I doubt there is now a consumer who has not been affected by the slowing economy and escalating food prices. All of us have somehow been affected directly. There are, however, several good tips for our trips to the grocery store easier in our food budget. Following these tips over your hard earned money will remain in your portfolio.

Using coupons
Using 2 for 1 sales
Try free samples
Refine your shopping list

Coupons are a great way to save the record. Manufacturers promote their products make the coupons available to consumers. Often, the store will have a store coupon for the same product, which can be combined with coupon manufacturers to provide even greater savings. Watch for these coupons can be found in your Sunday newspaper ads. They alone have saved me a huge amount in recent years.

Another great way to save is to use the 2 for 1 sales that most foods today hold. For the price you get a second element. In my area I have Winn Dixie, Publix and Sweetbay. Each of these foods have the 2 for 1 sales, though, prefer Winn Dixie sales better. I think we offer the customer the highest number of elements when making such sales.

Do not forget the free samples. Many manufacturers in promoting their products to consumers will provide free samples is a marketing ploy for them and cost savings for the consumer. Be on the look out for these free samples and stock up on them when ever you can.

The last item on my list is to refine your shopping list. For me it is the most important of all elements. By tuning your list, make sure you will get everything you need and not make unnecessary purchases. Once you make fine adjustments that list and make sure that when you go to the grocery store to adhere to that list. It's easy to get sidetracked by the marketing practices of stores. Believe me I have the game of marketing into a science and is very easy to fall into the trap of marketing. Be aware of marketing tactics used and by all means stick to the list you made before leaving home.