Five Quick Ways to Save on Your Grocery Bill

1. Go to the store on a full stomach. If you go to the store hungry, everything will look good, even that expired-two-days-ago deli-roasted chicken.

2. Plan your meals. By planning your meals, you’ll save a lot by not buying costly convenience food, such as frozen dinners. Plan three to four meals for the week, put all of the ingredients you’ll need for those meals on a list, and stick to that list when you shop. You may find yourself eating healthier, too.

3. Buy in bulk. You can save a lot money buying some items in bulk. Spices and nuts are two items that are almost always significantly cheaper to purchase in the bulk section. For pasta, beans, cereals, flours, and the like, comparison shop.

4. Check the bottom shelf. Grocery stores frequently place the more expensive items at eye-level, so for the best bargains, look lower.

5. Compare different stores in your area. You might be surprised at how drastically prices between stores fluctuate. Of course, if the store with the best prices is further away, paying the extra in gas to get there might not save you any.