How to Save Money on Groceries: 7 Easy Tips for Budget Shoppers 

A trip to the grocery store is becoming increasingly more expensive and it’s taking a toll on many household’s budgets. If you’re consistently overspending on your grocery budget, it’s impacting your larger financial goals, especially saving. 

If you’re looking for ways to save money on groceries and stop overspending, a few simple tweaks can make a big difference. Let’s break down practical and easy-to-implement tips that can help you lower your grocery bill without sacrificing food quality or nutrition. 

 1. Plan Ahead Before You Shop

📝 Make a Weekly Meal Plan 

• Take inventory of what you already have at home. 

• Plan meals around those ingredients to avoid unnecessary purchases. 

• Only buy what you need for the week’s recipes. 

🛒 Create a Grocery List 

• Stick to your list to avoid impulse buys. 

• Buy smaller amounts of produce to avoid waste. 

🔍 Check Store Flyers and Apps 

• Look for weekly sales and promotions before heading to the store. 

2. Shop Smart at the Grocery Store

✅ Tips for Smarter Shopping 

• Don’t shop hungry, you’ll be more likely to make impulse purchases. 

• Stick to the outer aisles, where fresh foods like produce, dairy, and meat are located. The middle aisles often have pricier, processed items. 

• Buy store brands, they’re usually more affordable and similar in quality to name brands. However, don’t compromise on taste if you won’t eat it, it’s not worth the savings. 

• Bring your own bag instead of using a cart for small trips to limit how much you buy. 

3. Use Discounts, Coupons, and Reward Programs

💰 Take Advantage of Savings Opportunities 

• Sign up for store loyalty programs and use their apps. Many offer points or discounts for frequent shoppers. 

• Shop sales and stock up on non-perishable items when they’re discounted. 

• Use Honor’s Connect Checking to earn 1% when you shop for groceries and more. With no minimum or monthly balance fees this rewarding checking account will help you save money every time you buy groceries. 

4. Buy in Bulk (But Only When It Makes Sense)

Bulk buying can lead to major savings—but only for certain items. 

🛍 What to Buy in Bulk 

• Non-perishable staples like rice, pasta, canned goods 

• Paper products 

• Freezer-friendly items like meats or frozen vegetables 

Membership to warehouse stores like Costco or Sam’s Club can be worthwhile but go in with a list to avoid overspending. Only buy items in bulk that you’ll actually use before the expiration date. 

5. Reduce Food Waste

Wasted food is wasted money. Reduce waste with smart storage and meal planning. 

🧊 Simple Ways to Waste Less 

• Label and freeze leftovers with the date. 

• Store food properly to extend shelf life. 

• Use a labeled “Eat First” bin in your fridge for items nearing expiration. 

6. Cook Budget-Friendly Meals at Home

Cooking at home can cut your grocery costs significantly especially if you plan meals with simple, affordable ingredients. 

🍲 Easy Meal Ideas 

• Tacos, stir-fries, sheet pan meals, casseroles, and soups 

• Build meals around protein and vegetables, and add a small side of a carbohydrates 

• Cook in larger batches to have leftovers for the next day 

🚫 Cut Back on Takeout 

• Limit takeout to one night a week or when going out with friends or a date night. 

• Prepare quick, healthy meals at home during the week. 

7. Shop Local and Seasonal for Better Prices

🧺 Explore Farmers Markets and CSA Boxes 

• Local produce is often cheaper and fresher, especially when bought in season. 

• Visit the farmers market toward the end of the day for potential markdowns. 

• Consider joining a CSA (Community-Supported Agriculture) program for weekly boxes of fresh, local produce. 

Small Changes Lead to Big Savings 

With just a little planning and consistency, you can start saving money on groceries right away. Begin by making a weekly meal plan, stick to your list, and gradually incorporate the tips above as you get more comfortable. 

Avoid impulse takeout by prepping a big meal on Sunday and enjoy leftovers on Monday to save time and money. Small steps can lead to big financial wins.