No matter how tight the budget gets, you can count on one thing... you'll always need food. Here, then, are tips for filling your stomach without emptying your wallet.

There are times when dining out can be cheaper than eating at home. Keep your eyes peeled for lunch and early bird specials and don't be afraid to take your leftovers home with you! For many people, dinner portions are more like two meals. Why not eat them both, separately?

Fast food can be a real deal, but don't make it the mainstay of your diet. Your health is your wealth.

Use coupons, but use them wisely. Ask yourself these questions:

• If the product is more expensive than your usual brand, will the coupon still save you money?
• If you have to buy several of an item to use the coupon, will you be able to use it all before it goes bad?
• Will you have to drive out of your way to take advantage of the offer? If so, will you save more than you spend on gas?
• Do any of the supermarkets near you have a day when coupons are worth even more?

Wherever you shop, look for in-store specials. Some stores make their 'sale' tags and 'everyday low price' tags look nearly identical. Don't be fooled.

See if there's a clearance item area in the store. These have the potential to yield excellent deals. Many stores just fill up a shopping cart and put a sign on it.

Make a note of prices on items you buy often by visiting several different stores. Sometimes you'll save more by going to multiple supermarkets. Again, factor in your transportation costs.

If you like international foods, you can save quite a bit by going to grocery stores that specialize. This is particularly true for Asian and Arabic foods.

Shop close-out and bakery outlet stores like Big Lots, Dollar General, Entenmann's and Hostess Thrift Shops. If you hit the jackpot, like finding your favorite pasta sauce for half its usual price, fill your cart. Don't do this with untried items. No matter how good they sound, you could be in for an unpleasant surprise.

Consider buying a water filter. You'll save money over bottled water, and avoid the impurities found in most tap water:

Consumer Reviews Of Water Filters:

Buy in bulk. This also prepares you for emergencies. You can often get a free membership for wholesale warehouse clubs like Costco, Sam's Club and BJ's Wholesale Club. Only buy what you know you'll use before the expiration date. Those who live alone may have a hard time making this option work for them.

If there's an item that you buy a lot, and it can't be found at a warehouse, see if your usual supermarket will give you a discount for buying it by the case. Our experience suggests a standard discount of 10%.

Savor your savings!