Our Top Tips for Shopping - and Cooking - Smart

1} Sit down with the circular and plan out your shopping list. Or, easier yet, view the weekly circular, create your shopping list and print! Take a look at the weekly sales, plan a few dinners based on those main ingredients, make a list and then stick to it as you shop.

2} Take advantage of sales. When you stock up on whatever is on special, you'll save big in the long run. If ground beef is on sale this week, buy a few extra portions and freeze to use later.

3} Cook in bulk. Make one or two extra batches of your family's favorites whenever you prepare them. It won't take any extra time and won't add that much to your bottom line, either. Freeze and you'll have them on hand when you need dinner in a pinch.

4} Stretch out your meals with whole grains and beans. Not only are they loaded with nutrients, fiber and protein, but these pantry staples are usually inexpensive, too. Add barley to your soup to make it extra hearty; top a salad with chickpeas for an instantly more satisfying meal; make your chili with extra beans to help it go farther.

5 }Go veggie one night a week. Skip the main meat course one night a week in favor of a filling, hearty vegetarian meal. You'll save some money and add a bit of variety to your family's menu. (And don't forget the health benefits!)

6} Eat seasonally. Not only is in-season produce usually less expensive, it's flavorful, too.

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