Spring semester seems to be a time of low funds for all students. The holidays have drained bank accounts and the promise to work over winter break was not fulfilled. So now looking at your bank account is one of the most stressful parts of the day. There are some necessities like bills and books that cannot be avoided, but grocery shopping doesn't have to be a money drainer.

Tip #1: Get versatile ingredients.

When you go shopping try to buy ingredients that can be used for lots of different dishes. Examples are: rice, onions, peppers, crushed garlic, and olive oil. By buying things that can be used in various meals helps to make sure that you don't get stuck eating the same four meals for weeks on end without spending millions of dollars.

Tip #2: Don't shop until the very last minute.

It may be difficult to hold off on shopping when the only thing in your pantry is hot sauce and tortillas, but wait. Get creative and make the best of what you have. By forcing yourself to finish every last ingredient you optimize you spending and don't end up having a fridge full of expired odds and ends.

Tip #3: Pay attention to prices.

It may seem obvious to say so but sometimes when you have a specific list in mind you will grab the first thing you see in order to check off an ingredient. For example if you plan on buying a carton of yogurt look at the amount per dollar and compare a few different brands. You might think you are getting a good deal with the cheapest listed price, but often times springing for the larger amount is a minimal extra cost.

Tip #4: Buy in bulk.

When it comes to food that lasts buy in bulk. Pasta, rice, soup, and other canned foods are staples and will help you to decrease waste. Getting produce and fresh food is important but for the staples you will get more bang for you buck by buying in bulk.

Tip #5: Pick one thing to treat yourself .

The second you tell yourself you can't have something you will undoubtedly want it ten times more. When you grocery shop many times you put certain things back on the shelf in order to save a few dollars. Pick one item that you will buy no matter how much it costs. Giving yourself one free pass it easier than buying a bunch of little treats that you are trying to use as a substitute for the real thing.

As someone who has gotten by at times by returning cans and selling old clothes I can tell you that being smart about grocery shopping makes all the difference. Food is amazing and buying it should not be an added stress on your life or your wallet.