Be careful when purchasing butter or margarine, because the less expensive brands are usually less expensive because they are adding water to the product, says Smith-Ransome. Read the labels and keep on the look-out for water in the list of ingredients and also the word spread. The addition of water can throw off tried and true recipes.

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Be a super shopper: where to splurge and save at the grocery store

Every time you walk into a grocery store you are hit with a barrage of options: fresh, frozen, canned, store brand, name brand, organic. Even with your shopping list in hand, the choices can be overwhelming. Knowing when you should splurge and where you can save can make all the difference in your grocery store shopping.