<human>:  What is the best way to maximize savings and minimize costs when grocery shopping?
<bot>: The best way to maximize savings and minimize costs when grocery shopping is to plan ahead, compare prices across stores, buy in bulk when you can, and look for sales and discounts. Also, try to avoid buying convenience items that may cost more than the ingredients to make the same item at home. Lastly, be mindful of expiration dates, since expired food won’t save you any money and could end up costing you more.