Creative ways to save on groceries

Make sure your fridge isn't so full that you can't see everything at first sight. People have their needs on hand and forget about the ones which are not on sight. My mother used to do that and when I was looking for some fresh fruits I used to find most of them rotten and then you know, throw them away.

Hire a babysitter why you grocery shop??? You are wasting money. Just take the kids along and learn to say NO,when they ask for junk food and stuff that is not on your list. Come on if you can't say no at the grocery then you are going to have a hell of a time saying no when they get older. Thank goodness I have a dog.

Shop at Bottom Dollar Food...skip the traditional grocery stores. I can feed two people for two weeks on $100.

#1=Never -Ever =shop when Hungry!! #2= Never Ever shop @ only 1 store-yes its convieant- yet will cost you much more!! Always watch the sales ads & make a list of route to travel to those sales and avoid using too much gas in that car . When you do all this -just watch the woman in front of you @ the checkout- laugh when her bill is over 2-300,00 for all that - bet shes one that is fat, lazy & drinking that expensive coffee drink!! And the husband will ask - where did all our money go??? DUH!!

I shop with my friend at Costco and we trade items that we don't need a huge quantity of. It makes shopping more fun. Plus we have to try all of the samples!! I don't even have a Costco membership - I just tag along! Works out pretty nicely.

Don't shop at Walmart, they cost 10-20% more (especially produce) than regular grocery stores cause they need such a consistent inventory and ship the food from so far away.

Spend two months and really read the weekly circulars. Note how often certain common items go on sale so you know how long a supply to keep on hand. Why would I ever pay $3.49 lb for boneless chicken breasts, if it goes on sale for $1.99 or lower at least once a month? Same is especially true with soda, it keeps for 6 months so why not stock up at holiday times when the best deals are to be had (often at half price). Some items are always cheaper at CostCo and the like, and some things never are. Family makes a run on things when they see a big supply? Store the excess in the basement (you know they'll never go out of their way to bring some upstairs). Every time you bring an item up you can think of it as saving a $1 or $2. Never stock up on chips or desserts, it is good for your waist to run out of those items.

Shopping alone is a great idea when you can do it. When I leave my son and husband at home I spend a lot less. And I grew up on leftovers so I swear by that too.

Make a "pantry" dinner. See what you have and try to use up what has been there a while. I put pumpkin in my chili once and it really turned out good. It was not as sour and my kids liked it better than the crushed tomatoes. Remember to dig to the back there may be some hidden gems.

Make a list and STICK TO IT. Saves money big time.

Even though I'm only 13, I usually do the big food shop. I have an eating disorder and as a result our bills have been reduced from around 160 pounds to 80 (not including trips in the week). Why? Because I don't buy junk food, or impulse buy. The rest of my family is quite chubby and they eat lots of junk. Before, my mum was coming home with cookies and muffins and chocolate bars and stodgy desserts. Most of that has been cut from my shop, and the only 'junk' food we have at the moment is half a large chocolate bar, some biscuits and ice cream. Our fridge is packed with longer lasting fruit like bananas and apples.

I'm not saying that eating disorders are good in any way or they help you save money - cutting the junk saves money. You won't die if you skip chocolate or ice cream. If you are really hungry, you would eat a sandwich or some fruit. Anyways, the more longer lasting fruit (like bananas and apples) are cheaper than chocolate bars (berries aren't though, and they never get eat in my house!)

Also, sort your priorities. If you adore branded cereal, buy it. But save on something else, like vegetables. If you can't afford organic, don't buy it (: