by Melissa Zorn

Created on: August 08, 2008   Last Updated: August 22, 2008

Save on Groceries: Shop Smarter

We've all done it: run in the store for a few items and come out spending $100 on one bag of groceries. Grocery shopping may be your least favorite activity but you better be on top of your game to outsmart the grocers' and merchandisers' latest tactics. Here are a few tips to help you beat the grocery shopping blues at the cash register and find yourself humming your way back to the car.

Rule Number One: Arm yourself and go prepared

Remember three critical elements for savings success:
(1) Calculator (use the one built into your cell phone, if needed)
(2) Coupons
(3) Key tag for grocery bonus points and discounts

Use the calculator to convert prices to common denominators such as price per ounce. Grocery stores now display "price per" labels on the shelves but have a new tactic to throw you off. Smaller portions may be displayed as a price per ounce, larger sizes as price per pound. They're betting you won't convert and compare the prices and realize that sometimes the larger portion isn't actually a better buy.

Coupons are always effective when you actually cut them out and use them. It's a hassle to cut and organize them but unused coupons are just money wasted. Keep your coupon organizer in your car so it's there even for the unexpected last minute grocery stop.

Go to your favorite brands' websites and hunt for options to download coupons. There are also websites such as "coupons.smartsource.com" offering a variety of printable coupons. If you're too busy or just too lazy to cut coupons, I'll bet you can at least google a couple of sites and hit the print key on your computer. No excuses.

The newest rage is the discount card. Keep one on your key ring and never be caught without it. Most stores have specials good only with the use of the discount card. Even if you forget yours, borrow a neighbor's in the checkout line or complete a new application while at the register. Do not forego the deals on a small technicality such as this one.

Rule Number Two: Convenience Costs More

Prepackaged meals and prepped meats are great time-savers but will kill your budget in a hurry. The more you can do yourself, the more you will save. Have you noticed that a prepackaged bag of salad costs around $3 but a head of lettuce costs about 1/3 the price? The same concept applies to most other foods. Planning your menus ahead of time and shopping in advance so you can prep food at home will pay off big for you.

Rule Number Three: Be Loyal Only to Your

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