*Go shopping with a list and planned meals. This will not only help you shop the best deals and avoid impulse buys but will help avoid having to call for last minute takeout because you did not have anything planned to cook.

*Shop for items that are on the top or bottom shelves. Merchants will often pay to have their product at eye level. The cost will then get rolled over to your cost for the item.

*Know prices. Buy items when they are at the lowest price and then add coupons. You are also allowed to use a manufactures coupon along with a store coupon. This can really save you a lot of money and also can get you some free stuff. This is a good time to stock up on items. When possible buy 3-6 month supply at that time. Then by the time you need to buy that item again you should be able to find another great deal.

*Have a separate budget for stockpiling. When an item is at its lowest price you can stock up without having to worry about taking money out of your weekly grocery budget. You will then never have to miss out on a great deal.

*Buy fruits and vegetables that are in season. Also check out local farmers and farmers markets. Even better yet, start your own vegetable garden.

*Shop at discount stores. One of my favorites is Aldi’s. They do not take coupons but you can find some great discounts. I have found some great savings on meat that are close to their sell by date. They will usually knock off an additional dollar or two on top of their low price. They also have low prices on fruits and vegetables. This is a great place to shop for those items that you don’t have coupons for.

*Be flexible on brand names. Sometimes the price for brand name items can be cheaper then store brand items when a good deal is going on. I usually shop store brands unless I can get the brand name on sale and with a coupon to make them cheaper.

*Never pay full price for health & beauty products, cleaning supplies, paper products, canned goods or pastas. They are always on sale so wait till then and stock up.

*Take advantage of store discount or reward cards. Make sure to use them when ever you shop. This will save you a lot of money.

*Use coupons on trial size products or clearance items. Often times you can get those items for free. Just check your coupon to see what the smallest size is allowed. Most times you will get a bigger savings on a smaller size product.

*Avoid convenience items, such as pre-cut vegetables or individually sized snacks. Although they may save time, you are definitely paying for it. So make sure the time saved is worth the price.

*Only buy what you are going to use. When you get home, make sure to store items properly to get the longest life out of them. No matter how good the deal is, if you end up throwing it out, you are losing money.

*Check your receipts. Make sure before you leave the store that everything rang up at the correct price and all discounts were applied. I have caught quite a few mistakes while shopping that has saved me a lot of money.

Jennifer Billy is a budget conscious stay-at-home-mom that provides mothers with money saving tips at the www.moneysavingssecretsblog.com