Tried And True Tricks That Save Money On Groceries

Here's a list of old--but good--tips on saving money at the grocery store.

1. Do the bulk of your shopping at a deep discount store--like Aldi's or Sav-a-Lot, and shop the sales at higher priced supermarkets like Kroger--but don't drive 10 mies out of your way to take advantage of a sale if it will cost you more in gas to get there than what you will save on groceries.

2. Set up a "household inventory list" which will include all of the food, cleaning supplies, and personal care items that you buy on a regular basis. Think about how long each of the items on your list will keep without spoiling--some items--like dairy products or fresh vegaetables--may have a shelf life of only a few days, while other items--like trash bags--will keep forever. Once you have done this, set up a monthly budget--and stick to it. When deciding what you will buy each week, replenish the items on your household inventory list that you have run out of first--then, if you have extra money left in your budget, you can choose to either stock up on some of the items on your list (especially if they are on sale) or buy a special item that you don't regularly keep in stock. The nice thing about having a list set up is that it helps you better formulate strategies that will save you money, and it will help you avoid some of those dashes to the store many of us make because we forgot something important!

3. Don't shop while you're hungry--you'll be more tempted to splurge on convienience foods or expensive take-out from the deli.

4. Set up a certain time each week that you devote to grocery shopping, and try to avoid going to the store at any other time.

5. Buy the store brand whenever possible, as opposed to the name brand. When buying the name brand, you pay more because you are also paying for the advertising that goes into promoting it. Often times, the store brands are made in the same factory, using exactly the same recipe and processes as the name-brand item.

6. Use coupons wisely. When deciding whether or not you will use a coupon to save money on an item, determine whether or not you will be paying less for the item than you normally pay for the brand you normally purchase. Also, many stores offer double coupon days. Learn which stores in your area do it, what days they do it, and what their policies are.

7. If you have the space, get a freezer--even if it's just a small one. This will allow you to take full advantage of sales on meat and frozen items--which tend to take the biggest bite out of most people's budgets.

8. And speaking of meat...try some vegetarian dishes. Many of these dishes can save you a bundle of money, and they are often good for you, too.

9. Try to cook more home-cooked meals, as opposed to convenience foods. If you are strapped for time through the work week, try cooking some meals ahead, and put them in the freezer until you're ready to use them.

10. Avoid eating out--save it for special occasions--and pack a lunch to take to work instead of buying junk out of the company's vending machines or ordering lunch from a restaurant. If you regularly find yourself needing a snack during the work day, bring some stuff from home, and keep it in your desk, locker, or in your car.

These are a few of the tricks I use myself--what tips do you have? Share your ideas in the comments below.