There are a lot of tips out there to save money at the grocery store. The best thing is to do what works for you but a review of some of the best tips is always a great reminder that these things really do work.

The first cardinal rule and of course, the one that is repeated again and again is to make a list and stick to it. It has been proven that the grocery store is a place of high impulse buying for both men and women. It is just too easy to buy whatever strikes your fancy if you don't have a list and that is no way to save money.

Compare the unit price of the item. The biggest package is not necessarily the best deal. Supermarkets are required to list the unit price for the consumer. You can usually find it below the item on the sticker on the shelf. When you look at the unit price it is easy to comparison shop for price.

Don't use a shopping cart or a basket if you are only planning on buying a few items. It is easier to resist the temptation of buying something unnecessary if you have to carry it in your arms instead of a basket. If you are only shopping for a few things leave the basket or the cart up front.

Shop on the edge. No, that does not mean to take unnecessary chances but rather to shop around the perimeter of the store first. Not only are all of the healthiest choices there, such as the produce, the butcher block, the dairy case and the bakery but you will also save money by avoiding the processed stuff in the middle. It's healthier and cheaper to shop on the edge of the store.

Forget brand loyalties and choose generic. If you are not satisfied with the product you can always go back to the brand name items later but you need to at least try the other brands, the store brands and the generics. The point is to save money and often the quality of the lesser brands is equivalent.

Plan your shopping with menus for the week or more so that you can make one large trip instead of many smaller trips. You will reduce your opportunities to spend too much money and you will save time and energy. One trip where you buy as much as you need for a week or two will save you money over going to the store every other day or more.

Buy from the bulk bins. Usually you can save quite a bit if you just use your own containers at home rather than purchasing already packaged products. This saves you money and it also saves the environment as it reduces unnecessary packaging that will just go to waste. Consider these tips and make up your own to save the most money at the grocery store.

Karen Lynch is a freelance writer and WAHM, who is passionate about saving money for her family. She uses Grocery Coupons, sales and rebates to maximize her savings. She shares her tips and techniques for the family budget.

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