We’re letting you know that this post contains sponsored links which Your Savvy Purse receives compensation for, which may impact their order of appearance.
Grocery shopping is one of those expenses that can really add up if you’re not careful. But over the past month, I managed to save a whopping $638 on groceries. Yes, you read that right! It wasn’t by using any extreme coupons or cutting out all the fun snacks—just a few practical changes to my shopping habits. Here’s how I did it, and how you can too!
1. Plan My Meals (and Stick to It)
The first thing I did to cut back on grocery spending was to plan my meals for the week. It’s easy to go to the store with a vague idea of what you want, but this leads to impulse buys and food waste. By planning out my meals in advance, I could make sure I only bought what I needed for the week and avoid any unnecessary purchases.
I also took inventory of what I already had in my pantry and fridge, so I didn’t buy duplicates of items I already had (like pasta or rice). Planning ahead saved me from buying extra ingredients and helped me make use of what I already had.
2. Stick to a Shopping List
Once I had my meal plan, I made a detailed shopping list. It was so easy to stick to the list and avoid grabbing random items that weren’t part of the plan. I kept the list on my phone so it was always with me, and it acted as my guide while I shopped.
This step is crucial! The moment I step into the store without a list, I always end up with things I don’t need. Whether it’s those tempting “buy one, get one free” deals or new snack products that catch my eye, it’s so easy to stray from my budget. But having a list kept me focused.
3. Use Store Apps and Loyalty Programs
One of my best strategies was to take advantage of store apps and loyalty programs. Most major grocery stores have apps that offer digital coupons, sales alerts, and even rewards for frequent shoppers. By scanning the app and browsing for discounts before I went to the store, I was able to cut my grocery bill by a significant amount.
For example, I saved 10% on a big portion of my shopping by applying in-store coupons from my grocery store’s app. I also signed up for a few loyalty programs and earned points towards future discounts.
4. Shop Sales and Buy in Bulk
I became more strategic about when and where I shopped. By sticking to the sales and buying in bulk, I cut down on my grocery expenses. I kept an eye on store flyers for weekly discounts on the things I needed. I didn’t fall for the “store specials” that were often priced higher than I could get elsewhere. I also learned which items I could buy in bulk without worrying about them going to waste—things like frozen vegetables, grains, and pantry staples.
Buying in bulk is great because it saves money over time, and you don’t have to go shopping as frequently. I purchased things like rice, oats, and canned goods in larger quantities, which helped me save in the long run.
5. Shop at Discount Grocery Stores
In the past, I was hesitant to shop at discount or off-brand grocery stores. But after giving it a try, I realized just how much I could save. Stores like Aldi, Costco, and other local discount grocers had many of the same products I was already buying, but at a fraction of the price.
I compared prices, and I was shocked at how much cheaper some of the basic items were compared to the bigger grocery chains. Switching to these discount stores was a game-changer for my grocery budget.
6. Cut Back on Meat
Another strategy that really helped me cut my grocery costs was reducing how much meat I bought. Meat tends to be the most expensive part of a meal, so I started cooking more plant-based meals. I swapped in affordable sources of protein like beans, lentils, and tofu, which are not only cheaper but also healthier.
When I did buy meat, I bought it in bulk when it was on sale and froze it for later use. This helped me avoid last-minute meat purchases at higher prices.
7. Limit Eating Out and Ordering In
Eating out or ordering takeout is another hidden budget killer. I started cooking more meals at home and limiting how often I dined out. By sticking to my meal plan and batch cooking, I was able to prepare lunches and dinners ahead of time, making it easier to resist the urge to grab food outside.
This also helped me reduce food waste, as I was using up all the ingredients I had purchased rather than letting leftovers go to waste.
8. Avoid Pre-Packaged and Processed Foods
Pre-packaged foods are convenient but often come with a much higher price tag. I made a conscious effort to avoid processed snacks, pre-chopped vegetables, or ready-to-eat meals. Instead, I bought whole fruits and vegetables, which were not only cheaper but also lasted longer.
Yes, it takes a little more time to prep fresh ingredients, but it’s worth it when I saw how much money I saved. Plus, I felt healthier knowing I was eating fresher, more whole foods.
Total Savings: $638 in One Month
By following these simple steps, I was able to save $638 in just one month on groceries. Planning my meals, sticking to my list, shopping sales, and using loyalty programs were key to this success. Even small changes like reducing how much meat I bought or switching to discount stores added up quickly.
If you’re looking to save on groceries, it’s all about being strategic with your shopping habits. You don’t need to sacrifice quality or convenience—just a little extra planning can lead to big savings. Try out these tips and see how much you can save on your next grocery run!
