With the way our economy is today, it is always helpful to have some extra tips under our belts to try and cut down our grocery bills.

1. Make a budget.

And actually stick to it. I know impulse buying three bags of candy seems like a good idea at the time, but it's not. Don't overspend.

2. Plan

Plan out your meals for the week ahead of time, and make a list according to that. Stick to your list when you go shopping!

3. Pay with cash.

It's true what they say that when you pay with cash you will spend less money.

4. Coupons

I know it's easy to throw away all the coupons in the newspaper, but they will really help!

5. Shop the perimeter.

Most of the healthier options are along the perimeter of the store so you might think it's more expensive. But buying all of the processed foods in the middle of the store will add up. And in the end, your family will be eating healthier.

6. Don't be afraid of generic.

I know some generic brands are not as yummy as the name brands. But whenever possible, you should buy the generic brand. It will save you lots of money!

7. More homemade foods.

I know making homemade biscuits will take a lot of time, but it will save you lots of money. Try making more homemade foods; they will taste better and most likely be cheaper

8. Grow a garden.

Growing your produce or going to a farmer's market is significantly cheaper than buying produce in a grocery store.

9. Don't shop hungry.

You will always buy way more than you need if you grocery shop while you're hungry.

10. Watch the screen.

It doesn't happen often, but sometimes the cashier will make a mistake and ring something out twice.

11. Chop it yourself.

Don't spend the extra money to buy the already chopped vegetables.

12. Produce in season

Produce in season is usually cheaper than the out of season produce

13. Frozen vegetables/fruits

These foods are much cheaper than the fresh and are just as healthy for you!

14. Cross shop

Depending on how far various stores are from each other, sometimes it is worth it to go to different stores to get a better deal.

15. Amazon

Sometimes it can be worth it to buy your canned products on Amazon.

16. No more wasting.

Stop wasting food. You buy all this food and spend so much extra money just to throw it all away.

Try one or two of these tips a week (or maybe all of them!) and you should start to see your grocery bill decrease.