Ten ways to save money at the grocery store

I'm always looking for the next great deal. Not only am I looking for huge savings on big ticket items but i also love a good grocery deal. If you can save $10-20 a week on groceries over a months time that is up to $80 and $960 a year. If you put that money into a savings account that could help pay for Christmas, a trip, or credit card bills.

Some of my best scores have been grocery deals. I have been known to scrounge for coupons in the recycle bin and I've even enlisted my family in the hunt for coupons. There are great deals to be had using coupons. With that being said, Couponing takes a lot of planning, clipping and not being picky on brands. There is good news for those that don't have the time or desire to clip coupons. With a little bit of planning you can still save money without clipping coupons. Some stores now have apps that you can download onto your phone. The apps usually allow you to see the current ad, coupons that are available and a place you can add your grocery list. Check with your local store that shop and see what apps they have available.

1. Don't go to the store Hungry! This is my number one. If I go to the store hungry, I usually end up spending at least $5 more than I was planning on. Its funny how conveniently those treats and snacks are placed right at eye level.

2. Make a grocery list. If you have a list of items that you need you will be less likely to buy things that are not on your list. Also, if you have your list you'll get what you need the first time and you won't need to make seperate trips to get items that you forgot. Extra trips usually lead to extra money being spent.

3. Shop the sales. Before going to the store, look at the local ad. See what is on sale, plan your meals around items that are on sale.

4. Buy store brand items. Store brand items generally have the same ingredients listed as the name brand items. One of the reasons they are cheaper is because your not paying for advertising. Medications are FDA regulated so they are required to to list the active ingredients. You can compare name brands and store brands. Save by buying the generic brand for the fraction of the price. Also, staple foods such as flour, sugar, cornstarch and pepper are regulated as well. In many cases the same manufactures produce the generic products as well as the brand name products.

5. Look at items stocked on the lower and higher shelves. The middle shelves are usually stocked with the higher priced items.

6. Shop around for toiletries. I have found great deals at Amazon on toilet paper and paper towels. If you have Amazon Prime it ships free. Amazon also has a subscribe and save option that can save you an additional 5%.

7. Shop the perimeter of the store. They generally contain the fresh fruits and vegetables, dairy and meats and other healthier options. The majority of your time in the store should be spent in the perimeter sections.

8. Buy the discounted items. Most stores have places throughout the store with products that are about to expire or that they have a surplus of. They will usually mark these items down significantly.

9. Grate your own cheese. A block of cheese is often less money than a bag already grated. Also, Stay away from prepackaged items. Wash and cut your own lettuce and fruit.

10. Last of all, leave your little ones home. We love them so much. They look at us with those cute faces and they want a treat, a toy or both. If we don't give them what they want it usually leads to that terrible tantrum. When that happens the battle is lost and we usually buy something that wasn't planned.