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There are many ways to reduce your grocery bill, regardless of who you are, your circumstances, and how you normally do your grocery shopping. Here are just ten ideas that will save you a great deal from your grocery bill.

1. Use What You Have

Before you go shopping, check your pantry and your cupboards. A lot of people waste money buying things they already have, or throwing out foodstuffs that have passed their use-by date. You may find you do not need to go shopping at all for several weeks, or you need to buy very little until your almost out-of-date stocks are used.

2. Never Go Shopping Hungry

Shopping for food when you are hungry is a sure way to waste money because your hunger will induce you to buy on impulse. Always go shopping after you have eaten.

3. Take a List and Stick to It

Another way to avoid expensive (and usually unnecessary) impulse buys is to make a list before you go shopping, and then stick to it. Avoid impulse buys, and examine claims of special offers carefully before buying anything that is not on the list.

4. Avoid the Ends of Aisles

Supermarkets often place hard to sell or more expensive items at the end of the aisles, in order to attract your attention. Occasionally, you will find a bargain at the end of the aisles, but always check first, because often you will be paying more than for equivalent items at the normal spot in the aisle.

5. Check Low and High

In many supermarkets the most expensive items are placed at eye level, since at this level they are more likely to attract your attention. Items aimed at children are placed at their eye level. Always check high and low before you make your selection, as the cheapest items will often be placed in these areas.

6. Use Cash

Using cash makes you more aware of money, since cash seems much more real than credit card money. Using cash means you are more likely to budget, more likely to make and keep to a list, and less likely to buy on impulse. All of which means you will save money.

7. Forget Brand Loyalty

Brand loyalty will almost always cost you money. Try home brands and brands you have not tried before, unless you have a particular reason for your loyalty (such as loyalty to a local producer). Be wary also of vouchers, since you may be paying more for your discounted items than you would be without the discount.

8. Buy in Bulk

If you can, buy in bulk to save money on groceries. Join in with neighbours, friends and family to make joint purchases, or buy in bulk and store items that are able to be stored for long periods (such as white rice, white flour, dried beans and lentils). Buying in bulk is almost always cheaper than buying small quantities, and storing foods protects you against future price increases.

9. Use Simpler Ingredients

You will save a great deal of money on food by buying basic ingredients such as meats, fruits and vegetables, rather than expensive processed or pre-cooked foods. You will also save money by cooking from scratch' at home, rather than eating out. Even cheap, fast food outlets are more expensive and take more time than cooking simple meals from scratch. Use simpler ingredients also for cleaning. Expensive items such as shower and tile cleaners are completely unnecessary when simple, cheap items such as bicarb soda and vinegar clean just as well, for almost no cost.

10. Grow Your Own

Almost everyone can grow some of their own food, even if you only have a window box with a few herbs, chives and tomatoes. Growing your own food is cheap, fun to do, and you will rediscover the taste of good food.

These are just a few ideas to help you reduce your grocery bills. A little thought and examining the way you shop now can save you a lot of money.

Learn more about this author, Lin Edwards.
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