you show your kids how you work you don't handcuff them to a railling and tell them to shut up and observe. You should take what they say into consideration. And make deals with them! I used to enjoy going shopping with my mom when I was a young child. "I'll buy you the candy bar if you when we get home." This way they are doing something to earn whatever it is they want. I also see people who let there kids run wild all over the store and then search for them when they are done. If you bring your kids with you, you should spend time with them. If you are going to leave them unattended do it at home. Don't let your kids walk all over you btw. Children often use screaming, crying, whining, and threats (because they are good at all these) to attempt to control the situation. If you show them that you are in charge and those tactics won't work they will soon find that they can get much more flys with sugar rather than vinegar.
I don't know if I've said it but you need to stick to the list. If you did poorly at planning the list it is almost not worth making. Your list should be well planned and complete. That way when you walk past the cinnamon rolls and try to pick them up you can say no, we are having biscuits and gravy for breakfast.
Also remember that the people who work at the grocery store are there to help. If you can't find x just ask someone who works there. If you accidentally break a large jar of pickles we would appreciate it much more if you told us than if you didn't. Also if there is something that we don't carry then if you asked we might be able to get it in for you. OH NO They are out of x! Just ask someone and they should be able to tell you when it will be back or we may even have some in the back.
Keep your receipt. Not only is a receipt handy in seeing how much you spend but if you get home and realize that something is spoiled/damaged or even missing! you can take it back and get some more. Occasionally we also may accidentally charge you twice for something. Be sure to get your money back.
Now that you have checked out and went out to the car to load up your grocercies be sure to bring the cart back in! Now you are ready to go home, unpack and start cooking!!!
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