How to save money at the grocery store

A video from MSNBC has some great tips on saving money at the grocery store. They're mostly common sense, but they're gaining new relevance with gas prices and food costs on the rise: shop at the least expensive grocery store even if it's not the closest, use coupons, buy in bulk when the prices are good.

But there are a couple problems: first, never underestimate the value of your time and energy. If you don't like driving or shopping, don't drive all over the state looking to save on paper towels. Save your energy! You'll be more productive and you can find other ways to save money or add to your income.

And then there's the advice to "shop where the prices are good." The problem is that prices vary from item to item. It's well-known that it's often cheaper to buy milk at the convenience store, for example.