How is this possible, you ask? Read on. During these tough economic times, it’s not always easy to pay for a night on the town or even a gourmet meal at home. You can, however, continue to provide healthful and nurturing meals for your family with just a little pre-planning. College professors and grade school teachers alike have always told us that homework is the key to success and grocery shopping is no exception.

1. Always shop with a list. It takes a disciplined person to roam through the mega stores of today and not come away with a cart full of things you don’t really need. If you take a couple minutes, however, before you leave home and go through your kitchen to see what you need, your cart will reflect true needs, not wants. A list that includes everything you’ll need for a week’s worth of meals will also keep you out of the store during the week, thus avoiding impulse buys. Pre-planning equals savings, it’s that simple.

2. Use coupons wisely. Once you have your grocery list written, look for coupons for items on your list and nothing else. Why is saving fifty cents on cereal that no one in your family has tried a good thing if you have to spend over three dollars from your budget? Instead, collect coupons for products that are tried and true for your household. You already know that the newspaper is a good place for coupons, but have you tried looking online?

3. Make store brands your friend. Gone are the days when you can stay loyal to only one brand. Store (or generic) brands are often every bit as good as big-name brands and you can save a tidy sum each time you reach for them. You might end up with runny ketchup and go back to your old favorite the next time around, but more often than not you’ll end up with a satisfactory substitute.

4. Enjoy fresh fruits and vegetables when they are in season only. Why is it that blueberries only seem great when they are about $5 per package in the dead of winter? In the summer, they are abundant in most of the country and are likely to be priced under $2. As you see prices rise when the weather cools, that means the produce is being shipped in from sunny climates. That’s when it’s time to go to the freezer section for your fruits and vegetables. Buy apples, potatoes and onions by the bag instead of just a few at a time for greater savings.

Once you’ve prepared and shopped wisely, don’t be too busy patting yourself on the back until you’ve checked over your receipt before leaving the store. Sometimes regular prices on products scan instead of the advertised sale price. You don’t want that after your hard work to seek out the best deal, right? Take a minute to realize the savings you’ve worked for and then pat yourself on the back. It may take a little more planning and time, but you will be rewarded for your effort in your wallet.

Ellen Bassett is a home economist and educational counselor who assists working women in saving money and choosing online degree programs and online colleges which will enhance their career advancement opportunities.