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Is your growing grocery bill putting the squeeze on your budget? It might be time to fight back and tighten your belt on food purchases. Simplify your life and save money with these tips designed to lower your food bill.

Rule #1 Never go grocery shopping when you are hungry. You will lose focus and want to buy everything in the store. So fill up before you step into the store which is designed to make you buy, buy, buy.

PLAN AHEAD
Check store flyers for sales, and include them on your weekly menu. Compare prices and shop at different stores to save, but if you only have time to shop at one store, make sure it offers price matching, and will honor another store's coupons. Use a list, and do your best to stick to it.

NEEDS VS WANTS
Define which products are "needs" (necessary for life) and which are "wants" (extras you can do without). If you cut back or eliminate the "wants," you will save lots of money. For instance, milk would be a "want" and soda would be a "need."

USE COUPONS

Collect coupons from the newspaper, store flyers, the back of receipts or free Internet sites. Because most coupons are for name brands, use them when the products are on sale. The best time to use them is a two for one sale. You can save twice as much on one item by combining store coupons with manufacturer's coupons.

KNOW THE STORE'S STRATEGY

1. The grocery store has done many studies analyzing your buying habits. They strategically place higher priced items at eye level on the shelves and near the check out line. Educating yourself to these tactics can save you money. The most expensive items are at eye level. The less expensive bargain
2. Bigger does not always mean cheaper. However, large bagged cereal is cheaper than the fancy boxed brands.
3. Always check the unit cost to compare prices. Avoid impulse buys on the check out line like magazines and candy.
4. Always check your receipt in the store to make sure your discount card has been swiped properly, and you've gotten credit for your coupons.

CUT BACK ON COSTLY MEATS

Buy family packs of meat, and freeze multiple portions. Buy a whole pork loin on sale and have the butcher cut it up. Cut your own beef strips. Buy cheaper cuts of meat and use a slow cooker. Alter your menu to include inexpensive, nutritional meals like rice and beans.

BUY REDUCED ITEMS

Go to a farmer's market just before closing and you will get incredible deals on seasonal, fresh picked vegetables.

Some stores reduce fruits and vegetables just before they spoil. If you can use them the same night, you'll save money.

Most reduced dented cans, if used quickly, are safe and economical.

You can save money on reduced bread by steaming them on a screen atop boiling water to get the moisture and softness back.

Dollar stores can save you up to 50% on paper products and toiletries. Buy as many sale items as the store will allow.

COOK FROM SCRATCH

Home-cooked meals are considerably less expensive and more nutritious than pre-packaged meals. Remember, you always pay for convenience. For example, a store baked cake sells for $8, while a home-cooked one can be made for $2.

The key to cutting food costs is planning ahead with a fixed budget, a menu plan, and a grocery list. If you keep track of costs, stick to a budget, and use cash at the check out, you'll spend less. By taking advantage of coupons, discount stores, larger quantities, and sale items, you can cut your food bill by half.

Learn more about this author, Anthony Stemke.
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