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14 Tricks to Spend Less Than $500 Per Month on Groceries

14 Tricks to Spend Less Than $500 Per Month on Groceries

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Ah, yes. Grocery shopping–everyone’s favorite necessary evil. We all need food, but the prices can sometimes feel like they’re draining our wallets at an alarming pace. Keeping your grocery bill under $500 a month might sound like a daunting task, especially with rising food costs, but it’s definitely doable with some smart strategies. And no, it doesn’t involve living on rice and beans—unless that’s your thing (we don’t judge).

With some trial and error (and a lot of coupon clipping), you can discover some simple ways to make the dollars stretch. If you’re trying to save without feeling like you’re sacrificing, these 14 tips will help you spend less without starving yourself or your family of delicious meals.

It’s all about working smarter, not harder. Some of these tips might seem obvious, but you’d be surprised how much a little mindfulness and planning can save you.

1. Meal Planning Is Your Best Friend

Happy woman writing in notebook near products at table. Keto diet
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Meal planning isn’t just for those ultra-organized folks who have color-coded fridges. It’s a simple way to make sure you’re only buying what you need and nothing more. When you plan your meals for the week, you avoid those random purchases that always seem like a good idea at the time but end up wasted.

Start by planning meals that use similar ingredients, so nothing goes to waste. For instance, if you’re having tacos one night, use the leftover tortillas for quesadillas later in the week. A little foresight means you’ll spend less and eat more efficiently.

2. Stick to Your Shopping List

Young woman with shopping list in supermarket
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Once you’ve planned your meals, make a shopping list—and stick to it like your life depends on it. It’s so easy to get distracted by shiny packaging or new products, but impulse buys can kill your budget. Those extra snacks and treats add up fast!

It’s also a good idea to group your list by store sections. This helps you navigate the aisles more efficiently, so you’re not tempted by things that aren’t on your list.

3. Buy in Bulk, But Be Smart About It

woman grocery shopping canned goods
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Buying in bulk can save you serious money, but only if it’s for things you’ll actually use. Toilet paper? Sure, grab that Costco-sized pack. Fresh vegetables that will rot in a week? Maybe not so much. Focus on pantry staples like rice, pasta, and canned goods that have a long shelf life.

Bulk stores can be a game-changer, but don’t be fooled by large quantities of things you don’t need. Stick to the essentials, and watch your savings grow.

4. Avoid Name Brands When Possible

woman grocery store shopping holding can in aisle thinking food
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Name-brand products might be pretty, but are they worth the extra money? Most generic or store-brand products are just as good as their pricier counterparts. Often, the only difference is the packaging.

Try swapping out a few of your regular brand-name items for the store’s version. You might be surprised at how much you save—and how little you notice the difference.

5. Shop Seasonal Produce

Pretty young woman buying fresh fruits on the market
Photo Credit: Depositphotos.com.

Buying fruits and vegetables that are in season is one of the easiest ways to save money. When produce is in season, there’s an abundance of it, which means lower prices. Off-season produce is usually imported, which drives up the cost.

Plus, seasonal produce tends to taste better! Think ripe strawberries in summer or sweet potatoes in the fall. Your meals will taste fresher, and your budget will stay intact.

6. Use Coupons, But Don’t Obsess Over Them

E-coupon, Grocery shopping online, Woman hand using laptop computer entering the discount coupon code on screen, online shopping sale
Photo Credit: Depositphotos.com.

Coupons can be a lifesaver, but you don’t need to go all “extreme couponer” to save a little cash. Keep an eye out for coupons on products you already use. Many stores also have apps that offer digital coupons, so you don’t even need to physically clip them anymore.

Just be careful not to fall into the trap of buying something just because you have a coupon. If you weren’t planning to buy it in the first place, it’s not saving you money.

7. Embrace Meatless Meals

happy old retired couple in market grocery store smiling at produce vegetables shopping
Photo Credit: Depositphotos.com.

Meat can be one of the most expensive items on your grocery list. By incorporating a few meatless meals into your week, you can save a significant amount of money. Beans, lentils, eggs, and tofu are all great (and cheap) protein sources.

Even if you’re a die-hard carnivore, you don’t have to give up meat entirely. Just make it stretch further with more affordable plant-based proteins, and you’ll see the savings add up.

8. Buy Frozen When It Makes Sense

Handsome man buying some healthy food and drink in grocery store
Photo Credit: Depositphotos.com.

