[debtdude]

Sounds like eating out is a prime area for savings. We used to eat out, as a family, at the same mexican restaurant each week. When we started a budget, we realized we were paying a lot for burrito's!

Here's a few ways to save at the grocery store:

1. Don't go shopping when you are hungry. Hungry shoppers spend more money on food. Everything on the shelves looks good. Impulse spending goes up.

2. Go shopping alone. The more people you take with you, the more people tossing items in the cart. If you do take someone, especially your kids, tell them they get one impulse item each.

3. Coupons and rebates are keys to saving money. Cut coupons from store advertisements, general newspaper inserts, and check the internet for "internet-only" coupons. Some stores carry coupon dispensers next to items.

4. Maximize your savings by buying items on sale and with a coupon. You can't always match these up, but when you do, you'll save a lot of money.

5. Get discount cards or other discount deals. Stores might offer discounts to seniors, college students, frequent shoppers, and even baby clubs.

6. Take a calculator when you shop. While many stores do print out a cost per unit (ounce, pound, etc), your calculator will help determine the better buy as well as keep a running total of everything in your basket.

7. Grocery stores put the higher-priced brand name items at eye level. If you want to save money, look on the top shelves and especially the bottom shelves.

8. Don't be afraid to buy generic. Most generic brands have the same ingredients as the brand name products. You can score huge on the savings with just this one tip.

9. Don't pay for convenience. A head of lettuce is a third the price of a bag of cut and washed lettuce. Same goes for "individually wrapped" products.

10. Make a grocery list that includes exactly what you need until your next regular shopping. This way, you are buying exactly what you need and nothing more.

11. Give yourself a small allowance for buying freedom. Maybe one day you bring home doughnuts from the bakery section or flowers. These little rewards help.