How to Cut Your Grocery Bill in Half - Save Money on Groceries Now!

Looking to save a couple hundred bucks this month on groceries? Here's how to do it.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

1. Meat. The price of meat has sky rocketed. Limit the amount of meat you buy and only buy family saver packs or super sale priced meats. Freeze what you can't use for later use. Try to use meat sparingly in meals. (stir frys, chilis and soups are good examples)
2. Avoid buying prepackaged meals. Prepackaged meals can cost as much as three times as much as whole foods. Make your own and keep your expenses down!
3. Stick to buying whole foods and make your own foods such as tomato sauce, tarter sauce, breads and even pizza (see my great whole wheat pizza recipe!)
4. Eat more pasta. Great meatless pasta meals include...pasta and cannelli beans (an old depression era favorite!), pasta prima vera, pasta with mushrooms.
5. Grow your own vegetables, fruits and herbs if possible. Gardening is a great way to save a lot of money at the grocery store and keep your finances in check.
6. Only shop the outside isles of the grocery store. This is sure to help you stick to foods that are not prepackaged. In general, all the non-sense stuff is in the middle isles.
7. Collect coupons and check circulars. Its a good idea to check circulars BEFORE you get to the store so you know what the sales are and where. You will find you make better, quick decisions in the store if you know exactly what you want and need.
8. Club Cards. Many grocery stores offer special prices on foods if you join their club. Its a good idea and its completely free.
9. Bring your own bags. Some stores will actually give you a discount if you bring your own bags. Of course this hasn't become popular outside of California, it is making its way across the nation.
10. Farm Stands. Shop local farm stands for better, fresher, cheaper foods. Its a great way to support your local farms and save money.
11. Take your kids wagon to the grocery store and save money on gas!