How to Save Up to 50% on Groceries Without Clipping a Single Coupon
Life can sometimes seem like an endless cycle of picking up and dropping off kids, going to work, throwing together a quick dinner and somehow fitting in laundry and a glass of wine — on your good nights.
Clipping coupons? Ain’t nobody got time for that.
But food is expensive, and if you’re not doing anything to save on your grocery bills, you’re saying goodbye to money for college funds, retirement or a much-needed vacation.
To help you cut back on this major expense, we’ve rounded up five quick ways to save money on groceries — no coupons required.
1. Earn 1.5% Cash Back on Food
If you’re not using a rewards card for your grocery purchases, you’re really just leaving free money on the table.
Here’s an option we like: It’s the Chase Freedom Unlimited card. Its claim to fame? You’ll earn an unlimited 1.5% cash back on all your purchases. Plus, if you spend $500 in your first three months of opening the card (hi, groceries), you’ll pocket a $150 bonus.
There’s no annual fee, and the cash-back rewards don’t expire.
Get signed up — and 0% intro APR for 15 months — here.
*The information for the Chase Freedom Unlimited card has been collected independently by The Penny Hoarder. Opinions expressed here are the author’s alone, not those of the credit card issuer, and have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by the credit card issuer. The Penny Hoarder is a partner of Credible.
Potential Savings: 1.5%
2. Get Paid to Shop
Yes, you read that right: You can actually make money grocery shopping.
One of our favorite strategies is becoming a mystery shopper. For each shop you complete, you could earn $10-$20.
If you’re spending an average of $100 per week, that’s a savings of 10%-20%!
Our founder Kyle has done a lot of mystery shopping in his day, and has compiled a list of the best mystery shopping companies to work for. Don’t get scammed — only sign up with reputable companies like the ones on his list.
Potential savings: 10%-20%
3. Go Organic — Without the Cost
Buying groceries is expensive no matter how you spin it — and buying healthy groceries, even more so.
That’s why we love VitaCost. This site allows you to purchase organic food for up to 37% less than what regular stores charge.
You won’t be able to get everything on your list, but you’ll be able to make a healthy dent in it (pun very much intended!).
Potential Savings: 37%
4. Shop Online to Earn More Cash Back
Another clever way to earn cash back on grocery purchases is shopping online, then picking up your items in-store.
For example, if you frequently buy groceries at Target, you could earn 2% cash back making purchases online instead.
Shipping to the store is always free, and in certain locations, they’ll even bring it to your car for you!
Sound like a plan? Sign up through a cash-back site like Ebates, then shop like you normally would. You’ll even get a $10 welcome bonus just for signing up!
Potential Savings: 2%
5. Catch Big Savings at Walmart
Because it’s so confident its prices can’t be beat, Walmart has created an app allowing you to quickly compare prices and get money back if a lower one is found.
It’s called the Walmart Savings Catcher.
Once you download it, all you have to do is scan your Walmart receipt.
The app automatically searches the advertised prices of nearby competitors. If it discovers something is cheaper elsewhere, it automatically sends you an e-gift card for the difference.
How easy is that?
Potential Savings: Totally depends — these reporters saved 13%
Saving money on groceries doesn’t have to be complicated — or time-consuming. Follow these tips, and you could be saving up to 50% before you know it!