Frozen fruits and vegetables are often just as nutritious as fresh, and they’re usually cheaper too. Plus, they won’t go bad if you don’t use them right away. This makes them perfect for smoothies, stir-fries, and soups.

Frozen foods are picked at peak ripeness and flash-frozen, so they maintain most of their nutrients.

9. Cut Back on Junk Food

woman shopping for groceries at a store
Photo Credit: Depositphotos.com.

Snacks, sodas, and sweets might be fun, but they’re also pricey and not exactly essential. By cutting back on junk food, you’ll not only save money, but you’ll also make healthier choices. Win-win!

Limit your purchases of chips, cookies, and soda, and watch how much easier it becomes to stay within your budget. Your body and your wallet will thank you.

10. Shop the Perimeter of the Store

Woman giving feed back shopping at a grocery store apples
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If you want to keep your spending in check, stick to the outer edges of the grocery store. That’s where you’ll find the basics like fresh produce, dairy, and meat. The middle aisles? That’s where all the processed, pre-packaged, and often overpriced food lives.

By focusing on whole foods, you’ll not only spend less but eat healthier too. Processed foods tend to be more expensive per serving than cooking from scratch.

11. Look for Sales and Discounts

Woman buying a vegetables at supermarket, on sale
Photo Credit: Depositphotos.com.

Keep an eye out for weekly sales and discount bins. Many stores will discount items nearing their sell-by date, which means you can snag some great deals—especially on meat and dairy. As long as you plan to use it soon or freeze it, it’s a great way to save.

It’s also a good idea to sign up for your store’s loyalty program if they offer one. You’ll get special discounts, and sometimes they’ll even send you personalized coupons based on your regular purchases.

12. Don’t Shop Hungry

shocked man grocery shopping receipt high price expensive
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You’ve probably heard this one before, but it’s true, shopping on an empty stomach is a recipe for overspending. When you’re hungry, everything looks good, and you’re more likely to make impulse buys.

Eat a snack before you head to the store, and you’ll find it much easier to stick to your list and avoid those tempting treats.

13. Learn to Love Leftovers

Partial view of woman mixing pasta salad in bowl with spatulas near napkin, salt and cutting board with parmesan near table in kitchen
Photo Credit: Depositphotos.com.

If you’re not already saving your leftovers, it’s time to start. Leftovers make for easy, no-prep meals, and they can save you a lot of money. Make extra when you cook, and enjoy the convenience of having lunch or dinner ready for the next day.

You can also get creative with repurposing leftovers. Last night’s roasted chicken can become today’s chicken salad or tacos. It’s like getting two meals for the price of one!

14. Shop Alone

woman buy fruit loops at store
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Shopping with the family can lead to extra items sneaking into your cart—especially if you’ve got kids in tow. If possible, shop by yourself. You’ll be more focused, make fewer impulse purchases, and stick to your budget more easily.

If solo shopping isn’t an option, set clear boundaries before heading into the store, so everyone knows the game plan—and stick to it.

20 Things Poor People Waste Money on, According to Suze Orman

money guru Suze Orman
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If you’ve ever watched her show, you know Suze Orman pulls no punches. She’s all about calling out bad money choices, urging people to take control of their financial destinies and ditch those pesky spending habits that derail progress. While her advice can be blunt, she aims to empower folks to build wealth and protect their financial futures.

It’s important to note, Suze Orman gets flak sometimes for being too harsh. She’s not shaming people, but highlighting how certain expenses can sabotage big goals like homeownership or a comfortable retirement.

20 Things Poor People Waste Money on, According to Suze Orman

14 Everyday Purchases That Aren’t Worth The Rising Costs Anymore

woman checking her grocery shopping receipt
Photo Credit: Depositphotos.com.

Remember when a dollar felt like it stretched further? Sadly, inflation is making everyday things surprisingly expensive. It doesn’t have to be all doom and gloom, though! A few smart changes can go a long way. While nobody wants to feel deprived, it’s getting ridiculous when the price of basic necessities outpaces our paychecks.

14 Everyday Purchases That Aren’t Worth The Rising Costs Anymore

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With an honors degree in financial engineering, Omega Ukama deeply understands finance. Before pursuing journalism, he honed his skills at a private equity firm, giving him invaluable real-world experience. This combination of financial literacy and journalistic flair allows him to translate complex financial matters into clear and concise insights for his readers.

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