How to save money at the Grocery Store

*Have a menu. If you only have so much money for food you need to know you can afford to eat the entire time before you get paid again:)
*Make a grocery list and estimate the cost of the items on the list and be sure that's how much you want to spend before you go to the store.  If not change the menu. 
*Always check the price of an item before putting it in the cart.  This will train you to always know what things cost and will help you recognize a bargain when you see one.
*Set limits on items like meat and cereal.  How much you pay on this could make a big difference in the over-all bill. For example I only buy cereal between .9 and .15 per ounce.  I only buy meat when it's on sale and I watch the sales to know when it's truly a good deal. 
*The more a food is processed the more it will usually cost.  For example regular rice that cooks in 15 minutes is cheaper than Minute Rice.
*Try to eliminate trips back to the store.  One quick stop for milk can cost 50.00.  I know I don't understand either...  If you do have to go - stay focused - get in, get out and only buy what you went for.  
*Comparison shop to see if it's cheaper at a different store or see if your store offers price matching.
*It's interesting to add up the total cost of a meal.  Sometimes we think we can't afford something not realizing it's the same price as what we are already eating. Spaghetti is a good example.  If you think the meal needs garlic bread and salad it may cost more than breaded chicken fingers, with instant potatoes, with gravy and green beans.  If you know what you're really spending you may be able to afford more of what you really want.
*Having breakfast for dinner can sometimes save a lot of money.  For years we've had breakfast on Sunday nights.  It's become an enjoyable tradition but it started so I could afford to eat a little better during the week and save a lot on that one meal.  Shh don't tell them.  Oh wait you might be them:)
*Buy in bulk when what you like is on sale.  Try to buy enough to last until you think it will go on sale again.  Baking good (flour, sugar, etc) are usually on sale around Thanksgiving and Christmas.  Picnic items (baked beans, ground beef, etc) are usually on sale around holidays like 4th of July or Memorial Day.
*Try to always look at the ads for the stores you like even if you don't need anything.  You may begin to see a pattern for sales and if you can always buy meat when it's on sale and buy enough to last, you can eat what you want without being limited to what's on sale this week.
*Use coupons