Here are 20 real-life, totally doable ways to save money every month—especially if you shop at places like Target, Walmart, Costco, or your local grocery store. These aren’t extreme couponing tactics—just smart, home-spun habits that can add up fast. You can easily trim $1,000 off your monthly spending without turning into a penny-pinching drill sergeant. You just need a little strategy.

1. Plan Your Meals (and Stick to the List)

Impulse buys are the budget’s worst enemy. Without a plan, it’s easy to wander the aisles grabbing whatever looks good in the moment.

But when you plan your meals, you buy only what you need—and use what you already have. Start by taking inventory of your fridge, freezer, and pantry. Then map out five or six dinners (leave room for leftovers or breakfast-for-dinner nights). Write your grocery list based only on what’s missing.

Meal planning can easily shave $200–$300 off your monthly grocery bill, especially when you reuse ingredients across multiple meals. A rotisserie chicken becomes tacos one night and soup the next. A bag of rice stretches for stir-fry, burrito bowls, and side dishes.

I spoke with Theresa Thompson, from Roanoke, VA, who has 3 kids and used to spend upwards of $800 a month on groceries. “We’d go to the store without a plan and just toss things into the cart,” Theresa admits. “It felt like we were constantly buying food but still had ‘nothing to make for dinner.’”

That changed when they committed to weekly meal planning and she saves roughly $450 each month. Every Sunday, Theresa takes 15 minutes to jot down five dinner ideas using what they already have at home—like frozen chicken thighs or a half-used jar of pesto. Then she builds a grocery list around the meals, double-checking the pantry and fridge to avoid duplicates.

PRO TIP: SHOP YOUR KITCHEN FIRST

Shop your pantry and freezer before making your list. You may already have half the ingredients for dinner, and that’s money you don’t need to spend.

Building meals around what you already own not only saves money—it also helps reduce waste. For example, if you’ve got a half-full jar of marinara and some pasta hanging out in the cupboard, you’re already halfway to dinner.

This one simple habit can shave $20–$50 off your weekly grocery bill—without clipping a single coupon.

See Also: 6 “Frugal” Grocery Budget Hacks That Will Save You Big

2. Use Pickup Orders to Dodge Impulse Buy

The Costco bakery section smells good for a reason—and it’s not just to make you hungry. Stores are designed to get you to spend more, and we all fall for it.

One simple workaround? Use online grocery pickup at Walmart, Target, Kroger, or your local store. You shop from home, stay focused on your list, and avoid the temptation of end-cap deals and eye-level marketing tricks.

Pickup also helps you track your total in real time, so you can adjust your cart before checking out. If you’re over budget, it’s much easier to remove a couple of non-essentials online than when you’re in line at the register.

I chatted with Jennifer Miller, a mom of two from Ohio, used to dread her weekly grocery run. “I’d walk into Target for a few things and come out $100 over budget,” she laughs. “The worst part? Half of it was stuff we didn’t even need—like seasonal candles or random snacks my kids grabbed.”

In an effort to stick to their $150 weekly grocery budget, Jennifer decided to give Walmart pickup a try. “It felt weird at first not going into the store, but within a couple of weeks, I realized how much money we were saving,” she says.

PRO TIP: “SORT BY UNIT” IS YOUR FRIEND

If you’re shopping online (especially at places like Walmart or Target), don’t just go for the cheapest price you see—click that little “sort by unit price” option instead. It’s like turning on your money-saving flashlight.

Why? Because a big ol’ jar of peanut butter might cost more upfront, but when you break it down by the ounce, it’s usually way cheaper than buying the smaller size. Same goes for cereal, coffee, pasta, you name it.

Think of it like buying in bulk WITHOUT needing a giant warehouse membership. This is one of those little tricks my family uses that adds up big over time.

See Also: 9 Freaking Awesome Ways to Save at Walmart

3. Switch to Store Brands—Especially at Walmart and Target

We all have brand loyalties, but they often come at a price. Store brands like Target’s Good & Gather and Walmart’s Great Value offer quality products at a fraction of the cost.

Many store-brand items—especially staples like canned goods, pasta, spices, and dairy—are made in the same facilities as their name-brand counterparts.

Swapping out 10–15 items per grocery trip for store-brand alternatives can save you $20–$30 a week, or up to $120 a month without changing what you eat.

