Let’s be real—every time you hit the checkout line, it feels like your bank account is doing a trust fall. Groceries, household items, personal care products—these essentials add up fast. But with smart shopping strategies, you can fight back against rising costs and save big on the stuff you need every day.

In 2023, U.S. households spent an average of $5,259 on groceries, and the prices keep creeping up. Inflation may be cooling off, but the pain at the register is real. Fortunately, with the right hacks and mindset, you don’t have to sacrifice quality to save some serious cash. We’re diving deep into how you can stretch your dollar on everyday essentials without feeling like you’re living in an episode of Extreme Cheapskates.

1. Master the Art of Coupons (No, It’s Not Just for Grandma)

For those of you rolling your eyes at the thought of clipping coupons, hear me out. This isn’t about collecting thousands of little paper squares and hoarding them in an old shoebox. Thanks to apps and digital coupons, you can save big with just a few taps on your phone.

Top Couponing Apps You Should Be Using

• Coupons.com: This app is a goldmine of free, printable coupons for everything from groceries to household items.
• Ibotta: Offers cashback on everyday purchases, from groceries to clothing. All you have to do is snap a photo of your receipt.
• Honey: Automatically applies discount codes to online purchases—basically free money while you shop.
• Fetch Rewards: Earn points for every receipt you scan, then cash them in for gift cards.

The trick with coupons is knowing how and when to use them. Stack coupons with store sales for maximum savings. Also, make sure you’re only buying what you need—just because you have a coupon for triple fudge brownies doesn’t mean they need to be in your pantry (unless you’re having a bad week, in which case, treat yourself).

2. Buy in Bulk—But Don’t Go Overboard

Bulk buying can be a money-saving beast, but it’s a double-edged sword. Costco and Sam’s Club might seem like the Holy Grail of deals, but that 20-pound bag of quinoa isn’t doing you any favors if it’s collecting dust in your pantry.

When Bulk Buying Makes Sense

• Items with a long shelf life (think rice, pasta, canned goods).
• Non-perishable household items like toilet paper, laundry detergent, and soap.
• Products you go through regularly, like coffee or diapers.

The rule of thumb? Only buy in bulk if you’re 100% sure you’ll use everything before it expires. Otherwise, you’re just throwing money down the drain. According to a 2021 study, the average American wastes about $1,500 per year on food that ends up in the trash. That’s a ridiculous amount of money you could be saving by being more mindful of what you buy.

3. Use Price Comparison Tools

Thanks to the wonders of technology, you no longer have to drive from store to store trying to find the best deal. Apps like Shopify’s CompareApps or PriceGrabber do the heavy lifting for you. These tools scan different retailers and show you the best prices in real-time.

Before you buy anything—whether it’s a gallon of milk or a new vacuum—check the price at a few different stores. You’d be shocked at how much prices can fluctuate. In fact, a 2022 report showed that consumers can save an average of 10-20% just by comparing prices across multiple stores.

4. Don’t Sleep on Store Brands

I get it, name brands are comforting. They’ve been around forever, and we assume that the higher price means higher quality. But here’s a little secret: many store brands are made by the same manufacturers as the big-name brands—they’re just slapped with different packaging. By opting for store brands, you can save up to 25% on groceries without sacrificing quality.

Stores like Trader Joe’s, Aldi, and Costco are known for their high-quality private label products that rival—and sometimes exceed—the quality of their name-brand counterparts. A Statista survey revealed that 70% of consumers are willing to buy private-label products because of their affordability and quality.

5. Plan Your Meals—And Shop With a List

It’s amazing how much money we throw away because we’re disorganized. Walking into a grocery store without a plan is like going into battle without armor. You’re bound to get hit (in this case, by impulse purchases). In fact, studies show that Americans spend up to $5,400 per year on impulse buys. Yikes.

How to Create a Smart Grocery List

• Plan your meals for the week before heading to the store.
• Stick to recipes that use overlapping ingredients to minimize waste.
• Write down every single item you need—and don’t deviate from the list.

By sticking to a meal plan and grocery list, you can avoid unnecessary purchases and reduce food waste. It’s also a great way to keep yourself from indulging in those overpriced snacks that seem to jump into your cart when you’re hungry.

6. Embrace Cashback Credit Cards

If you’re paying full price every time you swipe your card, you’re doing it wrong. Cashback credit cards offer you a percentage of your spending back in the form of rewards. Depending on the card, you can earn between 1-5% cashback on purchases like groceries, gas, or even household items.

Best Cashback Cards for Everyday Essentials

• Chase Freedom Flex: Earn 5% cashback on rotating categories like groceries and drugstores.
• Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express: Get 6% cashback on groceries, plus 3% on gas.
• Citi® Double Cash Card: 2% cashback on all purchases—1% when you buy and another 1% when you pay off your balance.

Just make sure to pay your balance in full each month to avoid interest fees. If used correctly, a cashback card can be like a tiny little bonus on every dollar you spend—just for doing your usual shopping.

7. Sign Up for Store Loyalty Programs

Loyalty programs are often overlooked, but if you’re not using them, you’re leaving money on the table. Most grocery stores, pharmacies, and even big-box retailers have free loyalty programs that reward you with discounts, cashback, or points for future purchases.

Top Loyalty Programs You Should Be Enrolled In

• Kroger Fuel Points: Earn points on groceries that you can use to get discounts on gas.
• Target Circle: Offers 1% back on every purchase, plus exclusive discounts and early access to sales.
• Walmart+: For $12.95/month, you get free delivery and fuel discounts.

When combined with coupons and sales, loyalty programs can save you hundreds of dollars a year. According to a 2022 study by Loyalty360, members of loyalty programs save an average of 5-10% on their purchases. That may not seem like much, but it adds up over time, especially if you’re a regular shopper at places like Target or Walmart.

8. The Power of Subscriptions—But Only for What You Actually Use

Subscription services like Amazon’s “Subscribe & Save” can be a great way to save money on products you use regularly. When you subscribe, you get a small discount (typically around 5-15%) on items like toiletries, paper products, or pantry staples. The key is to make sure you’re only subscribing to things you actually use—and canceling the subscription if your needs change.

A quick way to avoid subscription overload? Set calendar reminders to review your subscriptions every few months. That way, you can easily pause or cancel services before they turn into money pits. As of 2023, the average American spends $273 per month on subscription services—that’s $3,276 per year! Make sure you’re not part of that statistic by only keeping subscriptions that truly save you money.

9. Shop the Perimeter of the Store

This old-school trick is still relevant. The perimeter of most grocery stores is where you’ll find fresh produce, dairy, meats, and bakery items—basically, the essentials. The middle aisles? That’s where all the processed, overpriced junk food lives.

By sticking to the perimeter, not only do you save money by avoiding impulse snack buys, but you’re also more likely to make healthier choices. It’s a win-win.

Final Thoughts: Saving Money on Everyday Essentials Is Easier Than You Think

With inflation still messing with our wallets, getting smart about how we shop for everyday essentials is a no-brainer. From using digital coupons and loyalty programs to getting strategic with bulk buying, there are tons of ways to trim down your spending without feeling like you’re making huge sacrifices.

Ready to stop letting your essentials run your budget? Try out a few of these tips and watch the savings add up. Whether it’s stacking coupons or finding the perfect cashback card, these hacks will make you feel like you’re winning the money game—one grocery trip at a time.