How you can cut your grocery bill in half

Is half of your paycheck going to groceries each month? It doesn't have to.

By following these three simple steps you can cut your food bill in half, according to Steve and Annette Economides, authors of Cut your Grocery Bill in Half with America’s Cheapest Family.

1. Plan your meals

Planning an entire month of meals may sound daunting, but if you want to cut your grocery bill in half, planning is the way to do it!

Start small by planning your meals for a week and move up from that.

And it’s time to rethink your strategy if you’re in the habit of going to the grocery store without a plan.

“If you 'memorise' your shopping list get an app or a big piece of paper,” Steve Economides said. “Having a preprinted list of all the things you buy is a mental cue to remember to check these things to make sure you have it in stock and get out of the spontaneous and into the planned stage of grocery shopping.”

2. Shop the deals

You don’t have to use coupons to save money. The Economides say people should constantly watch for deals and look for items they can purchase at a cheaper price.

Buying sale items in bulk will keep your pantry stocked and locked in the discount price.

Steve Economides said they've found great deals on meat products, which they’ve been able to buy in bulk and freeze.

"Now instead of shopping for what we eat this week which many do, we now shop only for produce that go bad, perishable and sale items," Steve Economides said. "Annette looks at what is in stock in the freezer and we shop from the freezer and pantry and that way we are eating food that is already discounted."

Obviously be aware of expiration dates and mark the products with a sharpie, so you know what needs to be eaten first.

Cut supermarket visits down to one a week, Steve Economides said.