Food Prices are Rising - Shop Smarter!

According to this article from today's Washington Post, since last year, egg prices are up 35%, milk up 23%, bread up 16%. U.S. food prices will increase 4 to 5% more this year. This may not seem like very much, but when you factor in rising gas prices, shopping for important staples such as milk, bread and eggs could take a sizable chunk out of your grocery budget.

So how can you save on groceries? According to a new poll by the Consumer Report National Research Center for ShopSmart Magazine, women who use coupons and store-loyalty cards save over 10% a year on groceries (the equivalent of $678 a year). If you don't have a Ralph's, Von's or Albertson's card, now's the time to get one. They're absolutely free, and sometimes, they will mail you additional coupons in the mail. Also, here is a list of online coupon sources to help you trim your grocery budget:

• Shortcuts.com - This coupon source actually links coupons to your favorite grocery store rewards card. This is particularly great for those of you who hate clipping coupons. Since this is service of AOL, you will need to establish an AOL account, but that's simple enough and free.
• MyPoints.com - MyPoints features free printable coupons powered by another popular site, Coupons.com. The difference is that you earn 10 points for every coupon printed and redeemed, and 25 points every month when you redeem 5 or more coupons. According to MyPoints.com, you could earn up to 2,000 points a year printing and redeeming coupons from their website! Better yet, these points can be redeemed for valuable gifts cards from hundreds of retailers such as Target and Old Navy. To learn more about the MyPoints program, click here.
  
• SmartSource.com - One of my favorites.
• wowcoupons.com - Another one of my favorites. This site can also link you to specialty coupon sites, such as organic food products.
• Couponbug.com
• boodle.com
• couponbar.com
• couponsinc.com

In addition to clipping coupons, try the following:

• Sign up for email offers for products or brands you normally buy. For example, I subscribe to Huggies.com and receive $1 off coupons every now and then. Nestle, Betty Crocker and Kraft foods also offer good coupons on their website and to their e-mail subscribers.
• Buy from grocery stores that double coupons. This is especially a great deal when you use coupons on items that are already on sale.
• Buy an Entertainment Book. In my area, the book includes $5 off a purchase of $75 from Ralph's from September to August. The books are normally $30 (now on sale for $15 because it's mid-year) and you'll basically get all your money back with the money you will save. If you're seriously thinking of buying one, make sure you buy one from Cash Crate (they will give you $6 just for purchasing one).
  
• Check out the Grocery Gathering sponsored by BeCentsAble for grocery deal scenarios in your area. Different money saving bloggers will list what items are on sale each week and let you know what coupons to use as well to stretch those grocery dollars.