These money-saving tips can really help you get more bang for your buck at the store these days.

• Buy simple products like plain frozen veggies instead of the ones with butter and seasonings.
• Look for cheaper cuts of meat like chicken thighs, whole chickens, flank steak and eye of round.
• Try the store brand and save. The store brand usually has the same ingredients and offers the same nutritional value.
• Use one meat for several meals. Buy a whole chicken and use the meat in multiple recipes. Cooked chicken can be stored in the fridge for up to 4 days.
• Buy in bulk and do it yourself. Buying dry beans and cooking them yourself will save you money over buying canned beans. You can cook up a big batch and freeze them for later.

Published 06/03/09