“As the recession takes hold, consumers who used to shop impulsively are seeking ways to rein in their spending, and many are finding that sticking to a list can help them navigate through stores and limit their purchases. Until recently, Eileen Burke’s main goal when shopping was “to get in and get out” of the supermarket quickly. But now, financial worries have Ms. Burke working to trim her shopping bill. Using a shopping list — which she organizes on her iPhone by category and updates as she shops — has helped her buy ‘the food I need, but not in excess.’ With the list, as well as coupon-clipping and careful attention to store circulars, she has trimmed 20% to 25% from her weekly food bill in recent months. MORE ➲