10 Simple Steps to Save at the Grocery Store

We are all trying to find ways to cut back monthly expenses, but one area that is hard to skimp on is your weekly grocery trip. Eating is a basic necessity and cutting back on groceries is not always an option. Below are tips to save you money on grocery outings without sacrificing your culinary needs.

Prepare a shopping list. The number one way to overspend at the grocery store is to randomly wander aisles and make impulse buys. With a list, you can navigate aisles with purpose and save time, only shopping for those items you actually need.

Clip coupons. Clipping coupons is chic again, and with companies fighting for every dollar spent, opportunities are abundant for a key shopper. Not only in the Sunday paper anymore, many online sites offer coupons in a variety of areas (all you need is a printer).

Shop on a full stomach. If you are shopping when hungry, you are going to spend a lot more money buying every delicious item you see. Eating before you shop will help you stick to your list and save money by not making impulse buys.

Don't shop as often. Another way to reduce impulse buys in to reduce the amount of times you are in the grocery store. If you aren't there you can't spend extra money, so try to do all your shopping in large, regular chunks.

Leave the kids at home. Kids are notorious for wanting things and appeasing them can ruin any budget. If possible, leave them at home when shopping to avoid overspending.

Try generic brands. If you've never tried a generic brand, you may be pleasantly surprised. Most stores offer a good quality generic brand that is significantly cheaper. Test out different brands of different items and see if you can taste a difference.

Buy in Bulk. If you can afford it, buying larger quantities will save you money. Make sure you will use the entire item or have a place to store it; you don't want to buy in bulk and then waste it.

Invest in a water filter. Buying bottled water is expensive compared to a one time investment in a water filter. Consider all the plastic bottles you are saving and this "green" step makes for a clear conscience choice.

Don't pay interest on your groceries. If you can afford to, using cash or debit cards is the best way to pay for your food. Why pay extra credit card interest if you don't have to? Unless you are getting some sort of food rewards from your credit card, paying in cash and saving the interest is the smart choice.

Avoid shopping at gas stations and drug stores. Items at these stores are convenient but can be twice as expensive as regular grocery store items. Try to anticipate your needs (and cravings) and keep items in your cupboard that will keep you from making last minute trips to the corner market.

Hopefully these tips will help you save some money on one of life's necessities.