Save Money on Groceries While Eating Well

Learning how to save money on groceries has been a game-changer for me. Especially now that my son and nieces are grown, and I’m living life as an empty nester. When I was raising him, I’d justify bigger grocery trips because, kids eat like 40 going north. But these days, it’s just me, and I’ve had to shift my mindset.

There was a time when I’d walk out of the grocery store wondering how I managed to spend so much, only to realize that I hadn’t even planned half the meals I was going to cook! Now, I’m much more intentional. I’ve found that eating well doesn’t have to mean spending a fortune—you just need to approach it with a strategy.

Here’s what’s worked for me. These tips not only help me stick to my budget but also keep me feeling good about what’s in my fridge and my body. Hopefully, you’ll find them helpful, too!

Meal Planning: Game Changer to Save Money on Groceries

I can’t lie meal planning wasn’t always my thing. When my son and niece moved out, I had no clue how to cook for just one person. I’d constantly order takeout or buy more groceries than I could eat. This led to a lot of waste and frustration. I remember one night I had prepped this big meal—roasted chicken, vegetables, yams and rice—only to realize I was eating the same meal for four days straight. I was tired of leftovers by day two! That’s when I realized I had to rethink my approach to food.

Now, meal planning has become the cornerstone of how I stay on budget and save money on groceries without feeling overwhelmed.

Here’s what works for me now:

• Plan a Week at a Time: Every Sunday, I sit down with my notebook (and a cup of tea) and map out my meals for the week. I’m not making anything fancy—just simple, healthy meals that I enjoy eating. Breakfast, lunch, dinner, snacks—it all gets written down. It’s made my week so much smoother, and I no longer wonder what’s for dinner at the last minute. When I first started, I’d make more complicated dishes, but now I know better. Keeping things simple and predictable has been key to my success.

Sometimes, I even plan a “wild card” day where I leave room for takeout or a spontaneous meal, so I don’t feel trapped by the plan. This helps me avoid food fatigue while still sticking to my budget most days.

• Keep It Simple: I’ve realized that the simpler the meals, the easier it is to stick to the plan. I’m a huge fan of stir-fries and sheet pan meals because they don’t require a ton of ingredients. I can mix them up based on what I have on hand. Plus, they’re quick to make, which means more time for me! I usually pick a protein (chicken or fish), a grain (quinoa or rice), and a veggie (broccoli or fresh spinach). Everything goes into the pan, and in under 30 minutes, I’ve got a healthy meal.
• Cultural Significance in Food: Growing up, soul food was always a staple in my family—collard greens, cornbread, sweet potatoes, you name it. As I started focusing on healthier meal planning and budgeting, I had to figure out how to enjoy those familiar, comforting dishes in a way that also supports my wellness goals. Now, I find ways to incorporate those foods into my meal plans with a healthier spin, like using turkey instead of pork for seasoning greens or roasting sweet potatoes with just a touch of olive oil instead of the brown sugar glaze we all love.

Related Resource: If meal planning feels overwhelming, check out The Lazy Genius Guide to Meal Planning for tips on simplifying the process while making it more manageable for your lifestyle.

What’s one meal you can easily plan for your week that keeps things simple and stress-free?

Shop the Sales (But I Don’t Let Them Trick Me Anymore)

I used to be that person who couldn’t resist a sale. If something had a “Buy One, Get One Free” tag, I was all in—even if I didn’t really need it. The funny thing is, I was wasting money, not saving it. I’d come home with bags full of sale items and no clear idea of how to use them. That’s when I learned that not all sales are good for your wallet.

Here’s how I shop the sales now:

• Stock Up on the Essentials: When pantry staples like rice, beans, or pasta go on sale, that’s when I buy extra. I know I’m going to use these items, and having them in stock means I can whip up a meal without needing a last-minute grocery run. I remember one week where everything from pasta to canned tomatoes was on sale—I stocked up enough for weeks of spaghetti nights. Now, when I see a good deal on an item I know I use, I’ll grab an extra or two.
• Don’t Buy Perishables Unless You’re Ready to Use Them: I’ve lost count of how many times I bought produce on sale, only to watch it rot in the fridge. It’s easy to get excited about sales, but if the food spoils before you eat it, you’re not saving anything. Now, I only buy fresh items on sale if they’re part of my meal plan for that week. Otherwise, I stick to frozen veggies, which are just as nutritious and last longer.

