Keep your grocery bill down

NEW YORK - If you've shopped for groceries lately, you may have noticed you're spending more money.

Researchers say the cost of food has gone up by more than 5 percent from a year ago. This has a lot of people looking to cut down on groceries.

Experts say one of the best ways to cut cost at the grocery store is to plan ahead.

“Plan a couple of days ahead with regards to your menu, know what you need and have a list and stick to it,” says Amy Jamieson-Petonic of the Cleveland Clinic.  “It’s really important that you follow that because it’s easy to get distracted when you go to the grocery store.

Doctors say to buy fruits and vegetables that are in-season.

It's also good practice to buy your non-food items somewhere else. Those usually cost more at the grocery store.