Grab and Go

Rain check.
If an item is on sale but the store has run out of stock, ask for a rain check.

Use everything possible.
Got a bunch of leftover ingredients combine them for a quick meal, so that these don’t go to waste before your next grocery trip. The more you can stretch the food, and the less you waste, the less you’ll spend in the long run.

Think deep freeze.
If you really want to save, you’ll need a big freezer. Ask around someone you know might have a relatively new model they don’t need anymore. You can use freezers to stock up on meat, frozen veggies, and similar staples, and to freeze big batches of pasta, casseroles, and other dinners you prepare ahead of time.

Avoid trips to the corner store.
Or the gas station! These are some of the most expensive stores.

Know when the store stocks its fresh fruits and veggies.
In my area, that makes a big difference. Fruits and veggies can go bad quickly, because they have to be shipped. So I know that the store re-stocks on Thursdays, and so I usually go on Thursdays or Fridays, otherwise I’ll be getting old items.

Comparison shop.
Look at the different brands for a certain type of product, including store brands. Sometimes there will be a significant difference. Be sure you’re comparing apples to apples you need to divide the price by the amount (ounces, pounds, etc.) in order to get the comparable unit price.

Go during slow times.
One of my favorite times to shop is late at night. But during working hours or other non-peak times is good too. Avoid right after 5 p.m., on paydays and near major holidays.

Be watchful at the register.
Keep an eye on the scanner you’ll keep the cashier on his toes, and catch any mis-priced items.

Sugar cereals are a bad buy.
Lots of money for no nutrition. Look for whole grain cereals with low sugar. Add fruit for better flavor.