Investing in Your Pantry.

We've all seen the focus in the news lately about skyrocketing food and fuel prices. We read the stats and shake our heads, wondering when or if those costs will ever come down.

According to the Consumer Price Index, grocery prices have increased about 5% over the last year, and some staples like eggs jumped 30%. Milk has gone up 13%. Corn has risen 70%, wheat 55%, and rice a whopping 160%.

But all those numbers don't mean a whole lot to the average Joe until he goes to Cub to replenish his fridge, watching the total bill creep up as the cashier steadily scans his merchandise and

slides it down the conveyor belt.

Aside from subsisting on Ramen noodles, there isn't much you can do to avoid the increased food prices. But we decided to compile a few pointers that we've found helpful to leave a few extra bucks around for the next happy hour. We'd love to hear your money-saving tips too, so shoot us a comment if you've got one to share. Enjoy!

• Never go to the grocery store hungry. Period.

• Restaurants are hurting for your business and trying to get it back. Look for coupons like $5 off a $25 purchase, or take advantage of surveys that offer a deal on your next visit if you provide feedback.

• Buy groceries in bulk (as long as you'll eat them!). As a bonus, you deal with less packaging.

• Get your produce at the Farmer's Market. It's cheaper, fresher, and much of it is local.

• Plan your meals before you go shopping to avoid waste and further trips to the grocery store. It also helps to cook more than enough meals than you think you need - that way you can enjoy quick, fresh leftovers the next day and avoid wasting ingredients.

• Splurge on fancy dinners sparingly...the less you have them, the more you appreciate them anyway!
  

• Take advantage of weekly coupons offered at the entrances of most grocery stores. You'll usually find a few great deals. Stock up on non-perishables when you score a valuable coupon.

• Avoid unnecessary extras like pricey junk food.

• When dining out, split your meal in half and eat the leftovers the next day. (Your hips and your wallet will thank you!)
  

• Try some generic options in place of your favorite brand names. Many of them taste just as great and cost much less.

• A word to the wise: the more prepared and convenient the food comes, the more you're going to pay for it. Buy raw ingredients, get in the kitchen and cook something up!

• Look at the price per ounce when you're comparing costs. Sometimes the bigger package is a better deal, sometimes it's not. Some stores even post the price per ounce on the shelves so it's a no-brainer.