The absolute best way to save money on groceries is to buy your meats in bulk, separate pieces into whatever size your family needs and use a vacuum sealing machine before freezing the meat. While the initial outlay might be a bit hard, the savings over time will pay for the machine many times over. AND, you don't need a sealer with all kinds of bells and whistles, just a basic vacuum/sealing model will fit your needs.

Of course, you also need to combine this with using coupons, coupons and MORE coupons!!

Joycie K.,
Gulfport, FL

I use coupons when I shop! There have been times that I have saved any where from $15-$70 with coupons. I love, love, love coupons!!

Joyce is right about the meats... but we do veggies, etc. as well. I shop locally. I make my lists and then head to Family Dollar, Swanson's Market and then to Sav-A-Lot. If anything is left on the list I head to Wal-Mart or Publix. I use coupons as well. I get on-line coupons and evalues from the above mentioned as well as Sam' Club. At Swanson's Market you can get 10% off on already discounted items on Tuesdays and Saturdays. Make sure you check the expiration dates. I also go to the Farmer's Market in Plant City and buy fresh frozen veggies in season in bulk and split them with family/friends. You can do the same with meats. Works for me!

I use coupons and often buy "buy one and get one free" and "two for one" specials.

I recommend buying store branded products in lieu of national branded products, buying items on sale, buying BOGO items, planning a menu then buying to that menu, using coupons, using a grocery list instead of randow aisle-to-aisle shopping andfinally, shopping at a couple of local (nearby stores) for all of these products.

We check the local fliers and plan our shopping around what's on sale. We buy a lot of store brands, but beware...some are not so good...live and learn.

I use all the typical tips - coupons, store brands over name brands, buying in bulk, shopping at discount stores etc. However, my best tip is to create a list and send my husband to the store. He detest shopping and comes out with only what was on the list! Something I rarely do.

I make a list and stick to it.

Patricia Gore

We use coupons and look for Publix/Sweet Bay $5 to $10 coupons in the Sunday paper. Sometimes we even go to CVS or Walgreens if they have better deals.

I use several ways to save. Coupons from the Sunday paper are the top of the list plus I look for in store coupons and the ones from the manufactor that they stick on the items. I also compare the name brand to store brand prices and get the store brand even when I have coupons if the store brand is cheaper. Buying in bulk and always on the look out for BOGO and clearance items.. I will also look for the meat that has been marked down and freeze it till I am ready to use it.
Patrick S.
Venice, Fl

The Dollar Tree actually has some great brands (you recognize) and are still very much fresh. The other tip is markets for fresh veggies and fruits, produce stands are great as you are helping a family here locally and they are pretty great with prices too! Coupons ALWAYS help but not every item you want comes with a coupon, so just remember to shop deals and see which store works best for you and your family.

We buy grass fed meat and dairy products, which can be very expensive in our local grocery or health food store. We buy from www.RealAndNourishing.com and pay wholesale cost and also receive a "thank you" check from them once a month. This helps to pay for more groceries! We buy our veggies through local co-op's which lowers costs and we have backyard chickens so we don't have to buy eggs!

We buy in bulk from BJ's when we can, which ends up being a lot cheaper for some products. We also mainly buy fruit that's in season, which is both healthier and cheaper. Super Target has lower prices on some of the dry goods like cereals, etc. We make a lot of things from scratch, which is much cheaper than buying canned or boxed foods (plus way better for you!)

We do True Couponing and love BOGO at Publix.

We eat completely organic, and have had to find ways to save money. We go meatless several nights a week, have a CSA where we receive the majority of our vegetables, and make homemade breads. We avoid costly prepackaged and processed foods and shop in the bulk section. We cut down portion sizes and avoid throwing away foods. I'm also always on the lookout for coupons to use.

BOGO is my friend!

Match store sales with store and manufacturer coupons and you will always get the best deal!

Couponing, price shopping and BOGO area all great ways to save. However, from a time starved perspective and in meeting budget needs, the practical solution is to make a list, stick to it, shop for at least a week at a time (2 if possible). This means limiting the number of times you step into a store. Grocers are expert advertizers/retailers. They know how to part you and your money. Walk in for 1 item, walk out with a $30 - $40 grocey bill. Or, perhaps I just have no will power!

