Are you having a hard time saving during this recession when you go shopping? It's hard to save smart when there is little money coming in. I have some ideas that will help. It's hard to save especially when you have children to feed. I have found ways to save tremendously on my shopping expenses.

A great tool for saving is the internet. I have found sites like http://www.smartsavingz.com that offer free printable coupons and other discounts that you would only be able to get online.

Another way to save is to buy the generic brands. Generic brands might sound scary to some people, but over the years generic brands have actually improved on quality. Major supermarkets carry their own signature generic brands which are great in quality and savings. So don't be afraid to buy generic.

Another way I save is by cutting out the meat. There are many vegetarian alternatives that you can prepare for meals. This not only will save you money but also your body will thank you because you will be eating healthier and cutting out the bad cholesterol that is found in animal products.

When you buy produce, buy local. Buying local saves you money as well as offering you the freshest produce because it was not stored in a truck that took days to get here. You should also buy produce that is in season. The farmers market is a great place go get local and seasonal produce at great prices.

Make sure to plan your meals a week ahead before you go grocery shopping! Stay away from buying junk! Unnecessary junk food and pre packaged food adds up on your bill. You will save more by sticking to the basics and cooking from scratch. Stick to whole food items like vegetables, grains, pastas, beans, fish and chicken. You can get many recipe ideas on the internet! You can even learn how to make another dinner out of your leftovers.

Using these tips can cut your grocery bill in half.