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Aside from the mortgage payment, the most taxing monthly expense for many families is the grocery bill which can total hundreds of dollars in just four short weeks.  Learn how to significantly cut your grocery bill without sacrificing your family’s favorite foods.

Eat Before you Step Foot in the Supermarket

Sounds easy but shopping while you’re hungry is a recipe for financial disaster.  Not only will you buy far more than you need, you’ll be tempted to reach for unhealthy, sugary snacks you probably wouldn’t eat otherwise simply because they look appetizing at that moment.  Don’t tempt your appetite or your checkbook and eat at home before you depart on a shopping trip.

Make a Weekly Meal Plan

Not only will this help diminish the stress of trying to figure out what to make for dinner after work, it can actually help you save money as well.  Taking a few minutes to create a weekly meal plan will ensure you’re armed with a list at the supermarket and help you avoid last-minute trips to the store which can wreak havoc on your budget.

Tailor Meals Around Sales

Similarly, grab the weekly ads from the grocers you shop frequently and plan your weekly meals around the items that are on sale.  Different seasons bring different sale items, ensuring a wide variety of available foods at much cheaper prices.

In a Recession, Coupons Are King

No list with tips on how to save on groceries would be complete without couponing.  While it does take time, the results (read: significant savings!) can be well worth the effort. Clipping a few coupons here and there won’t save you much, so pick up two or three Sunday papers (where most grocery coupons come from) and find out if your local supermarket offers double coupons.  Also, make sure you get coupons online directly from the grocery store’s official website.  For an added bonus, use the coupons when the item is already on sale.

Consumer Product Reviews

It may seem odd but reading consumer product reviews before you grocery shop can save you even more.  Think about all the non-food items you buy while grocery shopping: laundry detergent, cleaning supplies, toiletries, kitchen gadgets, etc.  Use the reviews (typically written by budget-conscious consumers just like you) to determine which products last the longest, work the best and will give you great customer service/support.  The reviews can also come in handy even when it comes to food items; for example, does the off-brand really taste the same as the name brand?  Find out and possibly save even more!