11 Tips to Save Money at the Grocery Store

Going to the grocery store is an expense that can't be eliminated completely, but with a few minor adjustments a visit to the local grocer can be far less harmful to your bank account.

Here are some helpful tips that can save you money at the grocery store:

Never Shop While Hungry!

This is the worst folly people make when shopping. Going to shop while hungry leads to impulse buying-ice cream, chips, popsicles, and cookies are impulsive, unhealthy, and expensive. The best time to go shopping is after a meal when you're full and completely level-headed.

Buy Cheap, Filling Food

Instead of buying frozen dinners and pre-made items that only provide one meal, buy food that is cheap and will last. You can get a 10 pound bag of potatoes for the same price as one frozen dinners, or a 5 pound bag of white rice for the same price. Frozen dinners might be easier to prepare, but buying food that is dirt cheap and filling can save you a ton on your overall spend.

Limit Snack Items

If you love buying chips and crackers and cookies and brownies, try your best to limit yourself to one or two types. Snack items don't fill you up, are pricey, and can add up amazingly fast.

Don't Buy Individually Packaged Items

I know that 12-pack of individually packaged Cheez-Its are convenient to throw into your kid's lunch before he goes off to school, but you're losing money by not buying a whole box and packaging them yourself. Get a plastic sandwich bag and package items yourself-you'll save a great deal of money in the long run.

Buy Store Brand Items

Store brand items can be just as good, if not better, than name brand items-and they'll cost you a ton less. If you're especially attached to a certain brand of ice cream, get it; but for items you don't obsess over, save some money and go with the store brand. One tip: avoid store brand diet soda if possible.

Coupons/Specials

Everyone makes fun of coupon clippers, but coupons can save you a good deal of money. Browsing coupons also alerts you to some of the store specials and markdowns, which can be important for saving you even more money.

Bring Along a Shopping List