I spoke with Jordan Parker from San Diego, mom of 4, who love the Kirkland brand at Costco. She told me they swapped out paper towels, dog food, peanut butter, pasta, shredded cheese, and even laundry detergent. Not only did the quality hold up, but it often exceeded expectations.

Now, they regularly replace 12 to 15 name-brand items with the Kirkland version on each warehouse trip, trimming about $25–30 a week off their bill. That’s more than $100 a month in savings without changing what or how they eat.

PRO TIP: THE PROOF IS IN THE PUDDING

Do a blind taste test with your family. Try store-brand cereal, peanut butter, or frozen pizza next to your usual brand.

If no one notices a difference, you’ve just found your new go-to and saved a bundle.

See Also: Highly Clever Ways to Save Cash at Kroger

4. Avoid Midweek Grocery Runs

Quick trips to the store often become expensive detours. You run in for milk and walk out with chips, soda, and a candle you didn’t need.

Those $15–$30 extra trips add up fast. Consolidate your shopping into one big trip each week and plan meals carefully to reduce the urge to make extra stops.

Not only will you save money, but you’ll also save time, gas, and decision fatigue.

PRO TIP: CURB YOUR TEMPTATIONS

If you really need to stop for one item, take only a small amount of cash or a store gift card with a limited balance. No card, no wallet, no temptations.

It’s like grocery blinders. You head in, get what you came for, and head right back out—with your budget still intact. My aunt used to say, “Money doesn’t burn a hole in your pocket if it never makes it to the store in the first place.”

5. Split Costco or Sam’s Club Memberships With Family

Warehouse clubs are fantastic for buying in bulk, but not everything is a good deal—and those annual memberships can feel steep.

Split the cost with a sibling, neighbor, or friend and shop together or alternate trips.

You can also split large purchases like giant containers of olive oil, bulk meat, or 36-roll toilet paper packs. Not only do you save money, but you also reduce waste and clutter in your pantry.

PRO TIP: STICK TO THE STAPLES

Stick to high-value staples like toilet paper, paper towels, pet food, baking supplies, and frozen vegetables at warehouse clubs.

Skip the impulse buys like $70 patio heaters or tubs of gourmet popcorn—unless it’s a planned treat.

See Also: If You’re Not Using These Costco Hacks…You’re Overspending

6. Rotate “No Spend” Days Each Week

Also from the Thompson family, that I talked with in tip #1, they designate one or two “no spend” days per week to lower their costs.

Theresa told me that their budget was getting “nickeled and dimed”—$5 on coffee here, $12 on takeout there, a quick Amazon order before bed. It didn’t feel like much in the moment, but by the end of the month, it added up fast.

That’s when they started trying “no spend” days—just one or two days a week where they made a conscious decision not to spend anything. No drive-thru coffee, no gas unless it was an emergency, no online impulse buys. Instead, they’d cook with what was already in the pantry, pack leftovers for lunch, or find free entertainment like movie night at home or a family walk.

The key, she found, was planning ahead. If Wednesday was a no-spend day, they’d make sure the car had gas and meals were planned the night before. Over time, these little pauses in spending helped them break the cycle of constant consumption.

Now, they average six to eight no-spend days per month—and they’re saving around $175 a month just by skipping those little “nonessential” expenses.

PRO TIP: MAKE IT A GAME

Turn it into a family challenge. Mark “no spend” days on the calendar, and if the whole household sticks to it, celebrate with a home movie night or picnic using things you already have.

You’ll not only save money, but make memories too.

7. Use Cashback Apps for Everyday Purchases

You’re already buying groceries—why not get some of that money back? Cashback apps like Ibotta, Fetch, and Upside give you real money or gift cards in exchange for scanning your receipts or linking your loyalty cards.

Some even offer bonuses for purchasing specific items you already buy.

In just a few minutes a week, you can earn $10–$40 a month in rewards, depending on your shopping habits.

PRO TIP: STACK YOUR SAVINGS

Here’s how it works: say a box of cereal is on sale for $2.99. That’s already a pretty decent price. But if you’ve got a cashback offer through an app like Ibotta or Fetch, you might get another $1 back just for snapping a photo of your receipt.

Now you’re looking at a $1.99 box of name-brand cereal—cheaper than most store brands, and you didn’t even have to clip a paper coupon.

And don’t sleep on the clearance shelf either—sometimes you can stack cashback deals on already-marked-down items. It takes just a minute or two to check your app before or after you shop.

