Use Your Pantry to Pinch Pennies

Even better, buying food and other products that you know you're going to need over the next six months to a year instead of buying them when you need them can give you double-digit returns. The key to getting these returns is knowing how to go about it.

Here are five essentials that will help you get the most out of stocking your pantry:

1. Size Up Storage Space

Before you go out and purchase a large amount of anything, take the time to figure how much space you have and where you're going to store anything you purchase in bulk. This is important because if you don't have a proper place to store it -- one that is easily accessible, that you frequent often -- it's likely to be forgotten and never used. The point of having a stockpile of anything is to eventually use it, not have it forgotten and go to waste.

2. Don't Stock Up All at Once

Going to the store and buying a carload of food will fill up your pantry, but not in a way that will give you the best return on your money. The key to getting real value is buying the items you use when they are a good deal.

Start looking for specials, and when there is a deal on something that you regularly eat, that is the time to stock up on it. Not only do you gain any price increase that may result from future inflation, you save a large amount over the regular retail price as well. You should be able to get most food you purchase at a minimum of 10% off the retail value, which combined with the inflation savings will ensure you get your double-digit returns.