I think we can all relate to getting slightly stressed out over going to grocery store these days. It seems as if grocery store prices have risen 200% since 5 short years ago. Financial reports stated that the price of milk and eggs has risen 300% since last year. Who would have thought we would ever pay $5.00 for a gallon of milk or a half gallon or orange juice? I saw a report on the news that stated middle Americans are suffering the worst, while they showed a shot of former middle class families waiting in a line for cheese and milk.

In our new series of How To Tips, we decided to write an article on the best ways to save money at the grocery store, so here we go.

1. Coupons
I cannot stress the importance of clipping coupons. Coupon Moms across the nation are saving up to 70% on the grocery bills with Sunday paper coupons. Also check the Internet for even more money savings at your favorite grocers.

2. Club Member Cards
It’s so hard to keep up with all of the grocery store club member cards on your key chain, but the hassle may be worth it in the end. Club member cards can cut up to 30% off your next grocery store bill. Stores like Costco, which charge an annual membership fee, can save you even more money by buying in bulk; especially for our larger sized family readers. The annual fee of $45.00 may seem expensive, but the saving over a span of a year is well worth the cost.

3. List It
Do not, I repeat, do not enter a grocery store with your family without a grocery list. It’s so easy to stray away from family food needs, especially when the kids are in tow. Sticking to the absolute necessities will keep food costs down at the end of your trip.

4. Do Not Shop Hungry
Entering a grocery store while your hungry is like stuffing yourself at a buffet. It’s hard for anyone to look at aisles of food while they are starving or if the kids are hungry. Eat a healthy snack before hitting up grocery aisles.

5. Healthy Choices
Try to avoid sugary snacks and heavy starches for the family. Instead, opt for healthy fruit cup snacks, yogurts and such for the kids.

6. All Stores are Not Created Equal
Let’s face it, some grocery store are pricier than others. If you have a family of 5, then gourmet grocers such as Whole Foods may not be a smart family grocery shopping choice for you. However, if you have a Trader Joes in your area, you can get the same gourmet feel, without the high prices. I would even recommend a smaller brand store, that may not seem as fancy. For example, I discovered a small grocery chain by the name of Jons in Los Angeles. The lights may not be as bright, but I have cut my bill by 50% by shopping their religiously.

7. Avoid the Top Shelf
Retailers user place their brad name and higher priced merchandise on the top shelf. As the shelf goes down, less expensive items tend to be placed either low or high. The strategy is that you have to think about them and perhaps stretch a little to get to them, instead of having the comfort of just reaching up or in front of you to grab your quick choice.

8. Keep Your Eyes Open
It’s very important to keep your eye on the cashier while they are checking you out. Many times, the cashier may accidentally scan the item twice or the scanner are known to make mistakes as well. As recently as last week, I was almost charged for 11 cucumbers instead of 1 because the cashier hit the 1 button twice.

9. Store Incentives
As shoppers are becoming more discerning, retailers are tyring to lure them back in with incentives. Keep an eye on all receipts because you just may have an offer to do a free on-line survey in exchange for a certain dollar amount off your next purchase with them.

10. Shop at Night
Sometimes the simple act of visiting the grocery store during off hours, can take the stress out of the situation and help you make smarter grocery shopping choices.