It’s common knowledge that food prices are rising all over the country. If you’ve felt the hit on your wallet as you leave the grocery store, you’ll be happy to know that there are some easy ways that you can reduce your spending and still get the food items that you need. Although it’s not possible to turn back the clock and pay the same amount for food that we did years ago, it is very simple to get more for your money.

The first thing that comes to mind when you hear “save money on groceries” is probably coupons. Coupons from stores and manufacturers are a great way to save money if you know how to use them right. The key in saving money with coupons is to use them on the things you’d be purchasing anyway. Manufacturers make coupons to encourage consumers to buy new products outside of their normal spending habits. That’s why you’ll often see discounts on brand new products that you’ve never tried. If you’re not careful, you can spend a lot of money buying food with coupons that you don’t need.

Before you start clipping coupons, write down your grocery list. This way you know what you need before you start looking for discounts. Each week compare your grocery list to the coupons available. If you find a two for one discount on bread, terrific! But if you get 30% on a packaged dinner that you’ve never bought before it’s best to just pass it by. Only buy what you need and you’ll find your coupon savings will go a lot further.

Making a grocery list and planning your coupons feeds into the next simple tip for grocery savings - staying organized. If you go into a grocery store with a plan of attack you’ll be a lot more likely to stick to your budget. Planning meals and knowing exactly what you need to fix them will help you trim unnecessary items out of your grocery list, which helps you save money.

If you’ve never planned meals before, it can seem intimidating at first. Start by listing your family’s favorite meals, and picking seven for the following week. Try to use the same ingredient more than once. For example, you can save money on ground beef if you buy it in bulk, so plan meatloaf and spaghetti and meatballs for the same week. Or purchase a whole chicken and use it one night for roast chicken, and the next night for shredded chicken tacos. Planning ahead can streamline your shopping list and save you money.

Finally, you can save money on your groceries by changing the way that you eat. If you rely on packaged meals and processed foods to get you through the week, try adding fresh options to your refrigerator and pantry. Fresh, whole foods cost less and are better for you too. You can also try incorporating more meatless options into your diet. Planning a pasta night or some vegetarian meals will help you save money on your overall food bill.