Step by Step how I save money on Groceries

Probably the biggest and most controllable item in a family’s budget is the grocery bill. When money wasn't as issue for us, I just threw anything into the cart. I can't imagine the amount of money I wasted by not doing some simple planning.

I do spend about 1-2 hours a week doing my grocery list. And while that may seem like a lot of time - I can save over $50 a trip. The way I see it, I just made $25 an hour. This is more than I make at my job. Remember, we are working to save money.

Step 1: The Wednesday Paper
If you don't subscribe to your local newspaper - start! The savings you find inside for out weight the nominal cost.

Each Wednesday the grocery stores put out their weekly savings. I sit down and start to make a list of each item I could use. I plan my menus around what is on sale.

Once I have a rough drat, I match up the coupons.

Step 2: Coupon Matching
Yes, I clip coupons. If you match a coupon with a weekly store saving, many times you can get items for free or pennies on a dollar. If you don't have the time, let you kids help you. Separate the coupons into categories and place them into marked envelopes.

If you wait until Sunday to do your grocery shopping . . . a very helpful service I use is the The Grocery Game. For a small fee, I can log in and see the coupons matched with the store savings and how much I would save on each item.

If you would like to look for individual coupons you might want to try out The Coupon Master. Here you can look for coupons and buy them at a fraction of the savings you will have.

Step 3: Pre Shop
Both King Soopers/ City Market and Safeway offer an at home delivery service that allows you to shop online. I use this to virtually shop through the store. The site calculates a running total and allows me to choose how many items of each I want.

When I'm all done, I view my cart and make any adjustments I need to fit my budget and print the list. This has the brand names included so I can breeze right through the store.

If you want to get really organized, go through your list and itemize it by aisle. This way, you don't miss anything and have to retrace your steps increasing your chances of an impulse buy.

Now the website doesn't show the weekly savings. So you can do one of two things. Either shop within your budget or come out below budget. Or do a loose calculation of the savings and go over your total of that amount.

Step 4: Go Shopping
On my shopping list I mark which item I have a coupon for. All my coupons for that trip are in an envelope. I also attach a paperclip to my list. As I place the item into the cart, I take out the coupon and clip it to the list so I don't forget to give it to the cashier.

I only shop for what is on my list. I will make an adjustment if I have a name brand item with coupon and the generic item is still cheaper and a better buy. I won't compromise on everything generic though. Some name brand items simply taste better. But that is up to your taste buds.

If I realize I forgot an item, I ask myself do I need it this week. If I can go without it another week, I usually don't buy. If it's an item that is part of a meal for the week, I'll try to get the best value.

Like I said in the beginning, this may seem long but once you get the hang of it, it starts to go fast. And watch out, it's also addicting. You like to see how much you save each week and if you can beat it the next. I try to make it a goal to save between 30-40% of my bill each week.

Remember, you are working to save money and it is well worth the effort.