10 Grocery-Saving Tips

The cost for feeding a family can vary from one household to the next by as much as hundreds of dollars every month. Why is there such a large spectrum in the amount that we all pay for food? Wouldn't you like to be one of those people that pay the least amount of money possible on groceries? Anyone can reduce his or her grocery bill: check out these 10 tips for great ways to learn how.

10. Take advantage of loss leaders In order to get you in the door, grocery stores will sell certain products at prices so low that they are actually losing money on them. Take advantage of loss leader sales. Loss leaders get their name because they are products that are priced at or below the wholesale price. Items that are priced this low actually lose money for the grocery store. The store lures customers with loss leaders, and counts on customers buying other products while they are at the store.

9. Buy in bulk We all know that bulk shopping can save us money. Check out these articles for more tips and information on bulk shopping.

8. Buy generic Generic groceries have come a long way. If you once shunned the idea of buying store brands, you may want to try some in replacement of your favorite and more expensive name brands.

7. Know the grocery store's tricks Grocery stores spend a lot of resources trying to get you to spend more money. By knowing what these tricks are, you can see past them. Every large company these days has a research panel which tries to find ways to get you to spend more money at their stores. Grocery stores are some of the most carefully arranged stores around. Grocery companies use all kinds of ploys to get you to spend more and buy items that you were not intending on purchasing. It's best to know a few of their tricks so that you don't blindly fall victim to them.

They place higher-priced items at eye-level. When you are in a hurry, you may grab the first item that you see. You may not notice that the brand that's the best bargain (or the store brand) is on the bottom or top shelf. Even trickier, favorites of children are placed at their eye level. Next time you are at the grocery store with a kid, keep this in mind and see if it's true. The time after that, leave the kid at home.

Notice where the basics are. As you may have already observed, basic items like milk and eggs are located at the very back of the store. And what's in the center and front of the store? Junk food and seasonal items that you might buy on a whim.

Beware of eye-catching displays. Even if an item is on your list, don't automatically grab for the brand that is on display. Just because an item is made to look as if it is a great bargain, make sure you determine if it really is.

6. Do some planning Doing some meal planning for a week or two ahead of time will save you both money and time. Go to the grocery store with a list and stick with it, and you will be able to get all of your groceries for a week in one trip. The fewer trips you make, the less you will spend overall.

5. Make your own convenience foods We pay high prices for convenience. Instead of buying expensive convenience foods, find ways to make some of your own convenience foods ahead of time.

4. Don't waste food Learn ways to salvage food and use leftovers, so less of your grocery money goes to waste.

3. Eat vegetarian Even if you are not a vegetarian, it can be beneficial to learn to make more meals that don't include meat. Meat is often one of the most expensive ingredients to a dish.

2. Garden Learn how to grow some of your own fruits and vegetables and have healthy, inexpensive food at your fingertips!

1. Make substitutions Instead of cooking a recipe just as it is written, think of ways to substitute some less-expensive ingredients and save money on your groceries!