Pop Probation

Shopping for a family of five can be a full time job, especially when three are teenagers. When my kids were growing up, "Pop Probation" became a necessity in our family.

Every month, I would buy all the soda, water, gatorade, vitamin water, etc.  for the entire month. We would then take turns having each family member label their choice of beverage. We would label every 6th one “guest” for friends that might be over (the same can be done for yogurt, too). Everyone is then responsible to make sure their beverages last the entire month because when they are gone, they are gone.  This also helps you stay on your monthly grocery budget!