Tuesday's Fresh Market in Gulfport is my primary shopping source. All locally grown. Then while at the grocery I remain only in the outside aisles other than cat food and coffee - thankfully ice cream is usually on the perimeter. For the items at the grocery I watch the ads and determine which store to shop for what.I do not use coupons since major brands are usually more to begin with unless a really good deal. (Time is money so couponing has that hidden cost.)

I go to farmers markets right before they close. Then they are willing to negotiate prices

I found if I go to the local meat and seafood market I save money. I also buy things on sale and use coupons. One place I found that I really like for buying my meats and seafood is the Land and Sea Market in Brandon.

Buy LOCAL and grow your own produce. Our produce bill is so low- yet we eat the most of fresh veggies and fruit. You're saving money on groceries in the short term and saving money in the long term by being healthy!

Coupons are excellent money savers, as are BOGO deals. One place you can find excellent downloadable coupons is www.waitinggamepublications.com ... check it out!

I plan my meals ahead of time, make a list, and head out to Winn-Dixie. I try to couple coupons with what I have on my list which helps too. I try to get the BOGO or the fuel perks that are all over the store. Not only are you saving on your grocery bill but you save a lot in when buying gas.

Keeping a basic selection of spices and condiments allows me to make any sauce/marinade/rub needed for a fraction of the cost of pre-made. Also keeping staple side dishes on hand (I buy when they are BOGO) means I have a variety of meal options ready to go and can use any fresh products that are on sale.

I LOVE TO BUY IN BULK, AND I LIKE TO HAVE ENOUGH STOCKED SO I NEVER RUN OUT OF ANYTHING. I FIND THAT SAMS CLUB IS THE PLACE FOR BULK ESPECIALLY PAPER PRODUCTS. THEIR MEATS ARE EXCELLENT BEEN SHOPPING THERE FOR YEARS, ONLY GO THERE ABOUT 4 TIMES A YEAR. THEN I SHOP WEEKLY AT PUBLIX AND WALMART FOR THEIR SALES AND BOGOS AND OF COURSE COUPONS. I USE COUPONS FOR ALOT OF THINGS,AND CASH REWARDS, ONE TIME I GOT A PAIR OF BEDROOM SLIPPERS FOR 2.66, YOU MUST BE A BARGAIN HUNTER THESE DAYS TO SAVE AND ALSO KNOW YOUR PRICES. EATING OUT IS ANOTHER WAY TO SAVE WHEN YOU USE COUPONS AND WATCH THEIR ADS. ITS A TREAT PLUS ITS FUN ONCE A WEEK TO GO OUT TO DINNER.
JANE SUKANA OLDSMAR, FL

I generally search the BOGO deals at Publix and plan a weekly menu according to what's on sale then only buy what I need to make those meals. Not buying the extra snacks and packaged foods have saved us tremendously. I also buy meat in bulk and separate it, vacuum seal it, and freeze it. And of course, use coupons whenever I can!

I rigorously make shopping lists for each store/vendor I regularly visit--Publix, Walmart, Whole Foods, Jessica's Organic Market. I also collect coupons for healthy items [very little if any processed food] and mark the shopping list items with a "C" to remind me to use the coupon! Also love BOGO but not for stuff I'd never use or was of dubious quality! Buying some things in bulk and freezing individual serving sizes [i.e. making patties from ground meat] saves money as well as time.

I look at all the sales from the local stores, and circle what I want to buy. Then I match those with manufacturers coupons and/or competitors coupons as some stores will allow the use two coupons. I have several couponing web sites I check that show you the coupon match ups for the week. I get my coupons from the Sunday paper or on-line sites. When the non-perishable item is on a fantastic sale I buy enough for about 6 weeks of comsumption as the sales rotate every six weeks or so; that way we never run out of our favorite items. A home run is an item on Buy 1 get 1 free, having 2 manufacturers coupons, plus 2 competitors coupons, and getting cash back applied to your total purchase!!! My mother in law does canning, and she grows veggies in a hydroponic garden. She makes the best relish, pickles, salsa sauce, and blackberry jelly. We also have cytrus trees, we juice and freeeze in recycled plastic bottles and enjoy it for many months. Trying to beat the hight cost of consumer goods any which way we can! ☺

We check the Sunday paper inserts for sales and coupons. Also, if the generic/store brand is cheaper...buy it! Name brands aren't necessarily better!

