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Ever wish saving money at the store could be easier? Good news—it can, thanks to this grocery store savings hack. It’s something I use all the time, and you’d be surprised how much you can save with just one simple tip.

Add this to your guide to simple living so you can refer to it anytime you need a refresher course on saving money at the grocery store.

I realized a long time ago that the easiest way to save money is to simply avoid going into the stores. Sounds almost too easy, doesn’t it? But here’s the deal—those “quick trips” can quietly sabotage your monthly budget before you even notice. It’s not just the gas you waste; it’s all those impulse buys you didn’t plan for and probably don’t even need.

Why Impulse Purchases Are Budget Busters

We’ve all been there. You head into the store to grab just a few things, and somehow you leave with a cart full of extras you didn’t plan on buying. Maybe it’s the candy bars at checkout, a seasonal holiday display, or a flashy discount on snacks you weren’t even craving. It all adds up.

Those deals might seem tempting, but if you didn’t actually need them, it’s just wasted money. Impulse buys have a sneaky way of eating up your grocery budget. Studies even show that aimless browsing all the aisles leads to spending far more than sticking to a list.

And when your grocery store also stocks household items, clothes, or toys? Forget about sticking to a budget! It’s easy to get distracted. I’ve lost count of how many times I’ve gone in for “just a few things” and walked out with more than a dozen bags.

Grocery Store Savings Hack

You might not expect this, but my go-to grocery savings hack is using store pickup. It’s seriously a game-changer—not just for keeping your spending in check but also for taking the stress out of shopping.

When you shop from home, there’s no temptation to grab unnecessary items or fall for those “deals” calling your name in the aisle. Even the smallest impulse buys can throw your budget completely off track.

And hey, maybe you’re already using store pickup. But this guide? It’s here to help you level up. You’ll find simple ways to master this hack, see why it’s such a win, and snag some smart tips to save even more while you’re at it.

Tips for Shopping Online

Before you fire up your computer, there are a couple of things you can do to make your shopping quicker and easier. Stores are experts at tempting you to grab extras, even online, so having a solid plan and routine can save you both time and money.

1. Start with a Solid List

Having a list is key, even when you’re shopping from home. Start by thinking about the meals you want to make for the week. Check your pantry and freezer for ingredients you already have and jot down what’s missing. Then, add breakfast staples, snacks, produce, and other go-to items you eat regularly. Sticking to this list helps you avoid getting sidetracked by extras you don’t actually need.

If you are not a fan of meal planning, get our tips on how to make a weekly menu that will quickly have you converted!

2. Take Advantage of Online Filters

Most grocery store websites and apps come with handy filters that let you sort by price, brand, or even dietary preferences. These tools make it easy to spot sales, snag the best deals, and skip all that aimless scrolling.

3. Double-Check for Discounts

One of the great things about online grocery shopping is snagging online-only discounts or promo codes. Many stores have digital coupons right on their websites or apps, but they’re not always easy to spot. To make sure you don’t miss out, take a moment to read through the page and keep an eye out for any boxes you can check to unlock a discount.

4. Double-Check Your Cart Before You Check Out

Even when you’re shopping online, impulse buys can still sneak into your cart. To keep these in check, take a moment to review everything before you buy. Go through each item and ask yourself, “Do I really need this, or is it something I’ll forget about or regret later?” A quick reality check can save you money and prevent unnecessary clutter.

Living simply means focusing on having just what you need, cutting down on clutter, chaos, or unnecessary extras. That mindset applies even when grocery shopping—what you choose to buy truly makes a difference.

Stores That Offer Great Online Discounts

Some stores are better than others when it comes to online savings, and here are a few of our top picks.

• Walmart: Look out for digital-only coupons and promo codes, especially for pickup orders. Their app also highlights rollback deals to save you even more.
• Kroger: Known for its exclusive digital coupons, Kroger also offers weekly online specials when you shop through their app.
• Target: With Target’s Drive Up service, you’ll often find discounts available only in the Target app. Combine these with Cartwheel offers for even bigger savings.
• Safeway/Albertsons: These stores feature club card prices, and many of these deals are exclusively available for online pickup orders.

SLCG Pro Tip: You may need to add extra items to your cart to unlock a discount. Just make sure those extras are things you actually need before you hit “buy”.

Best Times to Schedule Pickups

With pickup becoming more popular, timing your order just right can save you from unnecessary waiting. Here are some tips to help you pick the best time:

Mid-Morning or Early Afternoon

Evenings and weekends are usually the busiest times for pickups. If your schedule allows, go for a mid-morning or early afternoon slot on a weekday. It’s a simple trick to avoid the rush and get your order faster.

Avoid Holidays & Payday Weekends

These times are busy for everyone, including online shoppers, so stores are often packed, and pickup wait times can be longer. Stick to weekdays whenever possible.

Plan Ahead

Many stores offer the option to book your pickup days in advance. Use this feature to grab a quieter time slot and make your errands stress-free.

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Tips for a Smooth Pickup Experience

Not all pickups are the same, but a little prep on your end can make things easier for everyone involved. Here are some tips to ensure a smooth pickup:

Check Your Notifications

Most stores will text or send you an app notification when your order is ready. Wait for that alert before heading over to avoid unnecessary wait times.

Park in the Right Spot

Follow the instructions in your confirmation email or app and park in the designated loading zones. This helps store associates find your car quickly.

Keep Your Phone Handy

Have your phone within reach just in case the store needs to call about substitutions or to confirm you’ve arrived.

Make Room in Your Car

Clear out your trunk or backseat so there’s plenty of space for your items. A little prep goes a long way in making loading fast and easy.

Double-Check Your Order

Before you leave, take a quick moment to glance through your items to make sure everything’s there. It’s easier to fix an issue on the spot.

Store pickup is a simple yet powerful grocery store savings hack that can save you big both with your time and your wallet. By skipping the aisles and sticking to your list, you avoid the trap of impulse buys, making it easier to keep your budget in check. With a little planning and the tips shared above, you can streamline shopping, save money, and even make your life a little easier.

More Money Saving Tips

• Old Fashioned Money Saving Tips
• How to Make Grocery Shopping Easier
• 6 Mistakes to Avoid When Grocery Shopping