When writing up a grocery list, many people find it helps to organize ingredients in the same way that items are organized in the grocery store. Fresh vegetables are categorized together, as are canned vegetables, frozen foods, and meat products. Items located at either end of the store are either first or last on the list.

Organizing the grocery list in this way ensures that you're moving in an organized fashion from one end of the store to the other, instead of wandering back and forth between aisles.

Here are a few tips for cutting costs at the grocery store:

• Never shop when you're tired or hungry. This makes it easier to avoid expensive “impulse buying.”

• Always bring a list and stick to it.

• Check the “sell by” and “use by” dates on perishable items such as milk and meat. Always purchase food with the most recent date so that it will last longer.

• Be sure to ask for a rain check if the store is out of an advertised special.

• Always store perishable goods in the refrigerator or freezer as soon as possible so there is no danger of spoilage.

• Many larger supermarkets have frequent-shopper programs that give substantial discounts to regular customers. Check to see if you are eligible for a frequent-shopper card.

Finally, if your refrigerator comes with a freezer compartment, be sure to use it. This will give you more variety — even if you live far from the ocean, shrimp and other types of shellfish are readily available frozen. A freezer also allows you to buy fresh meat and seafood in bulk and freeze individual portions.