We plant the following from the grocery store: Pineapple tops (we have two pineapples ready to pick right now from this), beets - plant one that looks like it has some greens on the top and you will basically get chard greens that you can saute, the same can be done for turnips and radish, sweet potatoes and yams both grow green leaves that you can eat in dishes where you want to add some greens (cooked) like soup or stir fry, whole peas (not split) if you can find them planted close together will give you great greens that we use in place of salad and are also used in Asia for stir fry, you can also sprout lentils and quinoa so that you reduce the carb load and increase the vitamin content! Google sprouting and you will be amazed at what you can plant. We grow anywhere from 50-90% of our veggies (depending on how much I neglect the garden).

1. Make a meal plan for each day you are shopping for, then STICK to the meal plan when shopping. This effort saves money and food waste.

2. Carry a calculator with you (or use your cell phone calculator) and add EVERY item you place in your cart to help stick to the budget and have a better idea of what you are spending.

Publix BOGO! If it's not on BOGO, but I know it's on the rotation, I wait! All meats from Sam's Club, divided up and frozen to be used as needed.

I shop once a week and use coupons, I have my dinners layed out for the week and also go to BJ's and shop for bulk items like meats, toilet paper, etc.. I have a 16 year old son and he eats alot. It is amazing when sometimes I go to the store for just a couple of items and it is like $60.00- $80.00, I am always like wow what did I buy :(

We go for a big shopping trip once a month, with coupons from all stores to Publix (excepts all coupons). Take advantage of the BOGO's which usually save us $30-$70 a $150 shopping trip. We have also started going to John's Produce stand off Belcher where there are great deals on the vegatables and fruits that we already eat. Also trying to grow vegatables in a small garden in the backyard, but other than cherry tomatoes, not much has grown.

To save as much as possible I use a website (www.southernsavers.com) which gives the coupon and sale match-ups for Publix, CVS, Walgreens, Walmart and many other stores. I "buy" all of my toiletries at CVS because most of the time you can them them for free or almost free with the use of coupons, sales and Extra Care Bucks. For publix I try to always use one coupon per item, so for their BOGO items you're only paying for 1 item but you can use 1 coupon per item. It's like getting 2 items for the price of half of one most of the time! In Publix I always save at least 50% of my grocery bill, but usually closer to 60-75%! It's always such a great feeling seeing how much I've saved!!

I only buy food that is on sale. Try to eat less each day and cut out pre-made foods.

My neighbor and I shop bulk at Sam's & BJ's and split packages. We also use a food saver vacuum sealer to reseal split packages. This allows us to buy at bulk prices, but not be the only one paying. I shop local produce stands/markets and buy grains in bulk. Thinking split meals; one large pot of marinara sauce can be used on spaghetti one night and in lasagna later in the week.

hi bill i go to winn dixie get the buy one get one free meat and use the fule perks to to save money on gasoline

I grow a majority of my produce at home, and only visit the store for protein sources, spices, etc.
It's very difficult to grow every single vegetable you would need to buy in a year, but you can put a huge dent in the amount you normally buy. This year I have tomatoes, three types of eggplants, okra, three types of kale, 6 types of peppers, lettuce, herbs, beets, onions, leeks, three types of cucumbers, cherry tomatoes...just to name a few :-)....all grown organic, non GMO seeds, with zero chemical pesticides used. This is truly the only way you can be sure of where your food is coming from ;-)

The biggest money waster (outside of letting the kids get everything they want) is produce. I have learned to buy only as much as I need for the next few days. Store it properly so that it doesn't rot, freeze what can be frozen, and always buy what is in season from a local farmers/produce market.

Eat out! Going to the fast food restaurants (and we have many of them in Dunedin) saves me lots of money at the checkout of the supermarket since I'm not there that much.

Great idea..

