by Kate Rosenberger

Created on: August 11, 2008

With prices on the rise our spending power at the supermarket is on the decline. There is no need to panic and no need to do without. With a few adjustments you will be able to load up your cart without that sick feeling in the pit of your stomach.

The first thing to do is sign up for a savings card if the supermarket offers one. This card is often needed to be able to take advantage of sale prices and special promotions. Some supermarkets also mail coupons periodically to cardholders.

Next, gather any coupons available. The best source of grocery coupons is the Sunday newspaper. The coupon savings will more than make up for the cost of the paper. In fact, some supermarkets double any coupons that are under a dollar. Find out your market's policy on doubling coupons. Also, beware when buying with coupons. Don't fall into the trap of buying an item just because you have a coupon. Another brand may be on sale and in some cases another brand may be more inexpensive even with the coupon.

At the supermarket always be on the lookout for sales. Try to purchase as many items as possible that are either on sale, a store brand, or you have a coupon for. The best scenario is to be able to use a coupon on an item that is on sale. Also, be aware that many supermarkets offer "two for" items at the discount price even when only one is purchased.

Don't overlook store brands. Some may be of inferior quality to name brands but the majority of them are just as good. Test them out to see which you like. You may be pleasantly surprised and find some hidden savings. Sometimes there is not a generic version of a particular product offered. Sometimes we prefer a product in a certain brand. Buy these items whenever they are on sale. Never let them run out. That forces you to buy them on a particular trip and they may or may not be on sale.

Steer clear of impulse items. It may not seem like much at the time but a couple of magazines and a crab claw oven mitt later and you've added another twenty dollars to the bill. Also try to avoid prepackaged foods, particularly those that are also precooked. Often they can be duplicated with items found in the store for a fraction of the price.

One final tip: be sure to allot enough time, go alone, and go on a full stomach. Nothing is less conducive to smart spending than racing through the market, stomach growling, with someone who slips extra goodies in the cart every time your back is turned. Take it slow and try some or all of these tips. Within a few weeks your grocery bill should be back down to normal.

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