With gas prices at an all-time high, American families are being impacted in many areas, including at the grocery store. Here are ten tips to help you save money at the checkout.

The recent escalation in gas prices has had an enormous impact on the American economy. No segment of the market has been spared, but one area that has been particularly hard hit is the nation’s food distribution network. The trucking industry has been forced to pass higher fuel prices on to their customers, and in turn, the consumer must absorb these prices. All of this translates into higher prices on grocery store shelves.

There has never been a better time to sit down and plan a strategy for making the most of your grocery-shopping dollar. Despite high prices, you can save money at the supermarket with some pre-planning and a little extra effort. Here are ten ways that you can work towards saving money at the grocery store.

1. Only Shop Once a Week

If you do nothing else, start working towards limiting your grocery shopping to once a week. Every time you go to the store, you are tempted to impulsively buy items that you really don’t need. Running to the store every day can double or even triple your weekly grocery expenditure. Above everything else, this may be the most significant way that you can save money on your grocery bill. Once a week means just that… once a week! This means no runs to the store during lunchtime and no stopping for a "few things" on the way home from work. The only exception to this rule would be for emergency supplies or perishables such as milk.