Are you an impulse shopper? Do you always end up buying things you never intended to buy when you left home? If so, here are some suggestions to get your shopping trips back on track -- and keep your money in your wallet.

There are some basic rules of thumb for grocery shopping, according to About.com:

1. Always have a shopping list.

2. Establish a budget.

3. Take inventory. What food items do you need?

4. Bring your coupons.

5. Never go to the grocery store when you're hungry.

6. Compare prices. Read the unit price, which is the cost per pound, to compare different products.

7. Look at the "expiration" and "use by" date labels for the freshest products.

8. Be smart. Don't fall for marketing strategies such as "middle shelf" items, island displays or recipe-related item placement.

9. Allow adequate time for shopping so won't forget items and soon have to return to the store.

10. Pay attention in the checkout line. Make sure you watch the scanner and get the correct prices for your merchandise.

GET 'EM TO GO

If you still can't conquer the grocery store, CJs Groceries 2 Go will do your shopping for you. The North Augusta-based company is designed "to help busy clients avoid the hassles of grocery shopping, including long lines, traffic and impulse buying."

Co-owners James Edmonds and Chris Cloy, a pair of 21-year-old entrepreneurs, started the company in July. CJs Groceries 2 Go accepts grocery orders over the phone or through its Web site at cjs2go.com.

How does it work? The customer places an order and payment is due upon delivery. CJs Groceries 2 Go accepts cash or credit cards. The business shops at the following stores: Kroger, Bi-Lo, Food Lion, Publix, Fresh Market, Earth Fare and Wal-Mart.

For fewer than 15 items, delivery prices are $15 for North Augusta and $20 for Augusta and surrounding areas. For more than 15 items, delivery prices are $30 for North Augusta and $35 for Augusta and surrounding areas.

For more information, contact Mr. Cloy at (803) 624-2244 or Mr. Edmonds at (803) 624-2243, or e-mail Groceries@CJs2go.com.

REMINDERS

If you missed The Pinch last week, here are some highlights:

- Compare prices. This is one of the best ways to save a few bucks. Alerts.com is a Web site that helps customers monitor online price changes for an unlimited amount of time.

The service is free, and consumers sign up to receive alerts via e-mail, text message, instant messaging or even voice mail. Alerts.com sends an alert when the price drops or hits the price the consumer is willing to pay, according to Pascal Stolz, the CEO and founder of Alerts.com.

- Check out Reid's for sales on meat. Each week, the Burnettown grocery store has meat items for discount prices. The store's latest sale ends today and features a family pack of bone-in split chicken breast for 99 cents per pound.

Reid's is at 2587 Jefferson Davis Highway.

READ LATINA EMERSON'S blog on saving money and shopping smarter in Augusta at blogs.augusta">style="bold">blogs.augusta .com.