Comments on: Don’t Run Out

By: rosa rugosa

rosa rugosa — Sat, 19 Dec 2009 22:05:17 +0000

I hadn't really thought about it in these terms before, but I have two techniques. I keep a running grocery list, and I add items as I notice they are getting low. I also keep two of many items in stock, usually things that are primarily used by my husband (who will never write something down or the list) or things we tend not to readily notice are near ing depletion. Some examples for us are plastic wrap, foil, mayo, & cooking oil. When my husband (who does all the cooking & food preparation) tells me we are out of mayo, I get the second jar from the basement and add mayo to the grocery list. So basically, I try to always keep a spare in reserve.

By: Becky

Becky — Fri, 11 Dec 2009 01:47:56 +0000

This is definitely our downfall. I think there just needs to be better planning on the official shopping trips. The stress comes from coming so close to the budget limit early in the month. While we may have gotten good deals, I know in the back of my mind that there is no way the cheese, milk, and bread is going to last the month. I have to focus more on leaving money for those things and not stocking up when not necessary, even if they are good deals. .-= Becky´s last blog ..Human Rights Day =-.

By: Wojciech Kulicki

Wojciech Kulicki — Thu, 10 Dec 2009 22:33:06 +0000

We had a similar problem, but are slowly getting it under control. Like you, “capturing” the fact that something was running out was the big issue, not actually seeing that it’s running out.

As a solution, we turned to Remember the Milk as a way of inputting what was needed as soon as we saw the need. I tag every item with the store I need to get it at, and when I happen to be there or nearby–pull up the list for that store on my cell phone. Then I know exactly what I need to get there (and I can prioritize as well if I need to, but at least the whole list is there). It’s been working great so far.
.-= Wojciech Kulicki´s last blog ..Pregnancy Expenses in the Third Trimester =-.

By: Nancy

Nancy — Thu, 10 Dec 2009 00:18:45 +0000

Somehow I've managed to work out a system where it's pretty rare that I run out of anything between shopping trips. It took a lot of months of trial & error. I do my grocery shopping every 2 weeks and I go with a comprehensive shopping list (based on a 2 week menu I plan before hand). And, if I have to have something, I send my 16 year old to the store with a list and cash to cover only what's on the list; that's a great way to eliminate impulse buying. .-= Nancy´s last blog ..snow day =-.

By: Mrs. Money

Mrs. Money — Wed, 09 Dec 2009 16:14:22 +0000

I can totally sympathize... this is my biggest budget buster too! .-= Mrs. Money´s last blog ..Can Doing What You Love Become a Chore? =-.

By: Aspiring Millionaire

Aspiring Millionaire — Wed, 09 Dec 2009 05:01:07 +0000

Great article!

For me, I am trying to create a better system to manage my "inventories" of things. I use a spreadsheet to keep track of how much of a certain item I have in stock. When my weekly shopping trip comes up, I look at my inventory, create a list of what I need, then find coupons. I've found this to be quite effective.