How to make the most out of your trip to the Grocery

With a bit of planning you can make the most out of those 'sales' at the Grocery Store.

First thing to do is go through the cupboard, pantry of wherever you keep your can and box goods. Remember that can of cherries you bought way back when to make that pie? Don't forget about the freezer. Are those ready made burger patties? I know I had stuff like that, bought it with good intentions and just never got it done. Get rid of anything that 1) you can't ID and 2) that is past the 'best when used by date'.

Make a list of everything that's left. This is your starting point. Use this list and those handy 'Sale' papers to plan your meals. You may just find that you have items on hand that will make up a meal if you had just one more thing. It's a good way to make sure you use everything you buy and aren't just impulse buying cause it looked good at that time.

Go through your coupons and check them against what's on sale. You can get coupons online. Just Google (or whatever search engine you use) free food coupons. You'll have to download a very small program in order to be able to print but it's well worth it. And don't be afraid of printing a coupons more then once. (Some sites may limit the number of each) There isn't a limit at the store on how many you can use, just be sure your getting what's listed on the coupon (check the size/weight,varietyand expiration date). Sunday papers also have lots of coupons that you can use. Sometimes you can get them right from the company. Most have websites you can visit or a toll free number you can call. I've called to tell them that I really liked a product and they sent me coupons for more. I've also called when something didn't meet expectations and got coupons.

Remember to stock up on items that have a longer shelf life when they are are sale. I know I've said it before but Sales go in cycles. I haven't paid full price for coffee in over 3 years. It's up to around $12.00 a can here and I wait for them to go on sale for $6 to $7, then buy 4 (like paying for 2 full price and getting 2 free). It's enough to last until the next sale. Other expensive items like toliet paper, kleenex and laundry soap are other things I get like that.

Make up a shopping list! And stick to it. The only things I buy not on the list are items that are store advertised only. Or are price reduced because they can't be sold after that day. They can still be used, just not sold. Meat is a good place to look for these items. Take it home and freeze it.

Buy in bulk when you can. It really is cheaper and dividing things up when you get home will only take a small amount of time. I spend about 15 mins after a trip doing it.

Finally I have a list on the frig with all the meats, veggies and side dishes I have on hand. (ex ~ green beans - 4, beef roast - 2 I just change the # as needed) It's saved in the computer and I update after I go shopping (every 2 weeks or so). I can tell at a glance what I have and what I'll need. For a change let the kids 'pick' what's for dinner tonight.

I feed 2 adults and 1 teen for $300/$400 per month. We have meat, potato/rice and veggies every night. I know people who spend that much every week or so for the same size family. Question is, Why when with a bit of planning you don't have to. Granted it may take you an hour or so to go through the cupboard and freezer but you only have to do it once. And just think of all the other things you can use the savings on. You might even be able to finance that great vacation you always wanted.