5 ways to lower your grocery cost

One of the most expensive things we consume is food. With so many convenience foods out there the cost can rise quickly. It's no secret that $100 worth of groceries today is not as much food as it was 10 or even 5 years ago. Here are 5 steps to take to keep your food costs down:

1. Make a list and stick too it. Impulse buys increase your food cost and are usually not healthy choices. Make a list before leaving home and stick to it at the store
2. Check the weekly specials handout. Look only for items on your list. If they are on sale and don't perish quickly stock up. Sale shopping, done correctly, saves you money in the long run.
3. Use coupons. Look online, in junk mail, and newspapers for coupons for items you normally buy. Compare after coupon price to generic brand versions also.
4. Plan your meals. Make a list of meals for the week to help create your shopping lists. Always check for near-end dated meat on sale if you can use it quickly. They are marked down a LOT!
5. Don't go hungry. EAT before you go grocery shopping. Even if you have to get a burger at McDonald's you will save way more than the $1 it costs at the store. Going hungry makes you buy bigger and more prone to impulse buys.

I have been guilty of doing or not doing the above and have always spent more as a result. The above 5 steps are easy enough to do and laziness is not an excuse! Don't waste money on food so you can save for other more fun stuff!

Are you spending too much on groceries?