8. Join Free Loyalty Programs

Most major retailers have free loyalty programs that offer discounts, points, or exclusive coupons.

Target Circle, for example, provides personalized deals and birthday rewards. Many grocery stores also offer member-only pricing or gas points.

These programs require little effort—just sign up once and scan your phone or card at checkout.

Download the store’s app and activate digital coupons before you shop. Even a few $1.00-off offers each trip can add up to $20–$50 in savings monthly.

9. Batch Errands to Save on Gas and Temptation

“We realized most of our unplanned purchases were happening on ‘quick stops’,” says Carlos Rodriguez, dad to 2 teenagers. “Now that we go out once and get everything we need, we’re spending way less—and wasting less gas.”

Gas isn’t cheap, and neither is the cost of “just running in for one thing.” Plan your errands so you can hit Target, Walmart, and the grocery store in one loop.

Not only will you save on fuel, but you’ll also avoid extra impulse stops throughout the week. Fewer trips = fewer temptations = more money in your pocket.

The results for the Rodriguez family? They fill up the gas tank less often, spend less on unplanned purchases, and reclaim hours of their week. And with fewer chances to be lured by impulse buys, Carlos figures he’s trimmed about $60–$80 a month off their overall spending.

PRO TIP: SHARE YOUR GROCERY LIST

Keep a shared list with your partner or kids using a free app like Google Keep or Notes on your iPhone.

When it’s time to run errands, everything’s in one place, and you’re less likely to forget an item and make a second trip.

10. Stick to a “One Treat Rule” Per Store Trip

Let’s be real—shopping can be fun. But those little “treat yourself” moments add up fast.

Try this: give yourself permission to buy one treat per shopping trip, whether it’s a fancy coffee, a clearance find, or a new lip balm. But just one, and if you’re going to Starbucks, use of my hacks to save some money.

This helps satisfy that urge to splurge without blowing your budget.

PRO TIP: SET A “DOABLE” LIMIT

Set a monthly limit—like $20 in cash or a gift card. Once it’s used up, it’s gone.

You’ll start to weigh each treat more carefully and choose only the best ones.

11. Pre-Game Before Shopping Trips

Never shop on an empty stomach. And never shop when you’re frazzled, rushed, or bored.

These are prime conditions for making unnecessary purchases.

Eat a small snack, hydrate, and review your list before heading out. This 5-minute routine can help you avoid impulse buys and stay focused on your budget.

Keep a “shopping kit” in the car—snacks, water, reusable bags, and even a calculator if you like to keep a running total. Shopping prepared is shopping smart.

12. Pause and Wait 24 Hours Before Big Purchases

Impulse buys over $25 are often emotional purchases, not needs. Make it a rule to wait at least 24 hours before making any big purchase. Save the item in your cart, bookmark the link, or write it down.

Most of the time, you’ll either forget about it—or realize you didn’t need it after all. That’s money saved without any sacrifice.

PRO TIP: COOLING OFF PERIOD

Instead of hitting “Add to Cart” try this: start a “cooling-off” list on your phone. It’s just a simple note where you park those impulse buys for a few days (or even a week). Think of it like putting your wants in time-out.

Then check in weekly to see if the item still feels essential. If it does, and it fits your budget, then buy with confidence.

13. Rethink Bulk Buys: Only Buy What You Use Often

It’s not a deal if it ends up in the trash. While buying in bulk can save money, it only works for items you regularly use.

Skip bulk perishables unless you’re confident you’ll use them in time or can freeze them.

Bulk success comes from knowing your habits and storage space.

PRO TIP: SMART BULK BUYING

Label bulk items with their open date and expiration. Freeze extras if you can.

And don’t forget to check unit prices—sometimes regular-sized items are actually cheaper.

14. Use Gift Cards Strategically

Keep an eye out for gift card promotions—especially during holidays or back-to-school season.

Stores like Target often run “Buy $50, Get $10” gift card deals, and warehouse clubs sell discounted cards year-round.

Buy them ahead and use them like cash for essentials. Treat gift cards like part of your budget, not bonus money. Use them to pay for groceries, paper goods, or back-to-school supplies—things you’d buy anyway.

PRO TIP: BUY GIFT CARDS AT COSTCO

If you’re a Costco member, be sure to always buy your gift cards at Costco because they’re sold at a discount.

