WMBD/WYZZ TV - PEORIA -- A $700 billion bailout for Wall Street, job loss and home foreclosures, these are just a few things causing Americans to look for ways to cut back. Some even say one of the first spots in a budget they slash is on groceries.

Joanne Ginoli says she's using more coupons. When the economy took a nosedive, so did her spending and coupons are just one way she's able to cut back.

She says, "I'm cutting them out of of the paper, magazines, every little bit helps."

But there are other ways to save at the grocery store and still get everything you need. Dietician, Ashley Simper, says your grocery game plan should begin with the perimeter of the grocery store.

"The perimeter is going to have the most vitamins and minerals for the least calories and you're going to get your money's worth compared to the pre-processed, pre-packaged foods that can be expensive toward the middle of the store."

But even in the perimeter, you have to pay attention to what you're buying for maximum savings. Simper points out a few items that could easily cost us more if we're not paying attention.

"When buying apples, for example, we found gala apples that are $1.99 a pound. Just a few sections over, we found bagged gala apples, and per pound, they're only 99 cents. So you're getting a better deal if you read the cost per pound on food."

Simper also says shopping for what's in season can make all the difference in our budget. On our grocery trip we found summer squash for $1.99 a pound, but winter squash was only 69 cents a pound.

Simper goes on to tell us, "When you buy pre-cut, pre-washed fruits and vegetables, it's going to be a little more expensive. For example, we found pre-washed, pre-cut carrots that are $4.00 for a three pound bag. Right next to them, we found a five pound bag that's $3.49.

Budget experts also suggest keeping a food journal. They say write down what you buy and the price, so you can keep track of the better buy.

And if you must venture into the aisles of the canned and processed, you can still find ways to pinch your pennies. Simper says the only difference between generic and name brand is the label and generic brands can be up to 20% cheaper.

So when it comes to saving your much needed money at the grocery store, think of the three P's. Plan ahead, pay attention and perk up, because you're on your way to big savings.