by Nick Somoski

Created on: May 24, 2009

As more Americans are bringing home smaller paychecks, they're looking to cut costs wherever necessary. One of the first things to go: the groceries. Of course, we still need to buy food, but we don't need to buy the extra goods that seem to build up at the back of our pantries week after week.

My husband just lost his job, so I'm slowly learning how to shop on a budget. Doing grocery for a family of five is no treat, let me tell you. They should be paying me to do the shopping. It's even harder to shop on a strict budget, especially when you're trying to save money. When I walk down the food aisles, I'm constantly asking myself "Do we really need this?" or "Can I afford this?" I hate it. I hate shopping on a budget. But, it's something I have to do now.

So, I've learned of a few things you can do to make buying groceries on a budget much simpler. Here are 7 tips I've come up with to help you work with that grocery budget.

1. Only buy the things you need. When I used to do my shopping, I seemed to think that throwing whatever in my grocery cart was a good thing. Well, I was wrong. Buying less means that less will go to waste. Most of the things you buy are just extras anyways, things you may not even touch again once you store them in the pantry.

2. Plan your meals before you shop. If you have a meal schedule in your head, or on paper, then you'll know exactly what you need to buy in the grocery store. Doing this will allow for more precise shopping, and will benefit your bill by not buying something you won't need for the week.

3. Use coupons! I used to feel embarrassed using coupons. My mom was like that. She was always the person at the cash register pulling out her coupons, holding up the line. I was so embarrassed to go shopping with her because I didn't want to be that person at the front of the line. Nowadays, doing so just makes you fit in. Coupons are becoming much more common nowadays, because they really do add up to a nice discount off your total bill.

4. Stay way from the junk food. Doing so will not only make a difference to your budget, but it will allow you to eat healthier. The cheapest meat is usually the meat with no fat, which is a good thing for your budget and your body. Many coupons are also for the healthy alternatives to your meal.

5. Keep your prices in order. Having a price book on you while shopping can be a good thing. It's best to have a rough estimate of what your total will be when you get to the front of the line, so keep checking the prices of the items before you throw them in the cart.

6. Sales! Sales can either be a good thing or a bad thing. Sales are a good thing if you're looking to buy the item on sale. But, it can be a very bad thing if you wouldn't normally buy it. Something on sale will increase your temptation to buy it, even if you don't need it. Something in our minds is triggered to buy anything on sale, because we think we'll be getting a "good deal" on it. But, if you wouldn't normally buy it, how could you possibly be making a good deal?

7. Buy in bulk. Anything in bulk means more savings for you. And, once you buy a bulk item, you won't have to buy that item again for awhile. Not only will it save you money now, but it will save you money later, and isn't that something we're all looking for?

When we're on a budget, grocery shopping can be the hardest thing to do. You just have to learn to resist all temptations. Don't buy those unhealthy foods, and don't look at the candy on the candy aisle. Don't be embarrassed to shop with coupons, and don't be afraid to keep a price book to keep track of your purchases. Keeping these 7 tips in mind will easily save you money while doing the weekly shopping.

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