by Cheryl Rickey

Created on: August 24, 2009   Last Updated: August 25, 2009

Saving money on groceries is a must these days. Using coupons, checking sale flyers and advanced planning are just some of the things you can do to save money on groceries when you do your weekly shopping. Saving money on your grocery bill will become second nature if you are consistent with cutting coupons and researching the specials. Planning your meals will not only save you money, it will save you time. If you have children, get them involved in cutting coupons and organizing them for you. Saving money can be a great family activity.

Knowing your "menu" plays a big part in saving money on groceries. Plan your menus using sales flyers. If you wait until the last minute to decide what to cook for dinner, you may need to go to the store to get ingredients you don't have. Quick trips to the store always cost more because you will grab the products you need in a hurry without regard for price. You may also be tempted to get other items because you are hungry and they look like something you might use.

Once you plan your meals, make a list of the ingredients you will need for the week's meals as well as breakfast and lunch foods. Take inventory of what you have on hand already and cross these items off your list. Check your pantry and you will be surprised at the number of items you already have that you don't need to buy. Make it a habit to keep an inventory of your pantry items to avoid over buying.

Many of the items that are a good value are placed on the ends of each aisle. A large percentage of these items will often coincide with weekly coupons that you will find in your local paper or online. (sites like redplum.com are great resources) Keep a notebook with a list of the items you buy most often. You can check for coupons for these items and also check sales flyers to see when they are on sale. It is a great time to stock up on these items when there is a sale and you also have coupons for the items.

Use a shopping list and don't waiver from the list. Eat before you go to the market or that list might expand.

Organize your freezer and refrigerator before you shop so you will have room and see what items you have on hand. It's a great idea to keep an inventory if you keep a lot in your freezer instead of buying items you already have.

When shopping for produce that is pre-bagged, always weigh and choose the heaviest bags. The weight marked is the minimum weight required, so always try to get the most for your money.

Do not over purchase. Buy what you need and keep a well-stocked pantry. Buy your pantry items (flour, sugar, seasonings and more) when you have coupons. Put aside coupons for these items so that you can have them for when you need to re-stock. Just be aware of the expiration dates!

Planning ahead and being organized will always keep your grocery budget under control.

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