1. Create a menu for the entire week based on the sales ad. Utilize the meats and produce that are on sale throughout your entire menu to maximize your savings.

2. Seek out coupons for the items on your list. Having coupons on hand from your Sunday paper is a great way to save extra money, but you can still shop with coupons without the traditional inserts.  Websites like Coupons.com, Redplum, Shortcuts, Cellfire, and Bringing Hope to the Table provide ways for you to save using coupons.  Sign up for websites like Kraft Foods, Betty Crocker, and Right @ Home for additional printable coupons.  You can also use google to search for individual coupons.

3. Shop the perimeter of your store. Look high and low for the best deals.  Prepackaged foods can really eat away at your budget.  Purchase fresh ingredients on sale to make healthy meals and snacks at home.  When making your selections, be sure to check the top and bottom shelves for the best bargains.

4. Buy store brand (generic) products. Most generic products taste just as great as the name brands but cost much less.  There is virtually no difference between brands when purchasing staples such as flour, sugar, rice, etc.  If you are in doubt or concerned about what’s in the product, simply read the ingredients on the label.  If a generic version is cheaper than buying a name brand with a coupon, don’t buy the name brand just because you can use a coupon!

5. Calculate the price per unit. Divide the total cost by the number of ounces, pounds, etc. to determine the cost per unit.  Buy the size that is the most cost effective - provided you can use the entire package before it expires.  If you are using a coupon, calculate the prices with the coupon included before dividing by the units.  You always want to purchase the cheapest per unit package.

6. Only purchase the amount you will use. Stores often promote items as 10 for $10 or 5 for $5.  This is usually a gimic; you don’t have to purchase all 10 items to get the sales price.  Each item will simply ring up $1.  If you are stocking up on an item at rock bottom prices, check the expiration date!  You aren’t saving any money if it will expire in the pantry before you can eat it.

7. Maintain a pricebook. Sometimes “sales” items aren’t really on sale.  The best way to know if a price is low is to keep track of the items you purchase on a regular basis.  When at item hits the lowest price, you will know it’s the right time to stock up.  After a period of time you will also be able to track how often the item goes on sale.  This will help you plan how much to buy before you need to stock up again.

8. Use rain checks. If the store is out of a sale item, make sure to always ask for a rain check.  You will be able to purchase that item at a later date for the sale price.  If an item is at rock bottom pricing, go back to the store on the last day of the sale and check for availability.  If the item is out of stock, request a rain check and hold on to it.  You may be able couple it with a coupon in the following weeks for even greater savings!

9. Avoid temptations. The easiest way to avoid temptation is not shop hungry!  Another way is to be strategic while you shop.  If you don’t have pets, use the pet food aisle to get to the back of the store.  If you don’t buy personal items at the grocery store, head down the beauty or baby item aisle.  You’ll avoid a lot more temptation than if you were to head down the ice cream aisle!

10. Pay attention to the register. Make sure your items ring up at the price you are expecting.  Also watch and listen as your coupons are scanned.  Make sure each one is successfully discounted off your receipt.  If your coupon beeps in error, make sure it gets manually pushed through by the cashier.