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10 Genius tips
for stay-at-home moms
to save money on groceries
As a stay-at-home mom, keeping your grocery bill under control is essential for managing your household budget. With rising food costs, finding ways to save money on groceries can make a significant difference in your finances. Check out these 10 genius tips for stay-at-home moms to save money on groceries. These practical and effective tips will help you cut costs while still providing nutritious meals for your family.
1. plan your meals
Meal planning is one of the most effective ways to reduce grocery expenses. That’s why it’s at the top of the list of 10 genius tips for stay-at-home moms to save money grocery shopping.
Create a meal plan for the week based on what you already have and what’s on sale. This prevents impulse buys and helps use up perishable items before they go bad.
Give batch cooking a try. Make extra of one or two meals each week and freeze portions for future use. This will not only save you money but also time. You’ll breathe a sigh of relief on busy days when you can just pull a meal from the freezer.!
TIP: Put a magnetic meal planner on your refrigerator to help you keep track of meals for the week. Check out Easy Meal Prep For Busy Moms: A Simple Guide To Stress Free Dinners for dinner ideas you’ll want to add to this week’s meal plan.
2. Make a Shopping List (and Stick to It!)
Going to the grocery store without a list (and kids in tow) can lead to unnecessary purchases. As you create your weekly meal plan, start a running grocery list for the items you need for each meal. Also write down kids snacks, condiments and any other essentials you may be running low on. Take the list with you on shopping day and remember to stick to it. This helps you stay within your budget without buying unnecessary items.
TIP: organize your list by store sections to make shopping more efficient. This is a great idea for those days you have kids with you and want to get out of the store before they add too many extras to the cart!
3. Buy in Bulk
Purchasing staple items in bulk, such as rice, beans, pasta, and frozen vegetables, can save you money in the long run. You can also consider bulk-buying household essentials like toilet paper and cleaning supplies, as these purchases often come at a discount. Look for warehouse stores in your area such as Costco, Sam’s Club or BJ’s, or bulk sections at your local grocery store. If you like to shop online, check out the bulk items offered on Amazon.
TIP: When shopping in bulk, only buy what your family can realistically consume before it expires. Keep track of what works for your family in bulk and what doesn’t.
4. Use Coupons and Cashback Apps
Take advantage of coupons, store loyalty programs, and cashback apps like Ibotta and Rakuten. These tools can help you save a few dollars on each trip, which adds up over time. Another great app is Fetch Rewards where you can scan your receipts and earn points toward gift cards.
Many grocery stores have digital coupons available through their mobile apps, so be sure to check before heading out. Also, stacking coupons with store promotions can help maximize savings. Set a reminder to regularly check for new offers to ensure you don’t miss out on extra discounts.
5. Shop Store Brands
Generic or store-brand products are often just as good as name-brand items but at a fraction of the cost. Compare labels and try store brands for essentials like canned goods, dairy, and snacks. Often, these products are made by the same manufacturers as their name-brand counterparts but without the added branding cost.
TIP: If you’re unsure, start by trying store-brand versions of staple items and gradually expand based on what your family likes and doesn’t like.
6. Buy Seasonal and Local Produce
Fruits and vegetables that are in season are often cheaper and fresher. Shopping at local farmers’ markets or joining a community-supported agriculture (CSA) program can help you get high-quality produce for less. Consider growing your own fruits, vegetables, and herbs at home. A small herb garden on your kitchen windowsill is a healthy alternative that can save you money in the long run by eliminating the need for expensive fresh herbs from the store.
7. Limit Processed and Pre-Packaged Foods
Convenience foods like pre-cut fruits, frozen dinners, and snack packs are often more expensive. Preparing meals and snacks at home can save you a lot of money while ensuring healthier options for your family. Making homemade versions of items like granola bars, trail mix, and yogurt parfaits can reduce costs significantly. Cooking from scratch allows you to control ingredients and avoid preservatives and additives found in many packaged foods.
8. Reduce Meat Consumption
Meat is one of the most expensive grocery items. Incorporate more plant-based meals, such as beans, lentils, and tofu, to cut costs. Even having one or two meatless meals per week can make a big difference. Consider recipes like vegetable stir-fries, bean-based soups, or pasta dishes with hearty veggie sauces.
TIP: Using a slow cooker or stretching meat by mixing it with grains and vegetables are also excellent ways to make your grocery budget go further.
9. Freeze and Store Smartly
Avoid food waste by freezing leftovers and storing food properly. Label your leftovers and use them in future meals to prevent spoilage. Invest in airtight containers and freezer bags when batch cooking to keep food fresh for longer.
You can also freeze fruits and vegetables before they spoil to use in smoothies or soups. Another helpful habit is to rotate older items to the front of your pantry and fridge, ensuring they get used before newer purchases.
10. Shop Sales and Clearance Items
Keep an eye on weekly sales flyers and stock up on discounted items you regularly use. Many grocery stores have clearance sections for dairy, meat, and bakery items that are still good but nearing their sell-by dates. Be flexible with your meal planning so you can take advantage of markdowns on perishable goods. If you have freezer space, consider buying discounted meats and freezing them for later use.
TIP: Shopping in the evening is another great way to find markdowns, as stores often discount perishable items towards the end of the day.
final thoughts
Saving money on groceries doesn’t have to be complicated. Try these tips and see how you can keep your food budget in check while still providing delicious and nutritious meals for your family.
Small changes in your shopping habits can add up to significant savings over time. Which of these strategies do you already use? Share your favorite money-saving grocery tips in the comments below!
