Interesting note for those who insist on buying at the big-box retailers for their groceries: they do not always have the best prices on meat products.

Case in point; a trip to the large retailer found that whole chickens were about $1.50. The local meat market was selling them for the same price. But, they were fresh, not frozen. The item that the local guys did carry that was better was chicken tenders. At the large retailer, the price was over $6.00 per pound, while the local market was just $2.49 per pound – big difference. And, on frozen ground beef patties, the big boys were over $8.00 per bag and the local guys were just under $5.00 for the same bag.

Compare prices. You are always wise to compare prices, but even that has its limitations if you have to drive long distances. But, making a call before you go, or checking the ads in your local paper can help you determine where to spend your money. If you limit your shopping to the closest retailers, you can make comparisons by checking prices at one, and then make a short trip a few miles away to the other.

Shop local. More and more, the locally owned stores are finding ways to compete with the big guys. Make sure you watch your local paper for specials of the week. Also, you might find a smaller retailer that will give a price matching guarantee. Not all retailers do this, but it is worth a try. In fact, even if they do not offer it, you should ask anyway. A smart retailer knows that it is better to make a smaller win over the big retailer rather than get nothing at all.

Buy only what you need. Make a list of what you will purchase in advance. One of the worst ways of overspending is to go into a big store with no list, and come out with a lot of impulse purchases. If you know what you need going in, you will be less inclined to buy what you do not need while you are there. Also, avoid going shopping on an empty stomach. That is another one of the ways your cart gets so full of food so very quickly.

Plan for leftovers. Making more than enough food for one meal is not a bad thing if you can use it again later. Leftovers are usually very good when re-heated. If you plan for a ‘leftover’ night, most family members will not complain. Just make sure you inform them of why you are doing it.

Changing your mindset about where to buy certain items can save money – and not just on food items. And we all can certainly use more of that these days.