Save Money by Cutting Your Grocery Bill in Half

Being a mom of three, I know how expensive a grocery bill can be. Through the years, I have managed to finally learn how to cut our bill in half using these 10 tips and tricks.

1.) Make a list, not just a grocery list, but a meal and snack list as well. First make your meal and snack list, then make a grocery list based on the ingredients you will need to make the meals or snacks. It also helps to look in your cupboard to see what you already have and maybe make your meal list around those items. For example, if you already have spaghetti, then all you will need to buy is the sauce. You will have then saved about $1. Doesn't seem like much, but every dollar adds up.

2.) Choose the right store. In my area we have a Save-a-lot and an Aldi. These are the only two stores that I will shop at. Their prices are very reasonable and they even carry some name brand items.

3.) Be smart about coupons or store savings. If you shop with coupons, be sure to buy just the coupon items. The reason stores promote coupons is to get people into the store to buy more items and after you are done shopping you really haven't saved anything.

4.) Take your time. Don't go to shopping in a hurry. Make sure you have plenty of time to compare prices.

5.) Look for meat sales. Sometimes stores have great meat sales. Just be sure to cook the meat within one to two days of purchasing it. Also try to purchase your meat in the family packs.

6.) Set a budget and don't go over it. To help stay within your budget take cash to the grocery store and leave the checks, debit or credit cards at home. It also helps to take along a calculator.

7.) Do not go shopping while you are hungry. If you go shopping while you are hungry, you will more than likely buy impulse foods, foods that you can eat on the way home or as soon as you get home such as cookies, chips or food from the deli. You will see what I am talking about if you ever go shopping while hungry!

8.) Try to leave the kids and husband at home. Kids (and husbands for that matter) tend to want things that are impulse items and if you give in, your grocery bill will suffer for it.

9.) Don't be lazy. Instead of buying things that are already made, like peanut butter and cheese cracker snack packs, purchase a box of saltines and a jar of peanut butter, it will last longer than the snack packs and is cheaper.

10.) Save the best for last. If you have purchased everything on your list and are still under your budget, head on over to the snack and chip isle to buy treats for the family. Even if you only have $2.00 to work with, you can still buy a cake mix and some icing that the family will love you for!