I also round up the price next to my items on the list and see what the total is, if it's over what I have to spend, I see what things aren't necessary and mark them off. It's hard, but if I stick to my list, the total is usually pretty close and I don't go over.

I also do the rounding up on items, specially on those weeks when we have just enough. OHH Im so in on a grociery cart with a scanner attached!!! YAY for one day having updated technology!!

__________________
Working Mommy to
{DD 1::3/02}{DD 2::1/04}{DD 3::5/07}{DSS 1::12/05}

1st Timer Goal for May: $500 for family of 6

I also round up the prices on my grocery list - and I write down all the coupons I have for each thing I need so when I'm at the store, I can easily compare what the best price/size/brand will be. Then I circle what coupon I am using on my list so I know how many coupons I should be pulling out at the register.

I only shop once a month - during the month I will write on our white board what things we are running low on and will need at the end of the month - after I have double checked at the end of the month ( I repack the deepfreeze and pantry) I only go and get those items.
While I will forgo on the "treat" stuff if it is not on sale, I dont feel guilty about what is needed, I know Im as frugal with the shopping as Iwill ever be and cant make it shrink anymore than it already is.

Wow! great ideas here. I like the idea of the shopping cart with a scanner. Probably will never happen because that's how the stores make their money -- us not knowing what we've spent!