These shopping strategies put you more in control of your budget and how far your dollar stretches.

1. Go thru your pantry, freezer and refrigerator. See what you already have on hand that needs to be used up. Check the expiration dates. Many people fill their pantries and never use the food and then it expires. Use this food first and build menus around it.
2. Make a weekly menu. Writing out a menu takes time but it works. Why? Because when you spend a few minutes up front to develop an action plan for the week it saves time and money later in the week because you know what you're doing. Get your family involved. Ask other family members what food they would like to have or help make. Get them in the kitchen and create family time together while you cook. It's fun.
3. Shop with a list. As you write out a menu, add needed items to your grocery list. Keep this running list on your refrigerator, on your blackberry, online, wherever it's easiest for you. As you run out of something, add it to the week's list.