/ Better Living

02:00 AM EST on Thursday, November 11, 2004

By Sherri Brennen

--Save your grocery receipt. Take it with you on your next trip to use as a shopping list and to compare prices. If a price is better on an item one week, you can stock up and save money.

AP

Compare receipts each time you go grocery shopping to seek whether prices are up or down.

--Check the total on your receipt and try to shave off a few dollars each week. Cutting back gradually can really add up over time.

--Use the scales. Instead of judging by size, weigh items like lettuce, cucumbers and bags of apples to make sure you are getting the most for your money.

--Buy inexpensive cuts of meat. You can save up to 50% on a family-size roast. By preparing it in a slow cooker, it will be just as tender and delicious as a more expensive cut. Do this once a week and savings really add up.

--Check the bargain bin at the meat counter. Don’t be afraid to buy marked down meats. Just make sure the "sell by" date is okay. Then you can freeze the meats to use later.

AP

Don't be afraid to buy marked-down meats. Just make sure the "sell by" date is okay.

--Mix cereals together. Save money on kids’ specialty cereals by mixing a sugar-coated brand name and a plain, generic brand. You’ll save money and kids will get less sugar.

--Buy concentrated juice. It’s almost always less expensive to buy concentrated juice and mix your own at home.

--Buy day-old breads and rolls. Look for a bakery outlet and buy in bulk and freeze.

--Try switching to store brands of basic items such as rice, salt, paper products and cleaning supplies.

So, the next time you head out to the grocery store, try these few tips and you’ll be pinching pennies painlessly.