Teri Gault is the CEO of The Grocery Game, co producer of Super Saver Showdown and a top couponing expert! Each week she will be providing her super saver tips and tricks right here!

Even In the best of times we have to learn how to stretch those grocery dollars.  With all the headlines about drought and inflation, lots of people are worried about soaring grocery prices. Last week the USDA announced, "In 2013...we are looking at above-normal food-price inflation. ... Consumers are certainly going to feel it." Food prices could go up by 3%-4% and beef is expected to jump 4%-5%.

Still, we need to eat. So we need to learn how to save on groceries. But there's more... Super Saver Showdown is entertaining and fun, but also demonstrates that you can save while having fun!

Our first episode kicks us off with some fundamental savings principles:

1. Don't Be A Stick In The Mud – Instead of going in with a hard and fast menu plan, be ready to make adjustments and substitutions based on what’s on sale.
2. Double Dipping Is Allowed – Some call it stacking deals. Add a coupon to a great sale for bonus savings!
3. Look For Deeper Savings – Start with the store sales circulars, but don’t stop there. Online coupons, Sunday Newspaper Coupon Inserts, in-store coupons, etc.  And keep your eyes open for very hard-to-find unadvertised sales while shopping.  62% of the sales nationwide are not in the sales circular.
4. A Special Tip From This Week's Episode:  Fill guests up with goodness – Always have one great cheap "filler" that everyone loves. Potatoes or pasta are a must at every party! Everyone loves them, and they won't think for a moment about how inexpensive they are. Big trays of mac and cheese fit the bill, and are a crowd pleaser that really stretches those grocery dollars!

Make sure to come back next week for more of my tips from Super Saver Showdown!