Food, we all need to buy it. But that doesn’t mean you can’t save big money on it. If you simply reduce your grocery store bill by $5 per week you’ll end up having an extra $260 in your pocket every year. Saving money on groceries doesn’t mean you have to be like one of those moms from Extreme Couponing. Just follow the tips I’ll outline in this post and you’ll be on your way to keeping some more dough in your pocket.

Generic

When there are two items, one is name brand and the other is a generic store brand item, get the latter. They are the same thing. Exactly the same thing. Don’t believe me? Next time you’re at the grocery store, look at the ingredients. It’s the same thing. Now I can understand if you want to buy name brand True Religion jeans. But we’re talking about something silly like lotion, a snack or tissues here.

Discounts

You get coupons in the mail, might as well use them. The problem with coupons sometimes is that you may end up buying things you don’t need just because they’re on sale. So make sure you only buy what you would normally buy. You should also know how much the things you buy cost. When they go down in price buy more, when they go up in price buy less.

Checkout

Keep a close look at what you are being charged. Know the price of everything before you check out. If you spot a discrepancy let them know. Whenever there are “mistakes” it will never go in your favor. Certainly makes you wonder whether these are honest mistakes or whether they are programmed into the software.

Plan

Create a list before going to the grocery store and stick to it. Only purchase the items on your list. Without a list it’s common to enter the store thinking you’re going to buy a couple of items and walk out with a cart full of stuff. You’ll also want to plan ahead by eating before going to the store. Go on an empty stomach and you’ll be craving just about everything.

This has been a guest post by John C. Get debt help and find debt solutions.