First, you need to acquire the store ads. These are usually found in your local newspaper, but they can typically be viewed online through the store’s website as well. Next, search through the ads to find foods that you think your family would be willing to eat. It is important to do this because you don’t want to waste your money buying something that will get wasted only because it was on sale. Use the ingredients you have found to plan your menu for the week. If your recipe knowledge isn’t very strong, then try asking friends and family for suggestions. You can also store something to be used in a different week; either way you are still saving money because the item was bought on sale.

As you can see, saving money on your grocery bill can be pretty simple. Looking through store ads will only take a few minutes of your time, and it is well worth the effort. You thought this was good? Brace yourself: I Am NOT An Extreme Couponer!

If you have cut favorite types of food from your shopping list, consider replacing brands with generic varieties. For example, tortilla chips are much the same, whether from a well known brand, or from the store label. Little luxuries, such as flavored coffee creamers, are just as flavorful without the well-known name. Introducing a few generic foods into your household can save several dollars in an average grocery shopping expedition.

Become a student of sales circulars for local supermarkets. Track your favorite foods each week in a notebook, and watch for trends. Over a couple of months, you should begin to see that well known brands go on sale in unison. You can then plan for those sales, and stock up when the items are at lower prices. There are a number of web-based companies that track these sales, and list the top bargains each week. This is an additional help, providing there isn’t a charge to access the information.

Scratch and dent stores often stock goods with damaged packaging, or which are close to expiration. While it is important to be a careful shopper in such a store, the reality is that you can save significantly on favorites. That high-priced loaf of multi-grain bread is great, but feel for freshness.

Cutting costs doesn’t mean giving up your preferred foods. Knowing trends, and knowing where to find discounted brands can keep your menu exciting.

Finding all of those big name brands you want filling your closet is really easy to do, and is something that anyone can take a few short minutes out of their day to do! Signing up for your favorite companies email list will put you in touch with all the latest going on’s, before the rest of the world knows about them.I found some more information here. You can also turn your search to the web, where you can find sales on these brands almost any time.

Check end of seasons as well. Each season companies start slashing prices to make way for the new season’s arrivals, meaning out of this world savings for those who choose to take advantage of the many deals waiting to be found.

Clean Your Closet
What? Yes, you read it right. You will be amazed at the forgotten items you have bought that can be combined with newer items. If you are like most chic chicks, you tend to consciously forget items you bought months ago; but unconsciously, at least that-s my theory, we buy things that can be combined stylishly with what we already have. So make your closet eco-friendly: reuse and recycle!

Accessorize
The ability to accessorize is what separate style-istas from fashionistas. Check out flea markets, dollar stores, antique and consignment shops to score great finds. Online retailers can be great substitutes when you can’t find anything near you. If you are crafty, sometimes you can combine several bargain finds to create your own unique accessory.

Exchanges Aren-t Just for Stores
Consider holding a closet exchange night with your girlfriends. One style-ista-s must-toss is another-s must-have.

With a little imagination and out-of-the-box thinking, you can save money for more important things like that new designer pair of must-have booties. Happy shopping!

Prepare a weekly grocery budget, and stick to it. Once your budget is made, you can plan meals for the week so you know exactly what you-ll need to buy. Leave your credit cards home. Take only your budgeted amount in cash to make sure you don-t exceed your spending limits.

Limit your grocery trips to once a week. This not only saves on gas, but reduces the possibility of impulse buys that can wreak havoc on your budget.

Check your Sunday paper for sales circulars and coupons, Knowing how much a needed item is and how much you might save on it can help you maintain your budget.

Buy store brand items wherever possible. Store brand can be less expensive than certain sale items, even with a coupon. Store brands are usually just as good as name brands, and can save quite a bit of money.

Buying items in bulk can also reduce the ‘per-unit- price of meats, pastas and snacks for the kids. Bulk items are also useful for planning future meals using leftovers.