bare with my ramblings please...

I am the one who usually does the shopping in our family and it usually involves just running to the store when we need something and trying to remember everything we need by just walking down every isle until I think I found everything. I have to get into a good shopping habit prior to my wife becoming a SAHM and I am hoping that you could help me out.

I just read about using a Price book and I really really like the idea but since I work in the computer field I feel there has to be a better way to keep this organized using some custom written software that I would love to share when finished.

Here is what I have so far and I am hoping that all of you could help me get this perfect on the first try sorry, I work in Quality Assurance so that may be an inside joke.

I have read that some people categorize everything alphabetically and some by type but right now I think I'm going to catagorise my Price Book by Types (Maybe in the future have an option for either). Please bare with me since I have never even used a shopping list before.

Categories so far:
Dairy, Meats, Pasta, Sauces, Fruits/Veggie, Canned goods, Frozen, Paper, Cleaning

Each item will have the following:
Generic Item Name, Store, Brand, Size, Price, Unit Price

Capable of printing the Price book out so you can take it with you (Fold in 1/2 for easy transport maybe?). I have to make sure I leave room for changes while at the store. You shouldn't have to print out too often since you can write changes on the print outs and then update the program when you have time. hmm...

I also plan on having it so you can checkmark certain items and have it print out a shopping list for you with the lowest Unit Price.

Does anyone have any other ideas?

I just had a thought... I may be able to just make an Excel spreadsheet with some macros that could do this. Do most people have excel?

Thanks,
Mike

__________________
Sonogram says it's a girl, so we will have one of each. :happy dance:

First of all, I commend you in your efforts & the fact that you are a man trying to make your wife's life easier to become a SAHM!
I am not a SAHM, in fact, I am not a MOM at all. BUT, I will be one day( a mom, not necessarily SAHM) and know that I will need every ounce of time saved if possible when it comes time for grocery shopping...right now, i usually shop like you do!!
But, as far as I know, most people do use excel, at least I love it. I do everything on it! Usually work related, but I also have a monthly bill spreadsheet, so I think it will be a popular choice for most of us! I am interested in what you do with the price book, I started something similar a few months ago, but never took it anywhere further than one shopping trip..lol. But I still think it's a great idea! I have no other suggestions, but I bet those moms out there do, so send it to us when you are done! Looking forward to more male points of view too. Thanks mike, you rock!

Go to Cozi.com
I downloaded it and use it ALL the time for grocery lists, it has everything listed you just click what you need and it adds it to a list you can print or even send to your cell phone, its GREAT!!

__________________
http://mommysavers.com/boards/journa...wjournal&j=110

http://tinktime-tink.blogspot.com/

If you tell your secrets to the wind... Don't be mad if it tell's the trees.

I use excel for my price book. I sometimes bring it with me to the store, but usually, I just write the price next to the item on my shopping list (that way, I can tally it up to make sure I stay under budget). But it is helpful to bring it with you to check to see if any of the items have gone up in price. (I noticed that prices have gone up in the past 3 mos or so). Do you normally go to the same store every time you shop? Or do you like to compare prices? I usually compare b/w Aldi, Walmart, and Costco. If I see a good deal at Kroger (in their weekly ads), I will check my price book to make sure it's less than my normal stores before I run to get it. The price/unit column is very good to have, particularly when comparing costco/sams vs. regular stores, since they sell their stuff in bulk. I usually do cost per ounce.

I use very similar categories:
produce, meat, canned, dried, dairy, condiments, baking, snacks, other (cleaning, toiletries)

I used sticky labels and tabbed the sides, so if I need to check a specific category, I can flip right to it.

Good luck! It's a lot of work, but I think it's well worth it. I rarely go over budget anymore b/c I know exactly how much things are going to cost before stepping into the store.

Michele

P.S. I find this even more helpful b/c I always take my toddler to the store with me (I like to go during the day when it's less crowded). It would be too hard to shop frugally if I didn't have a list and knew how much things cost ahead of time!

You could add baby products - they are an aisle and category all on their own

Could someone tell me what a Price book is

What about bread / cereal / baking (flour,etc). I like your thought process. I use excel for everything. I'm a list maker. If you come up with something I'd love to see it.

deserts
beverages
pets
misc( I put coupons for batteries here)

allgirls

__________________
allgirls, mom to 3 girls

First things first, Mike. Do you have a brother??? OR Can we clone you???

I think your idea sounds great! And I have Excel. Let us know when you've got it done. I've tried hand writing mine but it just isn't happening.

Yes, I have an older brother and he is single. He is a Physicist though so he is a little odd.

Mike

__________________
Sonogram says it's a girl, so we will have one of each. :happy dance: