Buy in bulk. 

MOST of what I need to have on hand I can buy in bulk.  It may cost a little more to start up, but I assure you, in the end it's worth it.  It really does save you money.

When I first started buying bulk, I gave myself $100 to spend at Sams Club.  You must stick to your budget.  I bought a bag of salmon filets, 1 bag of boneless chicken breast, and 10 pounds of hamburger.  This was enough to get me through at least 1 month. 

I also bought a huge bag of shredded cheese.  I still have half the bag 2 months later.

3 dozen eggs last me almost 1 month.

A big bag of strawberries and mixed berries.  The strawberries got us through two months and the berries a month and a half.  We use them for smoothies, mixed with yogurt, in muffins, waffles and pancakes.

Tub of vanilla ice cream--the one treat I got!  It lasted so long and everyone was happy!

Large bag of spaghetti and macaroni elbows.  I still have plenty left two months later!

I know I bought a few other things and I did go to the regular grocery store for a few other things and produce, but the point is---it freed me up come the next paycheck to go back and get some of the other things I would need.  I have begun to see the benefits and want to pass on the knowledge to you.  When you:

1.  Establish a budget

2.  Commit to homemade

3.  Buy in bulk

---your pocket will see the benefits of it.  And even if you lag every now and then, you will be better off financially in the long (and even short) term.

Next tip I will send you to a site that shows you what things to keep on hand IF you are going to commit to homemade items.  If you try it, you will find that you can make a huge amount of food from a simple list.