It’s been well-documented that the cost of growing food‚ producing food and shipping it has increased significantly in the last decade. That’s why consumers are continually looking for ways to cut back on their grocery bills. But if you ask most people‚ many would likely say they are willing to let other bills go into default before deciding to forgo their weekly food shopping.

This can be a dangerous decision. When bills go into default‚ hidden fees creep up‚ interest rates spike and credit scores take a big hit. This can all lead to consumers considering bankruptcy in Woodland Hills.

Wiping out years of bills and built-up interest can make for a freeing experience after a Long Beach bankruptcy lawyer aids you through the process. While it is complex and can be stressful‚ coming out of bankruptcy with no debt and the ability to start over is huge for many Americans swallowed up in debt.

Rising food prices is a very real thing that consumers must deal with. As gas prices have risen‚ farmers have been hit with high tax rates‚ passing along the increase to shoppers as foods hit the shelves at higher prices.

But there are some ways to keep grocery bills at an acceptable level in order to keep on track with other debt that can plague a family’s finances.

Check out the package: Here’s a not-so-fair trend: Grocery companies are charging the same‚ or more‚ for less product. Great for the companies‚ but bad for consumers. Remember a few years ago when soda companies began selling eight packs instead of 12 packs? Other companies are doing the same — especially cereal companies. So look at the packaging and check out the “price per unit” label to see how much you’re paying per ounce. With smart shopping comes smart savings.

Cut back on expensive meat: Beef prices are up 11.5 percent since last summer‚ while pork is approximately 7 percent higher. In the same time period‚ turkey prices were up slightly less and chicken prices were only up 2.7 percent. This doesn’t mean you should become a vegetarian‚ although that certainly may be an option‚ but rather consider less-expensive meats.

Stay in or be smart: Restaurants have felt inflation slightly less than grocery stores‚ but they are still charging a pretty penny at dinner time. There are few places you can go to sit down and get out without a $15-per-person tab. Even lunch is expensive. Consider splitting meals among you and others in your party‚ and order glasses of water instead of a soda or other beverage. You may also want to look for websites that offer gift cards at discounted prices‚ and use coupons from weekly circulars or mailers to further help save a buck or two.

Buy fruits and veggies in season: You may be yearning for a certain fruit or vegetable‚ but missed its season by a few months. Try to combat that desire by waiting until the fruit or vegetable is in season. You will save a lot of money.

Be frugal: Use coupons and be smart shoppers. Get weekly deals‚ use generics and buy what’s on sale‚ not what’s over-priced. Don’t make impulse buys. Plan your meals and check your pantry before heading to the store.

Cal West Law will provide a free consultation to help guide you in making a decision that works for you. In Encino‚ Glendale‚ and Woodland Hills‚ just call (818) 446-1334.