Most households in South Africa spend an absolute fortune on food (click here to read an article by Personal Finance Editor Kabous le Roux on how to spend less money on food) every month. However, eating for less is actually the easiest way to cut your budget and save some extra cash.

Luke Hirst, MD of DebtBusters, says, "When facing debt it is essential to attempt everything possible to cut your expenses. All it takes to cut down on your monthly food bills is time, effort and planning. The majority of people would be surprised as to how much they will end up saving."

Here's how you can save money on groceries:

1. Plan out your meals for the following week or two according to your budget. Go to the supermarket with a list of exactly what you'll need and buy no extras.

2. Minimise your shopping trips. The more you go to the shops the more you will spend.

3. When you make a meal double the recipe and keep half in the freezer. When you have a long day at work or are feeling exhausted you may be tempted to order takeaways; this way you will have a meal waiting for you.

4. Shop around. Look out for specials and discounts and compare which shops are cheaper on certain items.

5. Purchase no name brands. The product you buy will be exactly the same quality, but you won't be paying for elaborate branding and packaging.

6. Stay away from pre-prepared foods and convenience items, you pay more for them.

7. If you drink regularly, drink less and buy less expensive wines and hard liquor.

8. When practical, buy in bulk. Visit local warehouse and discount shops whenever possible. Don't buy perishable items in bulk unless you are sure that they will be used.

9. Instead of buying lunch at work every day, or giving your children money for school lunches, pack lunches for you and your family. If you don't have time in the morning do this at night, and get your family to help!

10. Wake up five minutes earlier and make your own morning coffee at home instead of buying it on the way to work.