Janine Chechanover,Sunday papers and internet for coupons.Check store fliers for sales.Stores usually do a sale on a product approximately every 8 weeks.Store brands,frequent shopper cards,buy gas cards at Publix $40 for $50 dollars of gas.Warehouse clubs.Grow your own produce,share with neighbors.Food coops.Try new foods and recipes provided by stores or internet.Teach you children how to cook.Buy vegetables and produce in season.Freeze produce for winter.Please do not wash before freezing.Plan ahead for several meals,go to stores in a row cuts down on cost.

My favorite tip is: Don't go to the store hungry!

There is a natural pattern to food prices (besides up) that we take advantage of. Buy foods in season and preserve them. March is frozen food month. (why ? Because it's more expensive for grocers to store frozen food in the hot summer, so they try to reduce their inventory and prepare for the coming summer's crops/products). So stock up on whatever you typically buy frozen.
You can also track ingredient sales: I make spaghetti sauce in my canning pot, for example. I spend 2 months buying the required ingredients as they go on sale: canned tomatoes, olives, the proper spices, pepperoni, beef broth, etc. Each of those go on sale at least once every 2 months. When we use up the last package from the freezer, I wait for ground beef to go on sale, make a vat and freeze it in 2 person servings. Same with red beans, though I have to order some of the ingredients from Louisiana <g>

Experiment with what works for preserving in YOUR freezer. We used to use our seal-a-meal for everything, but found that some vegetables last just fine in a large tupperware- green beans, in particular. I just put a circle of freezer/butcher paper over the top. When freezing sauces, a chunk of butcher paper keeps the freezer bags from sticking together (I put things in quart bags and then into a gallon bag to stay more organized) I also grow herbs on the front porch. It's amazing what a little fresh can do to make frozen food taste better.

I watch my wife pull out ALL of her coupons....lol

Shop at Publix for BOGOs!!

Buy BOGOs!

Publix is still the best for service, quality and BOGO. For many store brand products we prefer ALDI. According to our family their lasagna is better than any other brand. Dave's Produce on Countyine Road In Spring Hill is best for price and freshness.l

I try to stack weekly sales, Publix coupons and manufacturer coupons at Publix. For instance, if canned beans are BOGO, you can use both a Publix and manufacturer coupon on the same items. If I find a great sale, I'll buy about 3 months worth if it's something that won't go bad.

i check the newspaper before i begin, then i write down the items that are on sale. i check the pantry to see if i need antthing that is on sale...i use what ever coupons i have to purchase them............and now i will only buy something if it on sale. and stock up with 2--4 of the item on sale. this has really worked for me....stick to a list, stick to on sale items and use coupons.....
Linda

I changed to eating Vegetarian- which is actually cheaper when you plan out your meals. I get all of my fresh produce from Bearss Groves and get the remainder of my groceries from Publix. I also use coupons for frequently purchased products.

Plan out your meals using some of the same ingredients. Have one soup day, and two meatless days. No juices, cookies, and unnecessary empty calories.

I have stopped buying meat except for very small amounts (and even those are on sale) that are used for seasoning sometimes - Most days I use no meat and we are healthier and happier for it and besides it is much better for the environment. My husband and I have GRADUALLY been reducing our meat consumption over several years and eventually we will completely eliminate consumption of animal products. If this sounds impossible to you, consider making one day or even one meal a week meatless. It will open your eyes to all kinds of new possibilities ...

Use manufacturers coupons and shop BOGOs..match them up and combine with a Publix coupon from the Sunday paper to maximize the savings.

Make a list. Go to Save-a-lot.They really have improved in the last year. For items not found there I go to Sweetbay or Winn-Dixie and always read the unit price (per ounce or pound) and go for the best deal.Also keeping staples on hand such as rice,beans, cream soups and with some creativity I can almost always make something good to eat!

I shop at three stores in this order; 1) Sam's Club for bulk items 2) Walmart for the staples and 3) Publix for bogos. And of course coupons! I especially like "competitor coupons". For example, I use the $5 off Pet Supermarket coupon at Pet Smart where they have the cat food we buy on sale netting me about 40% off regular price.

