If you want to save money at the grocery store there are the big changes you can make to how you shop. You can save money by using sale circulars, shopping from a stockpile, clipping coupons, and so on: those I cover in Frugal 101. But there are small changes that can deliver powerful results too. You can still afford many of your favorite foods and save money, just shop smartly. Here are some more ways to save when you shop:

Work off a List
I think most of us know this but it can’t be understated that using a list to shop is a huge way to keep your grocery spending under control. The grocery displays are a lot less enticing if we know that we’re sticking to what we wrote down. If I have “free money” leftover from my planned grocery budget then I can splurge on an item without any guilt.

Consider Warehouses or places like Aldi for Staples
I’m a Costco member and I’m still debating whether I think my membership is worth the cost. Many items can be found for a better price at a grocery store if I wait for a coupon and a sale. However, I’ve noticed that certain things like dairy and baking items are consistently much cheaper per ounce at Costco. Aldi is the same way for those categories. I just have to be disciplined to not go bonkers in Costco.

Make a Pricebook. No, really. Even if it’s in your head, on paper, or in an elaborate database. My friends want to know how I know that something is a steal. The only reason I know is because I track the prices. Many goods advertised on sale each week are highlighted because of manufacturer promotions, not necessarily because the sale price is truly a great deal. Items go through price cycles. Learn to know a deal and you’ll shop smarter.

Look for unadvertised sales.
Most stores have areas where they’ll have clearance items. This holds true for everything from plastic bags to meat. Our local Fareway store often puts meat on clearance on Saturday nights. I love that!

Don’t be fooled. Promotions like “5 for $5″ rarely require you to actually buy 5 of an item. Buy only what you think you’d actually use and evaluate the value of the sale regardless of the way it is promoted.

Save time. Find out if the stores you use will accept store coupons from competitors. Many will and this can save you time by not having to shop at so many stores.