Simple Ways to Slash Your Grocery Bill

By Erin Huffstetler, About.com Guide

Struggling with a too-big grocery bill? Here are simple ways to slash it down to size:

Only Buy On Sale - Start a stockpile, and only buy items when they are on sale.

Plan Your Menu Around the Sales - Enjoy cheap meals throughout the week by planning your menu around the weekly sales flyers.

Be Willing to Substitute - Have a recipe that calls for an ingredient that you don't have? Then, see if you can substitute it for an ingredient that you do have. It'll save you money at the store and space in your pantry.

Buy Ingredients Instead of Prepared Meals - Frozen dinners and boxed mixes may be convenient, but they're also more costly. Get in the habit of buying the ingredients that you need to prepare the foods that you eat, and watch your grocery dollars go further.

Shop Seasonally - Foods are cheapest when they're in season, so learn when all of your favorite foods are in season, and buy them then.

Switch to Generic - Make the leap from name brand to generic brand, and you'll shave an easy 25% or more off of your grocery bill. Some generics worth trying: cereal, spices and baking supplies.

Buy Reduced-Price Items - Want a true bargain basement price? Then, scour every aisle of the store for reduced-priced groceries. Ultra-ripe produce, scratch and dent items, closeouts, food at or near its use-by-date – it's all reason for a reduced-price sticker.  Not sure you'll be able to use something before its use-by date? Then, toss it in the freezer, and you won't have to.

Shop at Drug Stores - Grocery stores aren't the only place to look for grocery bargains. Get in the habit of checking the drug store ads for deals on cereal, oatmeal, raisins, spices, baking supplies, soda, paper goods and more.

Cherry Pick - Stores tend to sell a few items below cost each week to entice customers to shop. Learn to spot these bargains, and snatch them up – even if it means going to more than one store.

Shop Locally - Local produce stands, farmer's markets and u-pick farms can be a great source for low-cost, high-quality produce.

Grow Your Own Foods - Fill a few containers or a garden plot with the fruits, vegetables and herbs that you use most. It's a great way to reduce your produce bill, and a great way gain control over how your food is grown.

Check Your Receipt for Mistakes - Mis-rings are common and costly. Bring all receipt errors to the store's attention, and you may just get your mis-rung items for free!

Make Your Own Ingredients - Baking soda, brown sugar, even flour can be made at home. Challenge yourself to make more of the ingredients that you need, and enjoy tastier foods at a fraction of the store-bought price.

Never Pay Full Price for Meat - Something is always on sale in the meat department. Focus in on those items, and you'll shave an easy 25% off of your tab

Go Meatless - Add more meatless meals to your menu, or experiment with recipes that use less meat.

MY THOUGHTS

worth trying! tho i can't imagine growing my own food and maing my own ingredients. first of all there's no space. worse, i don't even have a stove. and then there's a question of time...