If you only remember one rule of grocery shopping, make it this one: Always shop with a grocery list. The second rule: never shop when you're hungry! Follow these two rules and I guarantee you'll save time and money on grocery shopping. Before you know it, you'll have saved enough for a nice restaurant meal out!



Before you shop, take inventory of what you have in your pantry, refrigerator and freezer. This is a great time to fill in missing staples you've been meaning to buy: all-purpose flour, pasta, rice, oils (vegetable, olive), vinegar (white wine, red wine), canned soups (beef broth, chicken broth, cream of mushroom), frequently used spices and flavorings including dried minced onion, Italian Seasoning mix, salt and pepper. For a comprehensive list of suggested kitchen staples, consult your cookbook or go online.

You might also want to keep stocked on tuna, peanut butter, condiments, salad dressings, quick cooking oatmeal and ready-to-eat cereal, taco seasoning and instant gravy mixes, and instant mashed potatoes.

Plan meals that mostly include items you already have on hand. Prepare your grocery list with two columns. In one column write down everything you'll be serving at each meal ? bread, fruits, vegetables, meat, chicken or fish, including dessert. In the other column write down the ingredients you need to prepare the entire meals. That way you won't forget the green beans you planned to serve with the baked chicken, etc.

See what your favorite grocery store has on special. Make a note of sale items and special promotions. If there are items you use frequently, like cooking oil, shortening, pancake mix, yogurt, eggs, etc., add them to your list. Next check coupons. (Please do it in this order ? otherwise you may spend too much on items you don't really want or need if you buy something just because you have a coupon!) Experts offer many pros and cons of using coupons. Using coupons can be a big money-saver. They can also cause you to spend more than you normally would, because most coupons are for more expensive nationally branded items. Use them with caution ? and bring a calculator with you to the grocery store.

Be on guard! The ceiling high displays at the end of the aisles are really there to ?trick? you into thinking you'll be getting a good deal. These items are typically expensive, national brands. The prices are great ? for that brand. Stick with the store brand, or at least a brand priced between the two. More often than not, they have the same ingredients and are even packaged by the same company.

Now . . . let's go shopping!