by Ric Martens

Created on: March 03, 2010   Last Updated: March 04, 2010

Unless you avoid all forms of mass media, you are aware that our economy is in bit of trouble right now. For many people Wall Street's problems don't mean anything at all. What matters to us, is the ability to feed ourselves and our families. This is becoming harder and harder to do as food prices keep going up while the money we have keeps going down. Now, more than ever, it is important to be a savvy consumer and get the most out of your money. The following tips are time proven ideas that if followed will help you lower your grocery bill.

 1: Make a menu plan

 This admittedly will take some time but it is easier than you might think. There are a lot of sites on the internet with free menu plans and of course, most cookbooks have them as well. How this saves you money is it helps you create a shopping list that only has what you need for your planned meals. This brings us to tip number two.

 2: Clip those coupons

 Once you have set up your menu plan you should have a list of the groceries you are going to need. Now open the local paper, or go buy one if need be, and look through the coupon section. While you probably won't find a coupon for everything on your list, you should find enough to make saving money realistic. Now armed with both a list and coupons, get ready to head for the store with the next tip firmly in your mind.

 3: Stick to the list you made

 When you go shopping with a list, stick to the list. No matter how good the deal on the ribs are, if they are not on your list, don't get them. By exercising this discipline you will be amazed at how much less you are spending at the grocery store. If you do notice a particularly good sale, you might consider switching up one of the items on the list. For example if ground turkey is cheaper than ground beef, you would be wise to make the swap.

 4: Buy stuff you use a lot in bulk

 If there are certain things you use a lot of such as tuna, peanut butter, etc. A great way to save money is to buy these items in bulk. Many stores such as Costco and Sam's Club are great places to find deals on the items you use daily. They do require you to purchase a membership, but you will probably save more than the membership cost you in the first place.

 5: Don't shop on an empty stomach

 If you have ever gone into a grocery store on an empty stomach then you know of this danger first hand. When you are hungry, your body wants food. A grocery store has food, and you are

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