by Alejandra Betancourt

Created on: July 08, 2009   Last Updated: July 09, 2009

Saving money is wonderful, especially in these tough economic times. I am always on the lookout on ways to save money and cut expenses. Throughout the years, I have found many great ideas that work. In this article I will be providing you with tips and information on how to reduce your grocery bill. I can proudly say that I feed my household of 7 plus 3 childcare children healthy homemade meals on the average budget of $350 a month. My household includes my husband, 2 children, father and law, niece and sister and law.

Looking back several years, I can easily say I was spending around $600 a month on groceries for three people. I am very proud of what I have accomplished throughout the years and I hope to share those tips with you. Getting started will take some time to get the routine down, but the reward of saving money is truly worth it.

Be a Smart Shopper

Ask yourself these questions. Do you buy on impulse or the necessities? Are you only a one brand person or do you buy whatever the store says is on sale? Well, to be a smart shopper you need to be attentive and figure out what are the lowest prices for the products that you normally buy. Do not be fool by the store advertising something to be on sale; most likely it might be the same price or higher of what the average price was. Keeping a journal and jotting down the prices of products when you shop will give you an idea what are the products lowest prices. You will only need to do this for a couple of weeks since products do eventually go on sale every couple of weeks. Here is an example:

Week 1 Week2 Week3 Week4

Brown Rice $2.99 $1.99 $2.99 $2.99

Beans $1.99 $1.99 $.99 $1.59

Stock up on the products when you know they are at the lowest price. Only do so, on the products that you and your family normally eat or use. You do not want to end up with a pantry full of items you rarely use.

When grocery shopping, you want to have an open mind and do not be a one brand person. Knowing that you can easily switch tomatoes sauce brands to the one that is on sale will make you a smart shopper. Most of the store brands have the same ingredients as the major brands for the fraction of the cost.

Look at the unit price which will be on the

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