How Real People Are Saving Money on Groceries — Without Extreme Budgeting
The prices at your local grocery store have given you a bellyache. Now, you might worry that extreme budgeting measures are in order — like raising your own chickens for eggs.
Before you read up on how to break up hen fights (seriously, they get quite nasty), know this: You have other options. When we asked MoneyLion users about their most pressing personal finance concerns, many said grocery prices were top of mind.
For You: I Do All My Grocery Shopping for $350 at Costco -- Here's How
Learn More: 5 Signs You’re Losing Money Every Month — and How To Find the Leaks
Instead of leaning into extreme budgeting, like living on rice and beans or raising livestock in the backyard, our Community members shared more practical, sustainable ways to save money at the grocery store.
1. They Plan Their Menu Around What’s on Sale
There are a lot of fun parts of being a grown-up, but planning dinners for the week usually isn’t one of them. Sure, you could rely on food influencers, but their meal plans can involve a lot of prep — and a lot of spending.
Several Community members said they use a much simpler, more cost-effective approach. As one member put it, “I buy what’s on sale and meal plan around that.” There’s no guesswork about what’s for dinner — it’s already laid out in store circulars or on sale signs.
If you portion out leftovers, you can stretch your dollar — and your meals — even further. Another member said they freeze leftovers so they’re on hand when the temptation to order takeout hits.
2. They Use Coupons and Store Apps
Remember your parents and grandparents clipping out coupons at the kitchen table? Today’s coupons often don’t require scissors, since you can find most of them online — but the spirit of bargain hunting hasn’t changed.
Many members pointed to the value of downloading apps for their favorite grocery stores to find discounts and promotions.
“I use store-brand apps to maximize discounts. Whenever possible, I also use app promos, like 20% off the first delivery order, or BOGO specials,” one member said. “It makes a huge difference, especially for juice and things like that.”
Using your favorite store’s app lets you order groceries and access store coupons from the comfort of your own home. But another member found an additional benefit: They rely on the app as built-in price control.
Before they start shopping, they set an amount they don’t want to go over. If they do go over, they review their cart to see if any items are wants versus needs. Hitting the delete button is much easier than walking chicken salad back to the deli aisle.
“So far, it has been working for me,” the member said. “I love it — it’s saved a lot of money.”
3. They Buy Store Brands
Ask yourself something, and be honest: Can you truly tell the difference between store-brand pasta and a name-brand version? For most people, the answer is no — and pasta isn’t the only example.
You could switch from name brands to store brands for most items in your cart. In most cases, the ingredients are similar, but the price is lower. You may not notice a difference in taste, but you’ll likely notice the extra money left in your budget.
That’s what many Community members found. As one put it, “It’s what’s on the ingredients label that counts, not the brand name.”
4. They Make a List — and Include a Treat
You already know you’re supposed to make a grocery list — and stick to it. Still, that’s often easier said than done, especially when you spot a fun and tasty treat you didn’t originally budget for.
Our Community members know how you feel. That’s why some suggested planning for a small splurge instead of relying on willpower alone.
“Make a list of what is needed and look for discounts,” one member advised. “Splurge on one item such as a snack or dessert. Most importantly, you have to stick to the plan.”
You’re more likely to stick to a plan that doesn’t feel like a punishment. Choosing one modestly priced treat can help you avoid impulse buys and make your grocery budget feel less restrictive.
5. They Don’t Shop When They’re Hungry
When you’re hungry, almost every item on the shelves looks delicious, including those random bean sprouts you’d never spend money on with a full stomach.
To save yourself from an inflated grocery bill — and a cart full of foods that lose their appeal once you’re home — follow the advice from our Community members: Don’t walk into the store with a growling stomach.
“I make sure I eat before grocery shopping,” one member said. “That way I’m not hungry and throwing everything in my shopping cart.”
The Bottom Line
You don’t have to take extreme measures to rein in your grocery spending. With the common-sense suggestions of our MoneyLion Community members, you can lower your grocery bill without giving up the foods you like — or your sanity.
This article was provided by MoneyLion.com for informational purposes only and should not be construed as financial, legal, or tax advice.
More From MoneyLion: