Consider the following tips when shopping for groceries:

• Shop with a well planned list.

• Eat before you leave for the grocery store which prevents impulse buys.

• Carry a small calculator with you to figure unit prices. Bigger is not always better—it may not be the best price.

• Check the dates on perishable foods. They usually place the freshest towards the back of the case.

• Before taking the first item from the shelf, check behind for lower prices and newer expiration dates.

• Reweigh produce and meat that have been pre-packaged. You may find a discrepancy in weight that will affect the price. Request that it be remarked with the correct weight and price.