Saving money on groceries needn't be too difficult. All you need are a few strategies and you'll save a bit each time you go - which will add up to big savings every month. Try these tips and you'll be seeing the savings in no time.

1. Bring a list and include everything you need for the week. Shopping with a list helps avoid confusion and purchases you really don't need. You should check for all of the items on your list in your cupboards before you go shopping. Check everything as missing one item will have you going back to the store and maybe buying more than you should.

2. Buy only what is on your list, but you can exchange items. Say you wanted mashed potatoes for dinner Wednesday night but the egg noodles are on sale and your family likes both. By all means switch the items. Just don't buy both and add to your grocery bill.

3. Do not buy anything in the checkout line. These types of impulse buys always kill a good grocery budget. Chances are that you will forget about it five minutes after your start your drive home. If not, add it to next week's list if it fits in the budget.

4. Shop alone if at all possible. Shopping with children or your spouse can make you purchase things that weren't on your list. While you should give in to all of the whims, you can purchase a favorite snack or fruit, something you would buy that week anyway. Just do that at home and head to the store on your own.

5. Don't go to the store hungry. You'll end up with food you don't need and/or want just because your stomach was doing all of the thinking.

6. Try your store's generic brand. You don't have to do generic for everything, but many of the store brands are darn good and cost quite a bit less. Check one or two out each week. Keep using the ones you like - you'll be surprised at the savings.

7. Make next week's menu off of your grocery store's circular. This is a outstanding money saving habit to get into. When the weekly circular shows up at your door, grab a paper and pen, sit down and take a look at the meat section. Plan a menu for the next week.

8. Now all you have to do is look through the menu to make your list. Make all of your decisions about what you are going to buy and what you are not going to buy at home. This will make it much easier to not make impulse buys.

9. When searching for a product check high and low on the grocery store shelves. Often the most convenient and most expensive items are at eye-level.

10. Clipping coupons works only if you normally buy the item you're clipping the coupon for. If it is a gimmick, it will cost you money at check out.

11. Use your store's offers. Save points and redeem them for a free turkey or whatever they are offering. Get a store card and start right away.

12. Buying items in bulk works well for things that you use daily. Otherwise, thing may get wasted. One way to save by buying in bulk is to have a shopping buddy and split the bulk items.

13. Clean out your cupboards and refrigerator the night before you go shopping. This will help you see what got wasted and not used, therefore you won't want to buy the item or as much of it again.

14. Don't be sucked in by '2 for' sales. You've made your list off of your store circular, go with it and pass by these things. If you really feel you may need it, pass it by and when you get home, see if you honestly do. If so, you can always swing by the store the next day. Chances are, you won't need it and you'll have saved yourself some money.