Personal Note: I had a turning point with this when I bought a massive bag of avocados on sale, thinking I was scoring a deal. The next week, half of them were brown and mushy. It was painful to toss them in the trash because, let’s be real, avocados aren’t cheap, even on sale!

Store Brands: A Total Money Saver

I’ll admit it—I used to think name brands were better. I grew up hearing that store-brand products were lower quality, and I carried that belief into my adult life. But, as I’ve gotten older (and wiser), I’ve realized that store brands are often just as good as their name-brand counterparts—and sometimes even better.

Here’s what I buy store-brand:

• Pantry Staples: Things like rice, pasta, spices, and canned goods are my go-to for store brands. The quality is the same, and the price difference is often significant. I recently compared store-brand pasta to a popular name brand, and not only was the store brand cheaper, but it tasted exactly the same.
• Frozen Vegetables: I love using frozen veggies in my meals because they’re convenient and budget-friendly. Store-brand frozen veggies are a staple in my house. I toss them into soups, stews, and stir-fries, and no one can tell the difference. They’re also less likely to spoil, making them a smart investment for meal planning.

Switching to store brands for basic items has saved me so much money over time, and I don’t feel like I’m missing out on anything. If you’re not sure about a specific item, try it once and see if it works for you!

Never Shop Hungry: My Biggest Mistake

I can’t tell you how many times I’ve made this mistake. Walking into a grocery store on an empty stomach is like walking into a candy store as a kid—everything looks good. I’d end up with bags of snacks and foods I didn’t plan to buy, all because my hunger was doing the shopping for me. It took a while, but I learned that a simple snack before grocery shopping can save me from those unnecessary impulse buys.

Here’s how I avoid it now:

• Eat a Small Snack Before Heading Out: Something like an apple or a handful of nuts keeps me from getting sidetracked by chips and cookies. I stick to my grocery list because my hunger isn’t driving my decisions. One time, I left the store with a $4 bag of trail mix that wasn’t even on my list, all because I was starving. Now, I make sure to have a light snack before shopping, so I stay focused and spend less.

Personal Note: It sounds silly, but shopping hungry really does lead to poor decisions. I’ve found that taking just five minutes to eat something small before heading to the store saves me time, money, and regret later.

Buying in Bulk: When It’s Worth It (and When It’s Not)

There’s a balance to buying in bulk. On the one hand, it can save you a lot of money. On the other hand, if you’re not careful, you can end up wasting food and overspending. I used to buy bulk everything—produce, meats, even snacks—thinking I was being smart. But I’d either forget I had it, or it would go bad before I could finish it. Now, I’m more selective about what I buy in bulk.

Here’s what I buy in bulk:

• Non-Perishables: Things like toilet paper, paper towels, cleaning supplies, and pantry staples are great for bulk buying because they don’t go bad. I recently bought a large bag of quinoa that’s lasted me for months, and it was significantly cheaper than buying smaller bags.
• Meats and Freezable Items: When there’s a good sale on meats or frozen veggies, I’ll buy extra and freeze what I don’t need immediately. It’s a great way to save, especially if you have the freezer space. One of my favorite things to do is portion out meat into smaller servings and freeze them for later. This way, I always have something ready to go when I need it.

What I don’t buy in bulk:

• Produce: I’ve learned the hard way that buying produce in bulk isn’t always a smart move unless you have a plan to use it all. I’ve thrown away too many bags of spoiled fruits and veggies to make that mistake again.

Cultural Significance: Preserving Tradition on a Budget

For many Black women, food is tied to our culture, our family traditions, and the legacy we leave for our children. As an empty nester, I’ve realized that continuing to cook meals that reflect my heritage is essential, but so is adapting to the new realities of my life.

Growing up, we always had Sunday dinners with a full spread—mac and cheese, fried chicken, collard greens, cornbread, and sweet potato pie. Now that I’m more focused on health and budgeting, I’ve learned to adapt some of these beloved dishes. I’ll bake the chicken instead of frying it and use olive oil instead of butter in my greens. These changes have allowed me to continue making food that feels familiar and comforting but in a way that supports my health and financial goals.