Always shop with a list, don't deviate from it, and know how much things cost in various stores. We buy our meat, fruit, veggies, bread, and whatever else we use in bulk from Sam's Club, portion it out, and freeze the portions. We buy store brand items with few exceptions. We also buy a lot of the things from Walmart and fill in from SweetBay and Publix but they're our last resort. It might sound crazy but once we started shopping like this, we found we were saving over $100 a month just in food. We just make sure we do our shopping on the way home from someplace so it's not an extra trip.

We have started a square foot garden and love it. Great for the freshest of vegetables and hands-on learning for the kids. I am amazed at how much longer those veg last! We also have three blueberry bushes (southern highbush for FL) that are really low maintenance. I also like to double casseroles and freeze one- this saves money when we are so busy and are tempted to go out, but can pull a meal out of the freezer instead. Also, egg dishes like frittatas, quiches, and omelets are inexpensive but provide lots of protein and are great vehicles for leftovers- throwing away food that has gone bad is a big money waster!

All of these tips are great! @Leah, I love yours. You should blog about square foot gardening. Such a cool concept!

I don't disagree that Publix's is a nice store but if you don't really need 2 it is no bargain....unless you are passing it on to ECHO or a food bank. Walmart usually has the same item for a better price if you only need one. Aldi's has some good prices, especially on fruits and vegetables, you have to look it over though sometimes it is not as fresh as it could be but their milk is always $2.99. I usually buy just one of their store brand items to make sure I like it before I purchase more. It is worth a trip every couple of weeks to go to Parksdale for their fresh fruits and vegetables it is considerable cheaper than the grocery stores. Of course I use coupons, especially to try something new I haven't used before but don't get carried away and buy something just because it's a dollar off and then let it stay on the shelve. NEVER,I say NEVER go grocery shopping if you are hungry, you will buy everything in sight! Now a days, shopping is certainly a challenge to make your money stretch further. Some prepared meals might be a little easier but usually a lot more expensive when you are making something double your receipt, (spaghetti sauce, lasagna, etc.) and put half in the freezer. Also popcorn is a lot cheaper and better for you than other snacks. Try to shop healthy and smart!
Nancy Plate
nplate@verizon.net

We use www.truecouponing.com. It is a locally based free website (Valrico!) that highlights the weekly grocery store specials along with the coupons that go with the items that are on sale! Our family saves 50% or more now on our purchases (including drug stores like CVS and Walgreens).

We buy in bulk, freeze, use coupons and check the local deals as well as buy the store brands. We've tested a lot of the store brands and the ones made by Publix are really good. We also use this link: http://www.livingrichlyonabudget.com/grocery-sale-cycles-when-do-things-go-on-sale
to check what things are in cycle and then we stock up.

My lovely wife is the Coupon Queen of Cross Creek. She makes sure to check all the weekly ads, then plans her mission and hits up serveral stores to save our family money, which is great since I was laid off several months ago. She's found several stores that honor their competitors coupons so just because you don't have that store near you, check where you shop and you may be suprised that they take it. With sales, coupons and BOGOS, she typically pays half of what she should. It's a great feeling to have a fully loaded cart that rings up at $200 come out to less than $100. One of our greatest shopping trips was with a handfull of $1 off Pasta coupons where the store had them on BOGO. The price listed was .77 a box so they paid us back .23 for each box. We ended up getting paid back almost $5.00 to take away 20 boxes of pasta. If only stores in Tampa had Double and Triple Coupons like many of the stores featured on "Extreme Couponing", we might walk out paying nothing.

using coupons, shopping at places like sav-a-lot & being aware of BOGO offers are great ways to save at the checkout line

I have 5 children to feed so this is something I have had to make an artform of lol!
So here is what I do...
Buy meat in bulk whenever possible at a butcher shop, not walmart or sams. This gives to the local economy as well as getting very nice cuts of meat at the same or lower prices. Acropolis meat market on hwy 52 reduces cost on some things like ground chuck if you buy 10 lbs or more. (Btw, we desperately need another meat shop closer to 54!) Seperate into meal portions and freeze. Try to get a freezer (even a used one works!) because it saves ALOT of money. You can use it for more than meats, fresh fruits and veges can be bought in bulk at farmers' markets and then frozen. You can can stuff too, meat included! Its a great way to get the family involved in something most of us enjoy, eating.
Grow some of your veges in the yard or on the patio in pots (great family fun and relaxing too!) to not only have wonderful food but make it where you don't have to spend the money on it in the stores. Fresh is ALWAYS healthier than canned!

