by George Stranz

Created on: October 24, 2009

Grocery bills can quickly eat away at your income. In order to corral these costs, you'll need to make sacrifices, look for cheaper alternatives, and take advantage of offers and deals.

BUY STORE BRANDS

One way to cut costs is to buy store brands. While it may not be popular with the kids, store brands offer similar quality foods at lower prices. For example, a 28 ounce jar of Jif creamy peanut butter costs $3.49 at one local supermarket. A 28 ounce jar of the store brand costs fifty cents less. Prices will vary among retailers, so look for the best buys.

SHOP AROUND

Shopping at different stores can save you money. The local Wal-Mart sells many items much cheaper than the local grocery stores. Compare prices at different stores in your neighborhood to see who offers the best deals. Once you find a retailer that offers items you regularly buy at a cheaper price, start buying there.

CLIP COUPONS

If you don't subscribe to the Sunday paper, start doing so. The coupons and fliers it contains can help you save money. Scan the circulars and cut out coupons for all the items you normally buy or might buy in the coming weeks. Set the coupons aside and look each week to see what's on sale. If you find any sale items that you have a corresponding coupon for, then dig out that coupon. Using coupons in this manner can help you increase your savings.

GET A CLUB CARD

Just about every grocery store offers a club card or discount card. You'll need these cards in order to buy items at the advertised prices. Cardholders are usually given bonuses as well. For example, some supermarkets will present coupons at checkout. The type and amount of coupons you can earn are determined by your purchasing habits. Some supermarkets also provide discounts on gasoline. These programs provide incentives for repeat purchases and continued business.

BUY IN SEASON

Fruits and vegetables are plentiful - and cheaper - in season. The About.com site has a useful page that lists the cheapest produce for each month of the year.

SHOP PREPARED

The most important thing any conscious grocery shopper can do is prepare. Check the ads, get your coupons sorted, and make up a shopping list. Those that don't have a list tend to buy impulse items and miss out on deals. Going to the store on an empty stomach is also a bad idea. If you are hungry, you may be tempted to buy something from the snack bar or grab some candy at the checkout line. Businesses know this well, which is why they strategically place these things near the front of the store.

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