How to Create an Effective Grocery List and Avoid Impulse Purchases

We all have been there: we went to the store for a few items and ended up buying more. Impulse purchases can wreak havoc on a budget and/or healthy diet. It is not easy to turn a blind eye to temptation. The key to success is a proper grocery list and sticking to it.

A lot of people create a list, but only few stick to it. The reason: Insufficient preparation. People just quickly write down the 'must haves' in no particular order, which results in backtracking. The more back and forth trips one has to make, the greater is the likelihood of impulse purchases.

To avoid this pitfall it is important to have a well-organized list. This will require some advance preparation and planning.

First you should get a magnetic list that attaches to the fridge. Throughout the week, if you run out of an 'essential' item, write it down. These are the 'must haves'.

When you get ready to go to the store, check throughout the house. Add needed items to the list.

Have a look at the store flyers to see, if anything on sale is worth your attention. Such an evaluation is easier done at home than in the store.

Next plan out the meals for the week. To be budget conscientious this can be centered on the specials. Make sure, you have all the necessary ingredients.

Now think about your plans for the week. Are there any special events? A present you need? A snack you have to provide for your child's soccer team?

By now you have a list of items in no specific order. Get an empty sheet of paper and begin the mental tour through the store. Imaging your store as a racetrack you have to follow. For each section, put the items needed on your new list and cross them off on the old one. If you use coupons, mark the quantity needed to use them. The listing of the items by category will allow you to 'race' through the store. You know where those items are, you can focus on your list, your shopping cart, and the clear way ahead. This will help you to avoid looking at the displays along the way.

To further curb the temptation of impulse purchases, write in bold letters a goal on the list. It could be an item you are saving up for, a weight-loss goal, or a reminder to stick to the list.

Before heading to the store, eat something. A hungry feeling is a common cause of impulse buys. If you have to take kids with you, feed them as well and set the rules for the store with a reward for good behavior. Stick to your guns. The embarrassment of child-meltdown is another reason for impulse buys.

Lastly, if all else fails, dumping the credit/debit card in favor of just enough paper money to cover the items on your list might be the only way to avoid impulse purchases.