Portion control. Packages of meat, chicken, pork etc. can be divided into portiions. We are a family of 3. Example we had chicken cutlets last night. I portioned the chicken and made a plate for my husband to have when he has to work the weekends. I do this all the time. My daughter and I are on a diet and we don't each large portions. I always prepare a dish or 2 for the freezer so my husband can have a good meal when he is at work instead of a tv dinner. Portion control is the key to savings.

I think it's really about planning and buying only what you really need. Buying something because it's on sale that you don't really need isn't a deal. And being flexible with your brands/generics makes a difference.

To save on groceries I buy meat when they are BOGO and by purchasing whole chickens and cutting them into pieces. I also limit the amount of processed premade foods that I buy. To save on vegetables I purchase the special buys at ALDI each week. I also get herbs from the Temple Terrace Community Garden.

I save tons by clipping coupons from the Sunday paper. After clipping, check out the local store's ads and shop around. Look for buy 1, get 1 free deals and if you're a Winn Dixie shopper, make sure you take advantage of the bonus buys and use your fuel perks before they expire in 30 days.

Wow, thanks for all the tips. I usually plan my meals for the week around the grocery ads. I make my list and try to stick to the list. Most importantly, I do not take my kids or husband to the grocery store with me as the bill practically doubles.

I've found the best way to stretch my dollar is to get together with a family member or friend and do our shopping together so that we can take advantage of the BOGO deals at the three major grocery stores and also buy meat in larger packages which are cheaper and split them up. Also, some items are cheaper if you buy more of them and having someone to split the bill with while you both get the groceries you need is a great way to save.

It's my second job to shop economically for my family of 3 adults. I follow the sales in stores I patronize - Sweetbay, Aldi, Walmart, Publix, Sam's Club, Save-a-Lot, Big Lots. I get emails from some, pick up fliers at others, I get newsprint fliers, too. I clip coupons and freeze items, including loaves of bread. Friends and family know I do this and give me their extra coupons. I don't buy something just because I have a coupon for it, I buy brands I like, and often buy store brands. I avoid stores that are overpriced - Walgreens and CVS come to mind. Publix is in that group, but the often have valuable sales, and Publix liquors are cheaper than Sweetbays, although Walmart has great wine prices. Clearance racks are a fun bonus, especially at Sweetbay and Publix. Save-a-Lot is amazing, but I avoid foreign-made processed foods from countries that don't have the same strict purity policies found in the US, Canada and Europe. It's interesting to me that many stores buy meat from Mexico and fish from China, especially Walmart. I read labels, which is another way to get value from what I buy.

We buy our meats in bulk and separate into meal size portions. We like the BOGO in combination with coupons to really stack the savings and try to plan our meals around what's on sale or on BOGO (marinades, salad kits, etc).

I shop mainly at Publix, I use Iheartpublix.com and trulycouponing.com. I print online coupons and I also get 6 Sunday papers. I keep my pantry stocked as well as my son's apartment. I have a huge upright freezer and 2 fridges. During the summer, I buy fresh, local veggies like corn, peas, butterbeans and etc by the bushel or bushels. I buy enough to last until the next summer. I also buy seasonal fresh local produce. Every 6 months or so, I go in with a few friends on a whole organic cow that we have butchered. I have a local butcher I buy poultry from, enough for a few months at a time. By doing this, I buy less at Publix but I save a lot of money using coupons. I shop weekly for the sale items and I stock up on those, enough for a 12 week period until the sale goes on again. I buy very little processed foods. I freeze cheese, butter and etc. I have a monthly budget that includes food, toiletries, gas and etc that I try to stay within. We eat out but we prefer home cooked meals.

