Step 1 -- STAY OUT OF THE STORES!!

The first step to me getting our grocery budget under control is to reduce the number of times my husband and I step foot in a store. No more asking Scott to pick up stuff on the way home. He isn't even suppose to ask anymore. Last night for instance I really needed some eggs to make salmon patties and we were out. My dinner plans had to change to having breakfast for dinner. So, my plan is to go grocery shopping every two weeks. I will go to the farmer's market for fresh fruit and vegetables once a week. (There isn't really anything there that is an impulse buy for me, so it is a safe place.)

With this being the plan I really have to make sure that I plan a well thought out menu for two weeks. We had a trial run in the last two weeks. I think we did pretty well since it was the first time doing this. I believe we spent $180 total on groceries and eating out. We did have a couple extra trips to the store but not as many as we did previously. I just went shopping last night and spent $125 for the majority of our groceries. I still need to get the fruits and veggies. One thing that did help me make my list was writing things on a list on the fridge. As soon as I realized we were out of something I would write it on the list, that way I wouldn't forget and have the urge to stop at the store again.

We'll see how the next couple weeks go.