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That weekly trip to the grocery store is taking a bigger bite from the checkbook than it did just a few months ago. The price of everything is on the rise including utilities, food, and insurance-everything except our paychecks. Families across the country have already cut out the small luxuries like dining and are having to find inventive ways to cut back on necessities including groceries.

BEFORE SHOPPING TIPS

*Create a budget that will be used for the shopping trip and do not go over that limit. The easiest way to accomplish this task is to leave the checkbook and plastic at home, take only cash. While shopping, you will need to keep track of your purchases so that you stay within your budget. Consider a simple calculator to keep your running total. It can be surprising as you shop to watch those numbers rise.

*Create the week's menu and write out a shopping list based on your menu. When creating your menu, plan around what you already have in stock and what you find in the stores' sales flyers which will optimize the savings.

*Use coupons for the items you are planning to purchase. Do not purchase a Sunday paper just for the coupons. Take a moment to scan the coupons provided in that day's paper to make sure it will be worth purchasing. It's not saving money if you fork out a dollar or more for the Sunday paper only to find there isn't anything usable.

*The simplest of tips is not to shop hungry-you or the kids. It is always best to not take children with you shopping but this is easier said than done for most parents. If children will be in tow, make sure everyone has been well fed before the trip.

SHOPPING TIPS

*Many individuals are brand loyal, only purchasing a specific brand because it is what they are used to or it may just be preferred. Think outside the box and try a lower cost version including store brands.

*Boxed cereals can be purchased in bags and many store brands are just as flavorful as the name brands. And an even healthier and inexpensive change would be to try hot cereals like oatmeal. Flavored oatmeal can be made right at home using your own spices like cinnamon that is probably already on your spice rack.

*Instead of purchasing pricey chicken breasts, buy the whole bird. Now will be a great time to learn how easy it is to cut up a whole chicken.

*Buy in bulk and extras whenever possible. If the budget allows for stocking up, look for items in bulk and stock up on sale items for future use.

*Compare sizes not just prices. Many companies are becoming

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