I also use meal planning as a way to preserve cultural foods. Planning ahead allows me to stock up on ingredients that I know I’ll need for our family’s favorite recipes, even when those ingredients are on sale. For instance, if I see smoked turkey legs or fresh yams at a discount, I’ll buy extra, freeze them, and use them later when I want to make a traditional dish.

Tip: Learning how to adapt cultural recipes in ways that are both healthy and budget-friendly is a journey, but it’s possible. I encourage you to keep the essence of those meals alive while being intentional about your grocery spending.

Use Grocery Apps to Save Money on Groceries

At first, I wasn’t sure about grocery apps. It seemed like too much work, and I wasn’t convinced I’d actually save money. But once I started using apps like Ibotta, Rakuten, and Fetch, I was hooked. These apps make it easy to save without having to clip paper coupons, and they’ve saved me a lot of money over time.

Here’s what I use:

• Ibotta: Ibotta gives you cashback on things you’re already buying. You just scan your receipt, and the app finds the deals for you. I love how easy it is, and it adds up quickly. Last month, I earned enough cashback to cover part of my grocery bill!
• Rakuten: This app partners with grocery stores and gives you cashback on your purchases. It’s easy to use, and the rewards add up fast. I’ve been using Rakuten for everything from groceries to household items, and it’s made a noticeable difference in my budget.
• Fetch Rewards: Fetch is another app I use to turn my grocery receipts into rewards. All I do is scan my receipt after shopping, and Fetch gives me points that I can redeem for gift cards. I love that I can use it for any grocery store, and it even works for online purchases. Fetch has been great for stacking rewards on top of my other savings from Ibotta and Rakuten.

Related Resource: Want more ideas for how to maximize savings through grocery apps? Check out these articles from NerdWallet: Cash Back Apps and Best Coupon Apps

These apps work wonders for stacking cashback offers, and when combined with sales or store coupons, you can save even more.

Surviving Financial Hardship During Unemployment: My Journey

I understand that sometimes saving money on groceries isn’t just about sticking to a budget—it’s about surviving financial hardship. There was a period during my journey as an empty nester when I was unemployed and had to stretch every dollar. That experience changed how I approach grocery shopping and meal planning entirely.

I wrote about that time in my blog post, “Surviving Financial Hardship During Unemployment”, and I know so many of you can relate to the challenges of making ends meet when you’re in between jobs. Using apps like Ibotta and meal planning helped me survive those months when I didn’t know where my next paycheck was coming from.

Tip: When times are tough, focus on the essentials. Look for staple foods like rice, beans, and pasta that can stretch multiple meals, and use grocery apps and coupons to get the most bang for your buck.

Here are the key lessons I’ve learned in my journey to save money on groceries while still eating well:

1. Meal Planning Saves Time and Money: Planning meals a week at a time is key to avoiding takeout and staying on track.
2. Sales Are Great, But Be Strategic: Stock up on essentials and avoid perishables unless you’ll use them right away.
3. Store Brands Are Your Best Friend: Don’t be afraid to choose store brands for your pantry staples and frozen veggies.
4. Snack Before Shopping: Shopping hungry leads to unnecessary impulse buys—eat before you go!
5. Bulk Buy Wisely: Non-perishables and freezable items are great for bulk buying; perishables, not so much.
6. Cultural Traditions Can Thrive on a Budget: By planning ahead, you can still enjoy and preserve traditional family meals in a budget-conscious, health-forward way.
7. Use Grocery Apps for Extra Savings: Apps like Ibotta, Fetch Rewards, and Rakuten make it easy to save on things you’re already buying, and when you combine them with sales or store coupons, the savings really add up.

The Journey Continues

Saving money on groceries while still eating well is about being intentional and planning ahead. By meal planning, sticking to my budget, and using apps, I’ve been able to enjoy good food without blowing through my budget. And honestly, it feels great to have control over both my finances and my meals.

So, what’s your go-to grocery-saving strategy? How do you make sure you’re eating well while sticking to a budget?

Let’s chat about it in the Facebook group. I’d love to hear what’s working for you!