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It’s estimated that 50% of what people buy at the supermarket is chosen on impulse. And what causes impulse buying?  Lack of preparation, hunger and uncertainty.  Here are six dead-simple ways to save money at the supermarket:

1) Take a list.  Preparation is the best way to prevent overspending. Before you even leave your home, write down everything you need. When you get to the store, only purchase items that are on your list.  Your grocery list is like a map. If you stick to it, you will stay on course. If you deviate from it, you will spend more than you want.

2) Use a small cart or basket.  An object tends to fill up whatever space it occupies. Fish are a good example of this phenomenon. There are some forms of aquatic life that will grow to the size of whatever tank they are kept in.  The same goes for grocery shopping. If you use a large cart, you will end up filling any empty space with unnecessary items.  Choose a small cart or basket and you will be swimming in extra cash.

3) Look for store brands.  Store brands are always less expensive than name brands. Most of the time they have the same taste, texture and nutritional content, but because they don’t carry a well-known logo, they can be sold for much less.  You can find cereals, milk, meats and desserts from affordable, lesser-known companies.

4) Buy in bulk.  Items that are individually prepared, such as bagged lettuce, can weigh down the wallet over time. Whenever possible, purchase whole, bulk foods. A head of lettuce prepared at home will cost significantly less than a prepackaged bag of greens.  Pasta is another great item to buy in bulk. The boxed brands of pasta may seem cheap, but not when compared to the bulk pasta you bag and weigh yourself. Nuts, grains and candy can also be purchased in bulk at many stores.

5) Don’t shop hungry.  Hunger does strange things to people. It confuses their senses and amplifies their urges. Everything looks good when you are hungry. It has to. That is how your body ensures survival.  When you go to the supermarket, make sure that you have eaten within the last hour or two. If your stomach is full, you will be able to shop with your brain, and not with your cravings.

6) Buy more with less. Enroll in online coupon Websites, get coupon apps for your smart phone and use a credit card that offers you rewards for each dollar you spend.  (The Chase Sapphire Preferred card is one that I use).   Shopping during off-peak hours can get you discounts on bakery items and other things the store wants to unload so they can prepare for the next business day.

Shopping shouldn’t be a stressful, budget-drubbing experience. You should be able to walk into the store, fill your cart with everything you need and still have enough money to pay the gas bill.