Avoiding Checkout Surprise

RE: Avoiding Checkout Surprise Post by camo_angels (683) | (03/17/2006) Profile | Contact I always round up, used to for taxes, now just to be safe. I itemize my list and put everything mandatory in the cart while keeping track mentally or in the calculator. My list is separated by category, then I write down amounts/sizes and do NOT deviate unless it is an absolutely better deal.(origanlly for DH, who hates being in stores but volunteered to get groceries, now I just do it so I don't stand around thinking! RE: Avoiding Checkout Surprise Post By IMAQT1962 (Guest Post) (03/17/2006) WHAT A GREAT IDEA CHRISTI RE: Avoiding Checkout Surprise Post by smcarney (100) | (03/16/2006) Profile | Contact I take an itemized list to the store and write down my prices instead of chancing to lose the tally on the calculator. I then add up the prices in each sub-section (the sections are arranged by where the things are in the store) and have an easy total for the list by the end of the shopping trip. I also go with a set amount to spend - we spend about $100 a week on a family of 6 - and I take cash (not checks, debits/credit cards) so as to avoid going over. RE: Avoiding Checkout Surprise Post by ThriftyFun (4042) | (03/16/2006) Profile | Blog! | Contact Tired of being surprised by the total when you get at the checkout? Carry a small calculator and keep a running total as you go through the store. It eliminates the surprise (or shock) of hearing the total from the checker and also makes it easy to stick to your grocery budget. By ThriftyFun RE: Avoiding Checkout Surprise Post by sheli_mew (2) | (03/03/2006) Contact On the back of my grocery list or a receipt, I write down all the prices, but round up to the next dollar (even if it's only 1 cent over). That way it will almost always be less even with the extra little treats. I also try to stay within a certain amount per week, that way I know I'm within budget and can make little stops if necessary for any extras without worrying about going over for the week. RE: Avoiding Checkout Surprise Post by aardvark (76) | (02/27/2006) Contact Keeping a running guestimate is great mental practice. I've given the job to kids sometimes. I do it by rounding up for things over 50 cents up , less than, down. RE: Avoiding Checkout Surprise Post By Joely (Guest Post) (02/27/2006) I also use a calculator, but I round every item up to the nearest cent, and that way I have a nice surprise when my groceries a cheaper than I thought.