Tips on how to save big bucks on your grocery bill

The new year is upon us and why not resolve to lower your bills; your grocery bill to be exact. The grocery store is such an easy place to save big bucks, with coupons or even just being aware of the sales. By just checking the weekly circular, I save big bucks on certain products which in turn gives me gas discounts; and you just can’t beat that.

Today coupon clipping sometimes is becoming old fashioned with the digital coupons, store cards and more common frugality. In 2012, coupon clipping began a slow decline according to two studies, the Today Show reported. Shoppers are becoming more savvy and holding on small snippets of paper is on its way out. Frugal shoppers are shopping multiple stores for deals, buying store brands and want a more specialized couponing experience.

Here are a few tips on how to save big bucks on your grocery bill:

• A tip from TV personality says Clark Howard says to buy private/store brand labels, as much as you can. Howard says that stores like ALDI and Trader Joe’s have aided shoppers into becoming more comfortable with the less expensive store brand. Take a chance on the store brand if you haven’t before, you will likely be pleasantly surprised.
• Shop weekly and shop the sales. If you have to go to a couple different stores to get the best prices, that’s OK! Strategize your shopping plan for the shortest route, make a list, plan your meals ahead and don’t over buy.
• You don’t need a main dish and two sides at every meal, besides it being cheaper it’s likely healthier, too. Do you cook Meatless Monday meals? You should! A great pasta dish or loaded salad or soup is easy on the wallet.
• Make sure you get the most out of every meal. Something I do almost every other week is buy a whole chicken and cook it on Sunday. It makes a great Sunday dinner and with the leftovers make shredded chicken tacos on Tuesday or enough chicken salad to last for a couple days for lunch.
• Stock up during sales. If you run across a great canned food sale, stock up then. The key is sticking to your weekly shopping lists checking your pantry at the end of the week.
• Don’t impulse buy, stick to your list! And an old but true rule is never go to the grocery store hungry, you are more likely to impulse buy.