Reverse Your Grocery List to Stay On Budget [Saving Money]

If you find that you're spending more than you intend to at the grocery store, it might help you to update your list as you shop?dollar figures included?rather than merely checking things off. Reader Isaaclyman explains:

Today I went shopping and discovered a strategy that stretched my budget insanely well.

Here's the secret: instead of making a list of things you need, and checking it off as you go, make a list of everything you put in your cart, and write the price by it (round to the nearest 50 cents for simplicity). Keep a running total in your head. This way, you instantly realize how much every item affects your shopping bill ? instead of waiting until you hit the register and it's too late.

This strategy got me to put Cheddar Jack Cheez-Its back on the shelf, which is nothing less than absolute proof that God exists and was on a miracle binge today.

Keeping track of your money at the grocery store isn't anything new, but this method may help if you have a habit of going over budget. Not only are you tracking your money, but the act of listing things as you put them into your cart makes you really think about each item and ask "do I need this?" It's a good way to keep yourself accountable. Photo by Michael Ocampo.

From the Tips Box is where we round up our favorite reader submitted tips. Got a tip of your own to share? Email it to tips at lifehacker.com, or share it on our tips page.

Source: http://feeds.gawker.com/~r/lifehacker/full/~3/6cvoGLnZCJI/update-your-grocery-list-as-you-shop-to-stay-on-budget

the shining amelia sen sen yellow malaysia news nursery rhymes