Some of the following money-saving tips are no-brainers, but some may surprise you.

Tips:

1. Clip coupons. This staple is always a money-saver.

2. Plan ahead. Weekly is good, but monthly can mean more savings and fewer trips to the market. Specify certain meats for certain nights, and make sure to have a array of side dishes available.

3. Use a list. Stick with what's on your list, and resist the urge to impulse buy.

4. Shop at discount stores, especially for toiletries and paper goods. The extra trip will be worth it.

5. Buy in bulk. Bulk warehouses may not be cheaper, so make sure you have compared prices with other stores.

6. Cook in bulk. Cooking extra and freezing is not only a money-saver but also a major time-saver.

7. Buy "loss leader" specials (big sales advertised in the newspaper), and freeze for later use.

8. Comparison shop. It can take time, but the savings is worth it.

9. Freeze milk. Stock up when it goes on sale, but make sure to pour a little bit out of the jug before freezing so it doesn't burst.

10. Save on meat. Wait until meat is placed in the "reduced" section to buy. It's still as good as it was the day before, just cheaper.

11. Skip the meat. Instead, use beans, vegetables, and grains to bulk up meals like stews and casseroles.

12. Shop at farmers' markets. You will find that produce is cheaper and fresher. If you have to buy in bulk, can the leftovers, or split the items and the costs with a friend.

13. Don't shop when you're hungry. You're less likely to buy unnecessary items if you've had a meal or a snack before you hit the store.

14. Shop without the kids. Children tend to talk parents into buying extras they don't need.

15. Buy generic. No one will notice a difference, and a little bit here, a little bit there really goes a long way.

16. Do it yourself. Cooking a meal at home from scratch is almost always cheaper than buying prepared entrées.

17. Pack your lunch. Add up how much it costs to eat out, and you'll be amazed at the amount you can save by brown bagging it.

For meal ideas that were created by purchasing with cost in mind, see "Kitchen Classics," on page 24 of the March/April 2009 issue of Cooking with Paula Deen magazine.