The rising cost of living runs rampant over discussion boards, forums, television programs and just about every other venue we can possibly think of. People are worried that rising costs will have them choosing between feeding their families or heating their homes this winter. It is because of this concern that I started looking for ways to fill the freezer now, before the cold season is upon us.

Buying in bulk is something many of us never considered before. The difference in price was not enough to make us consider giving up our weekends to cook nutritious meals that could be frozen and "put up" to steal my Grandmother's words. The change in our economy now needs to be reflected to the change in our lifestyles. It is now worth it to buy in bulk, save money per pound and use our knowledge of cooking to create a stash of food much like hibernating animals will do.

To prepare for this change in your lifestyle, start scouting for dollar stores, bulk stores and discount stores. Many times we can find the same brand name product at one of these stores for much less than we will find them at the grocery store. Be prepared to test generic items without the brand name to back them up, as many are as good, if not better than the higher priced item.

For me, I tend to buy most of my dried and boxed goods at the discount stores. Names don't matter to me, as long as the quality is there. If it is a product I haven't tried before, I buy one box and give it a shot before buying a bunch of them. Remember, that $3 box of rice in the grocery store? It can be found in the dollar store for $1 a box. The quality is the same, the taste is the same, the only difference is the packaging and name on the box.

We will start with the shopping list for now. Be sure to watch for the next byte or blurb on recipes that I use to stretch the budget to the limit! Make a list as you read, and follow it to the letter. Deviating from the list is not a wise idea, as you will spend more money then you intended too!

Dollar stores are an excellent source of inexpensive spices such as Basil, Oregano, Thyme, Garlic, Onion and Italian seasonings. Purchase a supply of at least two jars as you find them in the store, as dollar stores tend to stock what they can and may not have it the next time you return.

You will also want on hand a good supply of freezer bags or containers which can be frozen and the popped into the microwave to thaw. I prefer to use freezer bags, as they take up less room and allow me to pack my freezer with more food. Once again, this is a case of name doesn't really matter. If you are concerned that the generic bags will not do the job, purchase the brand name ones or double bag with the generic ones. You will most likely still save money, even if double bagging.

Purchase your flour, sugar, baking powders, oils, tomato pastes and more while at the discount or dollar store as well. Generic or brand name, they do the same thing, have the same results and the generic will save you money! One thing you will want to watch is expiration dates, as there have been times when I have bought an expired item without realizing it. It doesn't happen often, but when it does, it is a horrible waste of money.

Your local butcher shop, if you have one, is a great place to find excellent deals on bulk purchases of meat. Make a list of the things you will need, such as hamburger, pork, chicken, sausage and roasts. My local butcher shop discounts hamburger by 30 cents a pound when I purchase 10lbs or more at a time. The three dollar savings doesn't seem like much, but it almost pays for one gallon of gas!If you do not have a local butcher shop, visit a bulk warehouse such as Sam's Club.

Watch for those steals and deals as well. Many times you can pick up bags of frozen vegetables on sales such as 10 for $10. They work great when combined with leftovers for casseroles, stir fries and more.