By Colleen Langenfeld

Are you a bit scared to even look at what you spend at the grocery store? Maybe you would like find ways to save cash each month, but don’t even know where to begin?

Traditional financial wisdom suggests you make a grocery budget for the month, use a grocery shopping list to plan out what you need and look for ways to shave off from that.

All good advice, but what if just the thought of the whole process is worrying you?

Then let’s try it in reverse, shall we?

– Where’s the money?

The first step in this process is to learn what is real. Armed with a printable grocery list, go grocery shopping. Jot down everything you put in your cart along with the price. Don’t censure yourself. You want to know what your normal grocery shopping behavior is and this will tell you. Don’t judge yourself or you will change your mind on what belongs in your cart! This is the first step in taking control of your food budget. Give yourself a pat on the back!

– At home.

Keep your printable grocery list that you filled out handy. Cross off items as you actually use them. Take note of what you toss. For example, if you bought a pre-made salad mix, ate half and tossed half, jot that down on your list. This information will help you make better decisions the next time you shop.

– Ready to shop again?

When you feel it’s time to shop again, grab a fresh printable grocery list. (You can get one at the link in the resource box after this article.) Take a look in your fridge, your pantry, and your original grocery list. What have you actually used that needs to be replenished? Is there anything you thought you needed that’s actually still in your pantry or refrigerator?

Think about menu-planning a bit. What are you going to eat this week? Do you already have the necessary ingredients? Prepare your new grocery shopping list accordingly. When you’re ready, take both grocery lists to the store so you can compare prices as you shop.

As you familiarize yourself with your shopping habits and food needs in this way, you will take control of your grocery shopping. Over the course of a few weeks and months, you will see where your money is going and the areas you would like to change.

You will know what you are spending your money on and whether or not that is where you WANT to spend your money.

Thanks to the information you discovered using a printable grocery list, the choices will all be yours.

Colleen Langenfeld has been parenting for over 27 years and helps other moms enjoy mothering more at http://www.paintedgold.com Visit her website and get your free printable grocery list today.

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