Women are better - at least at food shopping.  It’s true that men tend to be more capable of most spatial activities, but they can’t hold a candle to women when it comes to groceries.

Any women that has ever asked her husband or significant other to do the grocery shopping knows how true this concept is.  Most women can go into the grocery store, find exactly what is on the list, and even save a few dollars, all in under an hour.  Most men go in, having completely forgotten the list back at home, and just start buying.  The costs aren’t important.  The entire month’s budget can be blown with just won man-spree.  The scariest part is seeing the groceries unloaded and realizing that you are just going to have to go back yourself and get what you REALLY needed.

I think the problems that men have in the grocery store are directly related to the fact that most of them won’t stop and ask for directions.  The list isn’t forgotten so much as it is subconsciously left because “I don’t need help.”

If you haven’t run into this problem yet, then you aren’t a woman or else you haven’t asked a man to do your grocery shopping.   Believe me; it’s not worth the “convenience.”  I had surgery a couple of weeks ago, instead of having my husband do the shopping I just made due as long as I could.  Grocery shopping was the first thing I did after coming home - AND I managed to save 15% of the total bill and bring home just what was on the list.

I’d like to see the average man beat that.

Budgeting is hard enough on a single income.  When the price of milk begins to skyrocket, it makes buying groceries on budget even more of a magic act.  It takes more than just cutting a few coupons to stretch the dollar at the grocery store.

1.      Never, ever go into the grocery store hungry.  You are much more likely to buy impulse foods.

2.      Buy store brands if at all possible.  These usually have the same or nearly same taste, as the name brands at a fraction of the cost.

 3.      Make a list.  This usually starts by making a menu.  Know what you have and what you will need to make these ingredients into a meal for your family.

 4.      Switch shopping lists with a friend.  This will guarantee that you only get what is on your list.

 5.      Don’t go to the store with the kids.  Shopping takes concentration – something that is not normally accomplished with the kids in tow.

 6.      Find a store that has double coupon days, and frequent them on those days.  You could end up getting some items for free – always good for the budget.

As the price for essentials continues to rise, it will take more creativity to stay in budget.  Follow these guidelines, and continue to look for more tips.  We’ll get by with a little help from our friends.