5 Ways to Cut Your Grocery Bill

1. Plan Your Meals
Brainstorm with your family and come up with a week's worth of homemade meals. Eating at home is typically cheaper and healthier than going out or bringing in takeout. Try to come up with as many ideas as possible to keep each week's menus fun and varied.

Some people take their meal planning to the extreme and create and prepare a month's worth of meals in one weekend. This makes eating at home easier because the food just needs to be reheated, and it's cheaper because you buy items in bulk or on sale or both.

For some of these Once-A-Month Cooking ideas and recipes, check out RecipeZaar.com (look for OAMC recipes), FrugalMom.net or Once-A-Month-CookingWorld.com.

2. Check Out Your Grocery Store Fliers
Every week, local grocery stores send out fliers advertising all their specials. Be sure to check these out and plan your meals around the best deals. If you can combine one of the specials with a manufacturer's coupon, that's even better.

3. Stick to Your List
How many times have you either forgotten your grocery list or just didn't make a list at all? A list is essential tool to keep you on track. Create a list and organize it by grocery aisle. Make a list of produce, meats, dairy, canned goods, etc. If you have a coupon for an item, mark a C next to it to remind you.

And most important, don't deviate from your list. If you stick to the list, you are sure to save money. Try not to shop when you are hungry either, this will keep you from giving in to impulses that are probably both expensive and a waste of calories.

4. Keep Your Coupons in Your Purse, Car
So many times while shopping, I think, "oh, I have a coupon for that, but it's at home." After you clip your coupons, put them in an envelope and store them in your car or purse. They'll always be on hand, no matter where you are or where you shop. This is a good tip for all of your store coupons, whether it is for groceries or clothing or a trip to the frozen yogurt shop.

5. Don't Forget About Those Non-Grocery Stores
Stores like Wal-Mart, Target and Big Lots often have great deals on food. Bring your coupons for even bigger savings. Your local dollar stores are other good places to stock up, although their products do sometimes tend to come in smaller sizes. Drug stores also often have excellent deals on food and drinks, as well as toiletries and over-the-counter medicines. Be sure to check all of the flyers to find the best deals for you. Your local farmers market is another good and fun option, where you can often get great deals on produce and fresh flowers.

-- The StoreCouponsNow Staff