Grocery Shopping Tips

Get your greens without spending too much green!

Many people would rather eat out every night than go through the hassle of grocery shopping. However, it just isn't healthy, and is very expensive, to eat out every single day.

For some, going to the grocery store can be a mind-boggling affair, but it doesn't have to be. Just follow these five simple steps to make your grocery shopping trip easy, effective and affordable.

1) Make a list: I know, it sounds really obvious, doesn't it? Well, it's true! Plan out a week's worth of meals and what you will need to make them, jot down items you are out of around the house, and list a few extra goodies in case you have enough money. Set a budget for yourself and don't go off of the list!

2) Pick the right store: Do you have a large family, or are you on your own? Large families can benefit from bulk store shopping, while singles should probably stick to the corner market. Also, avoid buying drugstore items at the grocery store...they are often marked up.

3) Snack before you shop: Make sure you have had a good meal (or at least a little snack) before you begin your grocery shopping. If you shop on an empty stomache, everything from a giant frozen turkey to ten gallons of ice cream may end up in your shopping cart.

4) Read the labels, and compare costs: It may surprise you to find out that the larger quantities you buy in most foods, the more you will save.

5) Watch your checkout scanner: Human error (read: double scanning) and prices not ringing correctly could add a ton to your bill.