The best time to buy a lot of groceries, especially meat and dairy, is when they are on markdown.

However, if you're like me, you may pass up a good deal because you are not really sure how long you have to get it eaten. Here's a quick guide:

Cottage cheese: good 1 week after date on container

Eggs: good 3-5 weeks after purchase

Milk: 1 week after sell by date

Yogurt: 7-10 days after sell by date

Beef: 3-5 days after purchasing, unopened

Chicken: 1-2 days after purchasing, unopened

To know specifics about groceries, check out Still Tasty's website.