by Susan Manning

Created on: March 30, 2009

In these days of economic crunch more and more people are looking for ways to save on essentials, especially at the grocery store. I recently tried collecting coupons again, and found most of the products were items I don't use very often and the savings were minimal. It simply wasn't worth the time it took to clip and save the coupons, and I have gone back to the system I have used for years to save on groceries. All it takes is a little planning and organization, utilizing resources provided by retailers competing for your shopping dollars, and you'll be on your way to providing your family with the things they love without blowing your budget. These helpful tips will work as well for you as they have for me.

-Variety really is the spice of life!

Don't limit yourself to a single store. Like me, you may have a favorite, but that store may not offer you the best value every week. Or they may offer savings on some items, but you end up spending more on other items you need, reducing or even eliminating your overall savings. Making trips to more than one store requires a little more time and effort, but it will help to ensure you find the best price on nearly everything you need.

Give your menu a little tweak. I only buy meats that are about half off the regular price, or less. This helps with my budget, but limits me to the types and cuts of meats I use. However, it does not have to limit the dishes you can prepare. I've registered with a well known recipe website, and found many quick, simple and delicious ways to prepare the items I find on sale. Don't be afraid to experiment, many recipes can be adapted so you can use the ingredients you can get a good prices. Cooking from scratch offers more variety and value than buying prepared dishes, and you get all the credit for your creations!

-Planning is the key!

Most stores deliver weekly fliers advertising sale items. I used to use these, but I've found it's quicker and easier to scan sales on line. You'll find the same ads, but you'll also find in-store specials that are not advertised in the fliers. Even more useful is the shopping list tool found on most sites. More than just creating a list, it will keep a running total of your items, and allows you to determine an exact dollar amount for your shopping. Researching different stores, and comparing your results, will help to choose which store will offer you the best value. Once you've completed your list, you can print it, or write it out by hand if you prefer to

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