Grocery savings

A good list of ways to save money at the grocery store, from To Be Debt Free. .

1. Plan ahead: Map out your meals for the entire week. Go through your cabinets, fridge and pantry, making a list of any items you’ll need for your planned meals.

2.Cut coupons: Savings of 25 cents here and 75 cents there can add up fast.

3.Look for sales: Ads for savings are what make the Sunday paper so thick. Take advantage of them. Look for flyers throughout the week, pay attention to TV commercials and check junk mail for coupons before you throw it away.

4.Shop around: Don’t limit yourself to one grocery store. One store may have great dairy prices but overpriced produce. Another could have good meat sales, but your favorite cereal is too expensive. Pick and choose what you’ll buy from each store. However, if you bring sales flyers from the competition, many stores will match the price.

5.Go generic: Just about every product has a generic counterpart at a much lower price. Buy these products; you can get the same thing for a lot less money.

6.Don’t stray from your list: If you didn’t write it on your list, you don’t need it.

7.Bring your calculator: Is 24 ounces for $1.00 better than 36 ounces for $1.25? Bring a calculator with you to figure out the best deal.

8.Buy in bulk: It never hurts to stock up on items you use frequently. Bulk is often cheaper, so fill your cart. Be sure that you are able to use the item before it goes bad.

9.Don’t shop on an empty stomach: Everything looks good when you’re hungry. Eat before you shop so you’re less tempted to pick up anything and everything that looks good.

10.Check your receipt: Before you leave the store, take a glance at your receipt to make sure everything checks out. Items may ring up at an incorrect price or be scanned too many times.

11.Grow your own food: Plant some herbs and vegetables in a small garden out back. You may not be able to replicate the produce aisle, but it can help cut your grocery bill.