1. To save money you have to use coupons. False. You can save money on food without using coupons, but it takes a little more planning. Two for one item sales and special holiday sales can help particularly.

2. Wholesale stores are always better to shop at. False. While certain items bought in quantity offer significant savings, the choice of what you need or want may not be there. Check the price to be sure it is a better price!

3. Store brands are always the cheapest buy. False. Sales frequently bring brand names close to store brands. Add a coupon or buy at a 2 for 1 sales price, brand names are less.

4. You save more money by shopping several stores. False. How much is your time worth? How much more will you spend on gas? Would you be able to stick to a set list when you shop more than one store? On a weekly basis, our finding is one particular store will usually be your best buying location.

5. Buying the largest package sizes save more. False. The larger volume package does not always save money. Plus, is there any waste? Can you use it all?

6. It takes a long time to prepare to save money. False. Our weekly grocery trip is planned in less than one hour, rarely longer except for big events. Most of it I do sitting in front of my favorite TV show.

Each of the above six myths are just that -- myths. Want to save money? Take a look at how you are shopping and what assumptions you are making. Taking time to check out those assumptions may save you from making some costly mistakes.