Guest Post: Saving Money While Feeding Your Family

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{This guest post was written by Kimberly Willis, who writes about money-saving tips and is a www.coupon.org contributor.}

    In a struggling economy, many individuals and families are looking for ways to save money on basic items such as food or groceries. Saving money on food or groceries is a fairly easy to implement concept if you understand what steps to take. If you are looking for some ideas on how to save money on groceries of food, consider the tips below.

Saving Money on Groceries
 
  If you are looking to save money on groceries, you don’t have to skimp on food or choose foods that you are not interested in or don’t like. But, if you shop smart, you can eat what you want and can save money at the same time.

  One way to save money on groceries is to prepare a list ahead of time. When you prepare, you can then compare coupons that you have collected against those items and can be more organized while you are walking through the grocery. Then, when you are at the grocery, you can proactively work to not purchase items that you don’t need.

  Another way to save money while at the grocery is to avoid name brand items. Today, you can find virtually every type of product as an off brand as a name brand. And, while you may think that a generic brand would taste worse or different than a brand name, you will likely find that there is little difference at all. And, not only will you get a great product, you will get a great discount.

Create Lists
 
  One of the most costly habits when grocery shopping is purchasing things at full price when they run out. For example, spices, oils, and basic staples are items in which are typically bought when they run out or are running low. Keep a running list of items that you typically purchase and if you notice a sale or a specific coupon for those items, you can purchase and stock up, saving you money.

Purchase in Bulk

  Another great money saving strategy when grocery shopping is to buy in bulk. If you use items regularly such as chicken, beef or toilet paper, you can often find a lower cost per unit when you buy in bulk versus buying in small quantities are you need items.

Stay Away from Prepared Foods

   It is a common habit for people when they are grocery shopping to purchase prepared foods. For example, a cooked chicken, a prepared salad and even muffins. All of these items are significantly more expensive than if you prepared them yourself.

Allow Extra Room in Your Budget
 
  One of the most common budget busters at the grocery store is entertaining. Planning parties is often a large expense for a family. So, when preparing your annual budget, add in a small factor for events such as these so that you can enjoy them without feeling strapped due to your budget.

  Budgeting is not always a fun proposition for any individual or family to consider. But, with the changing economy and the challenges that many families are facing, budgeting is becoming more and more important. By using these strategies, you will find that budgeting can be enjoyable, money saving and it does not taste half bad when it comes to grocery shopping.

   {What do you think? What tips do you have for saving money on groceries? I think this article makes some great points, although I don't agree that bulk is always money saving. Often you can use a high-value coupon on the smallest size of a product to save the most money, or get an item for free!}