For example, you can buy four $25 gift cards ($100 worth) to a variety of stores and restaurants (often local) and typically only pay $74.99 – $79.99 for them, giving you a nice little savings.

15. Audit Your Monthly “Little Extras”

We all have spending leaks—those small, feel-good purchases that fly under the radar.

A $6 latte here, a $12 impulse buy at Target there… multiply that by four weeks, and it could be hundreds of dollars a month.

Track your “extras” for 30 days. Seeing the total might be the wake-up call you need.

PRO TIP: A LIST WITH A TWIST

Keep a “Didn’t Buy It” list. Every time you skip a non-essential, jot it down and tally the total at the end of the month.

You’ll be amazed by your self-control, and more importantly, your savings.

16. Shop at “Rescue” Grocery Stores or Discount Salvage Outlets

These are the places that sell near-expiration, dented-can, or overstock grocery items for pennies on the dollar.

Think of stores like Grocery Outlet (on the West Coast), Ollie’s Bargain Outlet, or independent salvage groceries in your area.

You can score big-name pantry staples, organic snacks, and frozen goods for 50–80% off retail prices.

Also, follow local Facebook groups or Reddit threads to find hidden gem stores near you. Some don’t advertise, but they have major savings if you’re willing to dig.

17. Use a Price Book (Seriously, It’s a Game-Changer)

Create your own personal “price book” — a simple notebook or spreadsheet where you jot down the regular prices of the items you buy most.

Record unit prices by store (Target, Walmart, Costco, grocery store), and over time, you’ll see patterns. This lets you know a true deal when you see one—and avoid falling for fake sales.

PRO TIP: DON’T OVERWHELM YOURSELF

When it comes to your “price book”, only track 15–20 of your top repeat purchases to keep it manageable. Think milk, eggs, cereal, pasta, TP, and laundry detergent.

By keeping tabs on just those go-to items, you’ll start to learn what a good price really looks like. That way, when you see a great deal, you’ll know it’s time to stock up.

And when prices creep up, you’ll catch it early and adjust your meal plan or wait it out.

18. Try a “Pantry Challenge Month”

Pick one month a year where you try to buy as little as possible and eat what you already have. It’s a great way to use up the food in your freezer and pantry, cut grocery bills in half, and reset your spending habits.

PRO TIP: PLAY SURVIVOR IN YOUR OWN HOME

Treat it like a fun survival game. Challenge yourself (or the whole family) to create meals from random items. Turn it into a theme night—“Freezer Friday” or “Canned Goods Casserole”.

19. Stalk Your Local Buy Nothing Group for Household Staples

It might sound wild, but people give away perfectly good food, paper towels, cleaning supplies, and even unopened Costco items in local Buy Nothing and neighborhood freebie groups (especially after moving or decluttering).

You can find half-used detergent, bulk spices, pantry goods, and more—completely free.

PRO TIP: FREE IS YOUR FRIEND

Join your local Buy Nothing Facebook group or Nextdoor community and turn on notifications. Be polite, be fast, and be grateful—it’s like grocery treasure hunting with zero cost.

Simply do a Google search for “TOWN NAME But Nothing Facebook group” and you’ll quickly find a group of likeminded people willing to give you stuff for free, or lend it to you.

20. Make Returns a Weekly Habit (and Reclaim Wasted Money)

We all have that bag in the backseat with a return we forgot to make.

Start a “Return Friday” tradition where you gather up unwanted or unused items from Target, Walmart, or wherever—and actually take them back.

You’ll be shocked how much money you’ve tied up in things you meant to return but never did.

PRO TIP: A SMART “RECEIPT” HACK

Keep your receipts in a dedicated envelope in your glovebox or a zippered pouch in your purse. Returning just $10–$20 worth of items each week adds up to $40–$80 a month in found cash.

Also, many retailers, including Amazon, will let you make a return after the return window has closed, especially if you’re polite and not a habitual returner.

Ask the Reader: What tips/advice would you add to my article? Let me know and I’ll include them if they’re excellent tips.

By Kyle James

Kyle James( Owner/Founder )

I started Rather-Be-Shopping.com in 2000 and have become a consumer expert and advocate writing about out-of-the-box ways to save at stores like Amazon, Walmart, Target and Costco to name a few. I’ve been featured on FOX News, Good Morning America, and the NY Times talking about my savings tips. (Learn more)