by Matt Bender

Created on: November 11, 2009   Last Updated: November 24, 2009

With a troubled economy and limited money, families are trying to save money wherever they can. These few approaches can provide more bang for the buck in low-cost quality food for the family.

Creating a list before shopping greatly reduces the likelihood of spontaneously grabbing random items off the shelf. Additionally, customers should check their cupboards at home before shopping to avoid buying extra of any given product. Performing a quick inventory check is especially important for vegetables and fruits, and other items that have relatively short shelf lives.

Clipping coupons is a highly underrated approach to saving money on groceries. For the strategic grocery shopper, checking the Sunday paper is a must. The paper provides a booklet that offers discounts on everything from dish soap to dog food. Additionally, brand-name websites usually offer discounts for their products. Customers should check brand-name websites on a weekly basis for new deals and promotionals. Finally, customers should be vigilant for coupons provided in their favorite grocery store. They should be aware that some coupons allow doubling and tripling up; in other words, two or three coupons can be used on one item.

Buying generic brands saves money as well. Purchasing Tastee-Os over Cheerios, for example, provides the same amount and quality of food for a fraction of the cost. Generic brands are found in nearly every category of merchandise.

Shopping on an empty stomach results in higher grocery costs. Many shoppers buy foods impulsively for the sole reason that they're hungry while shopping. Hungry shoppers usually purchase too much food, and that food goes to waste when the family cannot eat it in a reasonable amount of time. Parents should avoid bringing hungry children to the grocery store as well. If the children are hungry, parents are more likely to buy food to satisfy the child's hunger.

Taking a look at the one-day-old bread stand can result in significant savings for the bread-eating family. Day-old breads are just as good as fresh breads, but are usually sold at a fraction of the price.

Swinging by the damaged goods rack can also result in serious savings. Many customers return damaged goods because of bent, dented, or ripped packaging. The contents of these damaged items can be just as good, and can be found at discount prices.

Grocery stores often advertise their sales over the public address system. Shoppers should remain aware of additional potential savings by paying attention throughout their shopping escapade.

By being aware of these strategies, families can save significant amounts of money while grocery shopping, and can still eat well in the middle of an economic slump.

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