How I Save Money on Groceries Without Clipping Coupons or Losing My Mind

Let’s be honest—I'm not out here extreme couponing. I don’t have the time, mental energy, or spare binder space to clip, stack, and spreadsheet my way to a $0 grocery total. And no shade to those who do—it’s just not my kind of chaos.

But feeding a family without watching your budget evaporate? That’s my jam. And you don’t need 17 loyalty apps, a backup freezer in the garage, or a bunker full of canned beans to do it.

Here’s how I keep grocery costs under control without losing my mind (or my love for a good meal):

1. 🛒 Start With the Flyers, Not the Cravings

I used to build meal plans around what I wanted to eat—whatever Pinterest or my PMS suggested. That... got expensive.

Now? I start with what’s on sale. Every Friday night, I scroll through the Flipp app (wine in hand), looking at my two main stores. Chicken thighs on special? Cool—we're doing chicken tacos, chicken fried rice, and baked garlic chicken this week.

If cucumbers and tomatoes are dirt cheap? That’s salad, snacks, and side dishes sorted. My cravings don’t drive the cart anymore—my grocery flyers do.

2. 🧊 Inventory First, Always

Before I even think about shopping, I raid my fridge, freezer, and pantry. I ask myself: What’s already here that I forgot I bought in a panic two weeks ago?

Got pasta, canned tomatoes, and some forgotten frozen sausages? Boom. Dinner.

This five-minute scan stops me from rebuying random stuff like rice “just in case.” (For the record, I currently own four bags of rice. Don’t be like me.)

3. 🍷 The Friday Night Ritual

I know it’s not sexy, but this is my thing: Friday night = wine, Flipp, and five minutes of planning.

While some moms are watching Netflix, I’m building a grocery strategy like a low-key domestic CEO. Come Saturday morning, I’ve got a tight list, a plan, and no excuses. The shop gets done, the budget breathes easier, and I avoid 46 midweek dashes for random ingredients.

4. 🚙 The Costco Tag-Along Hack

I don’t have a Costco membership—but my friends do.So every couple of months, I tag along like a ride-or-die snack scout.

I stock up on bulk stuff that actually saves us money: toilet paper, laundry pods, Eliana’s school snacks, and coffee. Always coffee.

It's like a mini mom field trip with built-in savings. And yes, we sample all the free stuff while we’re at it.

5. 🎯 Points = Free Money

My loyalty card gets scanned like it’s my side hustle. I don’t chase promotions or go wild with the apps, but I always collect those sweet, sweet points.

About twice a year, I’ll cover an entire grocery bill with points. It feels like a little financial high-five from Past Me to Present Me.

6. 📦 One Big Shop, Minimal Top-Ups

I aim for one shop per week. That’s it. I go in with a plan, hit every aisle with purpose, and avoid the temptation to “just check the deals” again later in the week.

If we run out of milk midweek, I’ll grab it. But otherwise, it’s a wrap. Less time at the store means fewer impulse buys, and more money stays put.

Is It Pinterest-Perfect? Nope. But It Works.

Some weeks are tighter than others. Some dinners are more “creative fridge roulette” than I’d like to admit. But we’re fed, we’re staying on budget, and I’m not spending my weekends clipping coupons or chasing cashback unicorns.

That’s financial wisdom, mom-style.

Want more like this? Friday’s post is a big one: “I Yelled at My Kid. Here’s What Happened After.”It’s raw, real, and reminds us all that gentle parenting doesn’t mean being a doormat.

Or should we loop back to “Mindfulness When You Have 3,000 Things to Do” next Monday?Either way, you’re on fire, Fabi—let’s keep the keyboard hot. 🔥

-Fabi