Grocery shopping can easily eat up a big portion of your monthly budget, but with a little strategy and planning, you can make your dollars stretch further. In this article, we’ll explore key tips for maximizing your grocery budget while still filling your cart with healthy and delicious food.

1. Plan Your Meals: One of the easiest ways to save money at the grocery store is to plan your meals for the week ahead of time. Create a meal plan based on what you already have in your pantry and fridge to minimize food waste. Once your meals are planned, make a shopping list and stick to it. This prevents impulse buys that can quickly add up.

2. Shop with a List and Stick to It: Create a detailed shopping list based on your meal plan, and try not to deviate from it. This will help you avoid buying unnecessary items that you might not need or use. When you don’t have a list, it’s easy to fall into the trap of picking up snacks or convenience foods that can drain your budget.

3. Buy in Bulk: Buying staples like rice, pasta, beans, and oats in bulk can save you a lot of money in the long run. Look for bulk bins at your local store or consider visiting a warehouse store like Costco. Just be sure to only buy what you can use within a reasonable time frame to avoid spoilage.

4. Take Advantage of Sales and Coupons: Look for sales, coupons, or cashback apps (like Ibotta) before heading to the store. Many grocery stores have weekly sales that can help you save on commonly purchased items. Stock up on non-perishable items when they’re on sale to save in the long run.

5. Buy Generic or Store Brands: Store brands often offer the same quality as name-brand products but at a fraction of the price. From pantry staples to dairy and frozen goods, opting for generic or store brands can significantly lower your grocery bill.