BOGO!!!!! Our savings tip is actually our way of helping our daughter who is a single mom, without us going broke in the process. This also is our way of helping our elderly parents! We find and buy as many BOGO items as we can. We then keep one and give the free one to them. It costs us $0 to help them and it fills their home with groceries and household items...FREE! In this economy, it's the best money saver there is! (As an alternative you could BOGO, then split the bill.)

We specifically look for the buy one get one free deals at Publix and stock up on those types of items when they come up. We buy bulk at Costco when we find deals and of course, catching dinner in Tampa Bay helps save on the groceries here and there!

BOGO at Publix with two coupons is the best! Stack a Target coupon and a manufacturer's coupon, or a Publix coupon and a manufacturer's coupon and you save even more. We have a veggie garden also and an upright freezer so save leftovers.

Buy meats at Sam's club and freeze! Chicken breasts ate $1.77/lb! Buy generics of other groceries and when you prefer a name brand, BOGOs!

We buy some things in bulk at Sam's Club (like toilet paper, paper towels, etc). We primarily go to the local produce stand/farmer's market for our produce which not only saves us money but also helps the local farmers. We try to use coupons for other things we need at the regular store, and I've started going to Target for more of my regular every day grocery items because I can save 5% on top of my coupons (and it's much less hectic than going to Wal mart!).

Always shop with coupons! Buy at least 4 newspapers on Sundays or have your friends give you their coupons. Walmart now sells 2 sunday papers bundled together for a lower cost. check online for coupons and print in black so you dont waster your color ink. Clip all coupons even if it is for something you normally dont buy. If its something you cant use donate or give to family or friends (only do this if it is free or low cost) Organize your coupons into a binder and use baseball card pages and sort by cathegory.Check online coupon match up webites for the best deals out there. I always buy meat when it is on sale and stock up. Browse the clearance areas and the back of the stores. It will be easy to check if you have a coupon for those clearance items since your coupons are all organized in your binder. Dont be product loyal - be loyal to your bank account. Usually find better deals for paper products at Walgreeens or CVS. Watch when you shop the dollar stores - the product may look the same but actually be a smaller box for the same $$ as the grocery store. Buy One Get Ones are usually great deals at Publix - if you have the coupon its even better. Buy multiples - there is usually no limit. Dont hoard!! Watch expiration dates. I typically save $100 per week.

We set a specific budget per week and use only cash!! It forces you to realize some of the stuff we really don't need (even some of the Buy One Get One free items). When the cash is out, we don't make excuses for going over.

Wow! Tons of comments on this one! :-) I shop at Aldi, that saves me a ton.

I do three things to save on groceries. First, I plan out meals for 2 week periods. I make a list under each day of what I need- then use that to make one master list. (I also skim the weekly ad to see what's on sale and try to use those items in my menu). Secondly, I keep a price list with me. I mark down how much items are at the stores I go to frequently (Publix, Target, Sanwa, MacDill AFB, etc) so that as I'm shopping, I know what's cheaper where. Finally, we live on leftovers. It doesn't cost me much more to make 3 or 4 portions instead of 2 (maybe another dollar), and those extra portions either go in the freezer or with us for lunch the next day. Cooking this way has also helped my waistline! I know I can't empty the pan, because that's tomorrow's lunch!! Hope this helps someone!

Only BOGO if you need the product. If you don't need it, stay away. Best way to save is the Target Debit Card. 5% off every purchase. $100 per week saves $5. That's $250 per year plus any coupons. Target and Walmart have much lower prices than stand alone grocery stores.

Publix buy one get one free is frequent and helpful. If you want an affordable meal for one person Publix hot meals are good. The entree is so geneous it makes more than one meal and there are two sides and a bread.

Saving has become an art form in my home! :) I don't buy meat. Period. My veg comes from deals I get at Tommy's Produce, Dunedin's Green Market and Dunedin Produce on Patricia Ave. Produce at these places are usually 1/3 the price per pound than I would pay at Publix. I do get basic stuff and Aldi's (not all their items are my favorites), occasionally find deals at Save-A-Lot, cook from scratch...nothing ever pre-prepared or pre-packaged. I cook beans from dried, make my own salsa, hummus, tomato sauce, etc.
Everything else I need comes from Walmart, Sweetbay and OCCASIONALLY Publix. You can NOT beat Publix bread or iced-tea. Know what you need, know what the stores have and how much they generally charge for things. Look at the flyers and plan.

