Saving big money at the grocery store can be as easy as stumbling onto a great sale. But buyer beware! There are ways to take advantage of sales… and there are always was just to “get taken.”

Beware Sales Displays: Often, "on sale" items are displayed at the front of the store or at the end of aisles. Don't assume that these items are actually a bargain. Sometimes, manufacturers or distributors of those products are actually paying to display them in these spots.

Patience Pays: If you need ketchup, but the bottle isn’t completely empty, wait. Next week, that same item may be on sale. If you don’t need it now, don’t pay full price for it now.

Shop Week by Week: The best way to take advantage of sales is to be exposed to more of them. Try to shop more often, paying special attention to the weekly special given by the store.

But Don’t Think Week by Week: When shopping think in terms of 12-week cycles. You may not need the kids’ favorite cereal this week, but you know you will need more within the next 3 months. So buy it while its on sale and save yourself from paying full price a month from now.