In spite of the cooler temperatures and rain this afternoon, I took all three munchkins grocery shopping at Aldi. With my list in hand, we quickly maneuvered through the aisles where I sent my helpers to gather the items on the list.
When we arrived at checkout, my son asked, “Is that it?” When I acknowledged that we finished the list, he responded, “Wow, that was fast.” I couldn’t help but smile because using time wisely to write out a grocery list took me about 10 minutes, but I discovered at least 5 ways a grocery list saves money, energy, and time.
1. Verify my Items
If the item is on my Aldi list, then I know that we need this item. My Bi-Lo and Publix’s lists concentrate on the sales, but my Aldi list is for everything else, not on sale, that our family needs during the week. Only items in low supply or depleted make it to the Aldi list, so I know that I need all the items.
2. Calculate Price
When making my Aldi list, I know about how much these groceries will cost. Keeping our budget in mind when making out the list saves me money at the store when I am wavering on a purchase. If the price changes or I want to substitute an item, I can calculate the difference on my grocery list.
3. Estimate Time
When my grocery list is complete with 11 items, then I know that the errand will use a half an hour or less. If my list fills up a whole page, then I may need to block out an hour to shop. Without a list, I spend more time because I cannot-remember-that-item-that-I-really-needed-yesterday.
4. Formulate a plan
While my son gets the grocery cart, I review the grocery list. Knowing the layout of our store, I can quickly find the items on my list that are on the first aisle. I can then send my son and older daughter ahead to navigate the aisle, find the item, bring it back to me, and gently place it in the cart. (We are still working on the gently part. :-))
5. Focus on the Task
As we travel through the store, the list guides our movements. If none of the items stocked on the second aisle are on the list, then we move to the next aisle. The list eliminates backtracking and walking up and down extra aisles which saves us energy and time. By knowing our store’s layout and following our list, we quickly gathered our savings and headed for checkout.
In using time wisely, I use a grocery list to verify my items, calculate price, estimate time, formulate a plan, and focus on the task. My grocery list is more than just a list of items. The grocery list tool frees me to gather needed groceries without wasting time while I spend time with my children (who love to walk through Aldi with their umbrellas up). 
When you plan and execute your grocery list, you just might find yourself going to the checkout counter saying, “Wow, that was fast.” Happy savings!
Question: How does your grocery list save you money, energy, and time?