As the economy continues its downward spiral, gas prices hike, food prices follow and our paycheck remains the same. What it means is that we have to follow a tighter budget and one place we can do it is at the grocery store.

There are many reasons floating around out there as to why we are experiencing this food inflation, recorded as the worst in the US in 17 years. But, while they debate causes, we have to debate prices.

Here are some tips to help you save in the grocery store:

1. Make a list and check it twice.This doesn’t only go for Santa. Check your fridge, pantry, cupboards before you leave home. Make a list of the things you NEED, so you don’t buy on impulse. Plan to make one shopping trip for items that will last at least two weeks.
2. Eat before you shop. You may wonder what the logic is in that, but, if you shop hungry you are more likely to buy snacks and sodas to eat on the way home. You’re likely to gravitate towards the bakery for expensive pastry to stop the hunger gap.
3. Do it yourself. We love instant, ready-done items, but the next time you are in the store check out the price for chicken breasts that have the skin and bone and the ones that have been trimmed. ALMOST TWICE THE PRICE! You can take the skin off, remove the fat and save yourself some money. The same goes for vegetables; you do know how to trim and chop, don’t you?
4. What’s in a name? That’s what you should be asking yourself every time you pick up an expensive brand name product. Store brands are sometimes as good as brand names and are a lot cheaper. If a brand name product is on sale, then by all means. But don’t discount the store brands!
5. Spotting a good deal. I know many of us don’t like clipping coupons, but they can save you money. If you don’t have the time for that, then you need other ways to save. Be vigilant with checking unit price, and looking at prices at the top and bottom shelves, not necessarily the ones at eye level, which are usually the most expensive. 
   
6. Buy in bulk. See an item on sale that you use frequently? Buy it in bulk, especially if it’s non-perishable. Be sure to take advantage of those two-for-one deals. Just make sure they haven’t spiked the price in anticipation of the sale. But, for items that you don’t need, ON SALE shouldn’t mean a thing!
7.  Shop in discount stores. Sometimes shopping in discount stores can save you the most. They sometimes carry brand name items at low-low prices. Buying basic toiletries and stationery at discount stores can slash your spending significantly, so you have money for bills etc.
8. Plan shopping trips around other errands. Now, gas is hardly something you will pay less for, but you can save by planning shopping around other errands. Fresh produce is usually in the stores from Thursday, so you can stop on you way to pick up the kids at school, or on you way back from the doctor’s office.