Will this simple shopping list template help me save money?

[Windybob]

I keep reading that using a shopping list will help me save money when doing the shopping. So, decided to actually do a bit of research into how to go about that.

Some of the templates I've found seem to focus on looking overly nice, or are super complex.

However, this one seems good.

There's some decent philosophy behind using only 4 sections to keep it as simple of possible if you read the article it comes from.

What are everyone else's thoughts?

Seems sensible enough. It's not the approach I use which is more based around meal planning but I certainly agree that the simpler the better in order for something to become habit and that making a list is a really good way both of minimising random 'bargain' purchases or impulse buys, and also of minimising the need for 'top-up' shops because essential items are forgotten!

If I was to use a 4 section list it would probably be:

-Items required for meals (based on my meal plan for the week)
-Store cupboard essentials running low (I have a list which I check every week, this includes some 'treat' items not part of the meal plan)
-Cleaning supplies and toiletries
-Pet supplies

The latter 2 I tend to buy in bulk online rather than from the supermarket but it could still work as a list?

I'd add a section for toiletries.

Bathroom/Sanpro/misc (booze)

I just use a reporter's notebook and write the list in the order I'll find stuff in the shop I'm visiting.

I find ordering online really helpful for budgeting... We spend a lot less when DH isn't wandering around Tesco saying ooh that looks nice!

I'm not sure I'd find it useful. I tend to make my list based on meals, e.g. Meal plan and put the ingredients required on the list. Mind you, I only plan dinners. For breakfast, I get cereal, milk + fruit and lunches are bread + sandwich fillings + veg/soup. And then I add non-food items to the list.

I find the best way to save money is to meal plan.
Things like washing powder and dishwasher tabs I always buy a decent make on offer.
I use the mysupermarket app to tell me what things I buy regularly are on offer and at what supermarket.

Also meal plan, but I do that based on what we have in (freezer full of meat) and what we are doing that week (life is hectic)
I do a big shop at the start of the month and buy kilos of chicken/ sausage/ joints etc.

I get a couple of big ocado deliveries a month of things like fizzy water, loo roll, cereal etc. Things I can't be bothered to carry. I go to buy fresh bread / milk/ fruit/ veg twice a week at M & S