by Bruce W. Coffman

Created on: August 05, 2008   Last Updated: August 22, 2008

As costs of everything continue to climb, most of us are looking at ways to maximize our budget. One way to do this is to take steps to save money on groceries. With a few relatively painless tactics, you can significantly trim your spending at the grocery store and keep more of your hard-earned cash for other needs.

One way to save money on food is to get over being a brand snob. Most of us were raised to believe that a certain brand of canned corn was inherently better than any other. However, many store brands and generics offer the same quality at reduced prices. After all, canned corn is pretty much canned corn. Do a little experimenting, adding in a few store brand or generic items each week.

Learn to tune out the advertising messages that have been drilled into your head about certain places offering the best price on everything. It simply often isn't true. While you can save money on a large variety of items by shopping in one of those super stores, you might be surprised to find that you can often find lower prices on some items in small, independently owned local stores. By visiting them as part of your food buying routine, you'll be saving money and helping your local economy.

Coupons are still a good way to save money on food. Be sure to scan the newspapers, online resources and even look for coupons inside the store. Always look for "save now" coupons on items you're buying. Sometimes you will find these instant savings coupons already on the package. If you don't notice them and point them out to the cashier, you're missing out on potential savings. Ten cents off a can of green beans might not seem like a lot, but if you consistently utilize coupons you'll be amazed at how much the savings add up over the course of a year.

Don't fall for merchandising tricks. There are lots of subtle and not so subtle ways retailers, including grocery stores, try to influence your buying decisions. One thing to be conscious of is that higher priced items are generally located at eye level, placed conveniently in easy reach in hopes that you'll pick them up without noticing the lower priced equivalent products on the lower shelves.

Another good way to save money on groceries is a simple tip you've probably heard before. Never go shopping when you're hungry. Everything will look wonderful and you'll feel like you simply have to have things you normally wouldn't pick up. Go grocery shopping after you've already eaten and have a list of what you truly need to avoid impulse purchases and picking up extras you can live without.

The bottom line is to be conscious of your spending, make wise choices based on what you and your family really need versus what you just want, compare prices at various stores, use those coupons, check out those lower shelves and don't go grocery shopping when you're starving. You'll find that you'll become a truly great bargain shopper with a little extra money in your pocket.

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