Tip for Saving Money on Your Grocery Bill

Screen shot of Pantry program

Last year I downloaded a recipe program (Living Recipe 2011) that had an added feature, in that it kept track of everything I had in my cupboard.  Being a bit "Type A", I thought this was pretty cool.  When I went Mac, that program no longer worked and I found this program...Pantry. 

I make no claims that this program is any better than any other.  My claim is that any program like this is well worth the cost (this one was free) and the initial investment of time to catalog your cupboards, refrigerator and freezer.  This program, if you are a Mac user, does offer an application that is pretty cheap and allows everyone in the family to see what is on the shopping list.

I was getting tired of going to the grocery store and thinking that I needed cereal, only to get home and already have three boxes of Froot Loops!  With this program, I am able to know exactly what I need, when I need it.  It does require you to keep track of what you use at each meal, but that is so easy.
It is also helpful to make a menu of what you will make for the next week or so, keeping you from randomly purchasing food.  You make the menu, check to see if you have what you need, and buy ONLY what you don't already have in stock.  Since doing this, I have gone from an average grocery visit of just under $200 to between $100-$125. (I shop every two weeks and this amount includes some non-food items)  I am able to also keep track of personal care items, cleaning supplies and other things.

If you want to save some money...put a little bit of work in and this easy to use program, or one like it, will save you a ton!!!