5 Tips: Saving Money on Groceries

My family eats way too much takeout. It's true. Although lately, I've been trying to plan ahead and cook more. So I've been reading about meal planning and couponing, and searching for simple, quick recipes on the Internet.

Here are a few of the great tips I've found:

1. Plan ahead before grocery shopping to make best use of coupons and specials. This also helps to cut down on impulse buying. Make a list and stick to it.

2. Eat before you go to the grocery store. Going shopping on an empty stomach makes it harder to resist buying food items you don't really need.

3. Make good use of coupons, specials, and rebates. Don't just cut the coupons out. Actually take them to the store with you. Save your receipts. Mail in those rebate forms.

4. Consider generic. Most generics are quite comparable, and at times superior, to brand names. I would say that at least 40% of my groceries are store brand or generic.

5. Pay attention at checkout. Although the orange juice may be advertised as 50 cents off, that 50 cent reduction might not show up at the register. Be vigilant, and don't be afraid to speak up if you're not getting the advertised price.

Happy Grocery Shopping!