An important part of the financial behavior of the average family is frugal grocery shopping. Some families save with an eye towards the future (college costs or retirement). Others are concerned with the present; less money spent means less time consumed by work, allowing that time to be invested in raising children and strengthening the family. Most are influenced by a combination of these factors. The family food budget is one area in which planning and attention to detail will provide both financial savings and contribute to the overall health and well-being of family members.

Planning is the first step.

Taking a bit of time before the grocery shopping trip, preferably with the weekly sales and specials circular at hand, make a menu plan. This is important on two levels.

In the monetary realm, planning meals leads to accurate list-making. Using the sales pages as a base from which to build the menu allows the shopper to take the greatest advantage of lower prices.

Developing the menu-making habit also helps the shopper to be able to plan further ahead and to stock up on items that are at especially low prices.

Often grocery stores have annual or semiannual canned goods sales at which the wise shopper is able to buy a good supply, even months' worth, of regularly used products, such as coffee or tomato sauce, at deeply discounted prices. Combine these sale prices with coupons, and the savings are well worth the lump investment. It is a good idea, when possible, to set aside a percentage of the grocery budget specifically for stocking up on nonperishable sale items.

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