Before the month begins, decide how much you’ll spend on groceries. Trust me: Being intentional with your grocery spending is the best way to rack up on grocery savings.

Look back at your spending over the past few months. How much do you usually spend on groceries each month? That’ll give you a starting point. And hey, there’s no set rule for how much you should spend here. You’re looking at around 10–15% of your budget. But that can vary based on family size and dietary restrictions. 

Honestly, this is one of the harder budget lines to get right the first time. But if you use the EveryDollar app, you can easily see how much you’re spending and know at a glance how much is left based on what you’ve budgeted. So, give yourself some grace. In a couple months, you’ll have a solid idea of what this number should be.

Loyalty is a quality you need in friends and puppies—but don’t let your loyalty (or habits) keep you going back to a grocery store you can’t afford. Look online at store promotions. Ask friends where they go and why. (And really listen to those who say they saved hundreds when they switched.) Then get out there and test it in real life.

Meat isn’t cheap! So, try a meatless night (or two) each week to free up some money in the grocery budget. Instead of meat, try other protein options, like beans, lentils, eggs (so cheap!), chickpeas, green peas, quinoa, tempeh or nuts. We’re talking breakfast for dinner with scrambled eggs and whole-wheat pancakes, tons of different salads, and soups that fill your belly without emptying your bank account.

When you order your groceries online, you can track the total cost as you go. Then, if you’re over budget, you can delete items from your virtual cart before you check out. You don’t have to walk through the grocery store with a calculator in hand to make sure you aren’t shocked at the register. You’ll know exactly what you’ll be paying before you complete the order, and you’ll save money avoiding impulse purchases.