We use a lot of coupons & also get BOGO deals at Publix. We try to search for sale items and make meals out of what ingredients we already might have in our pantry :-)

I no longer eat meat and have been trying to make my own items that would add up at the store. For example, corn and tortilla chips, hummus, dry beans and granola. Having my first garden produce greens has helped as well.

You get what you pay for, so I avoid elaborate packaging, brand names, frozen foods, and food that have been trucked or shipped halfway around the world. I try to only eat in-season vegetables. They are cheaper and they taste better. I try to grow as many vegetables at home as possible. Herbs and peppers in particular are easy to grow, expensive at the store, and don't go bad if you don't eat them. Whole chickens are a bargain, and you can make a delicious broth from the bones and pate from from the livers. The cheap cuts of meat (and cheap fish) can be just as good as the expensive ones, you just have to learn how to cook them. Of course grains, rice, beans, onions, and potatoes are almost free.

Several different ways - coupons, Dollar Store for non-perishables, local Green Market and, most importantly, I make a shopping list based on what I am doing that week. If I am going to be out at an event or traveling, I don't buy just to buy. I buy mostly what I am going to eat for that week or two and not much more.

I shop BOGO at Publix and Winn Dixie for all items we normally use. Replenish when I don't have a back-up. I divide family pack and BOGO meat/poultry into meal portions and freeze. Use 50% off Groupons at Harr's Surf & Turf for expensive items like fresh snapper, sea scallops and lamb. All produce and cheese comes from Steve's on Alt 19 in PH who has the best selection and prices in general. Huge dollar bags of fully ripened or slightly bruised produce gets parboiled and meal portioned for the freezer. He also has some nice frozen seafood. Everything else comes from Winn Dixie, usually store brand if it is healthy, where I get points towards gas at Shell. Filled up this week and got .60 off per gallon on 15 gallons. It takes planning and time to save money, so I hope my husband reads this.

So many great ideas are expressed in the comments...I'll add my two cents too. I am a 'senior' and my memory isn't as good as it once was so I use recipes for almost anything I make. I stick to the ingredients required by the recipes when I shop and I serve us one dish meals, casseroles etc. as they are the easies to do for our dietary needs. We are vegetarian and save lots of money (and animals) by not buying meat! My husband does eat tuna which we buy in bulk at BJ's. We save by using local produce, buying only what we need and what matches the recipe. I think it goes without saying (but I will) that we love the BOGO at Publix and two for one deals. I try not to go from store to store as I find it a waste of money and time unless there is a pretty dramatic savings.

I go to Winn Dixie and buy the specials that go toward Shell gasoline. I not only save on food but also 5 to 50 cents per gallon on my gas.

I always purchase 10 for $10.00 stuff, two for one stuff, by one get one free stuff, or 3 for $10.00 as in sausages. Plus I save money on gasoline by shopping where I do.

People ask me, "Tim what do you like to eat?" I answer them, "whatever's on sale!"

I love anything that is BOGO. It really stretches your food budget!

I bounce between Dunedin's Publix & Winn Dixie at the corners of Main & Keene. What ever BOGO's and other sales I can find in the grocery fliers, I get! That way I also get the gas discount from Winn Dixie and the larger inventory access at Publix. It's all about shopping for the best buys. I also support our Green Market, Co-ops and local produce markets.

I shop between Walmart and Sweetbay. I use coupons, but only for those items that we actually use and need. We keep a grocery list on a dry erase board all week, I make a weekly menu, add that to the list and rewrite the list on paper and take it to the stores with me, so I don't overspend. Sweetbay has a convenient grocery list with prices on their site, so I go through my list, mark the prices of items, go to Walmart first and if they are cheaper at Walmart, I buy the item(s) there. Personal care items are ALWAYS cheaper at Walmart, so they are purchased there. Sweetbay occasionally sends out coupons for $5-$10 off your grocery bill and those really come in handy at those times.