Grocery Savings: Smart Habits That Add Up

This blog post is part of Money Mentors’ Financial Literacy Month 2025 series, Humans of Money Mentors. To find out more, visit our page Financial Literacy Month 2025.

For Week 2 of Financial Literacy Month, hosts Tim St. Vincent and Manraj Waraich sit down with Sharon Hyde, facilitator of Money Mentors’ FRESH Program, to talk about one of the biggest expenses (and biggest opportunities) for Canadians: grocery and food savings.

With food prices continuing to rise, it’s easy to feel like your grocery bill is out of control. But with a few practical changes and some clever planning, it’s possible to stretch your dollar without sacrificing quality or enjoyment.

The Power of a Grocery List

Sharon, who once managed a grocery store and raised six children, knows firsthand the power of planning. “At one point, I had a magnetic board on the fridge listing everything in my cupboards,” she says. “That way, I always knew what I needed before heading to the store, and it saved a great deal of money.”

These days, she even brings technology into the mix. “Now, I just take photos of what’s in my fridge and cupboards and ask AI to create recipes from it. In 30 seconds, it gives me a meal plan and a short grocery list.”

Manraj adds that having a grocery list isn’t just about organization; it’s a proven money saver. “Research shows you can save about 23% on groceries just by shopping with a list. It keeps you focused and helps avoid impulse buys.”

Tim agrees. “When my mom shopped, she used cash and tracked every item with a pen and paper. When the money ran out, that was it. It’s old school, but it still works today for anyone who wants to keep tighter control over spending.”

Shop Smart: Timing, Freezing, and Flexibility

When it comes to saving on food, Sharon has a few insider tricks. “If you can, shop in the evening, especially before a holiday when stores will close. You’ll often find markdowns on meat, dairy, and other perishables,” she explains. “And don’t be afraid to freeze things. Investing in a good vacuum sealer can help you store sale items and reduce waste.”

Tim admits he’s a self-confessed impulse shopper – one reason his wife now takes the lead on groceries. “If you struggle with impulse buying, use tools that limit your spending,” he suggests. “Bring cash or load just the amount you plan to spend on your debit card. It’s almost like having a spending fence around your budget.”

Managing Challenges

Shopping with family can turn grocery trips into a marathon, especially with kids in tow. Sharon remembers those days well. “When I brought my six kids shopping, everyone got a job. Each child was responsible for an aisle, and if they did well, they could pick out a small treat at the end.”

Tim offers another kind of advice: “Sometimes, the best person to leave at home is your partner, especially if they’re the impulse shopper,” he laughs. “Be aware of who you bring with you. It really can make or break your budget.”

And as Manraj points out, timing matters too. “Never go grocery shopping hungry. It sounds simple, but it’s one of the biggest ways to blow your budget.”

Top Grocery Savings Tips

To wrap up, each guest shared their go-to piece of advice:

• Tim: “Be aware of who you’re shopping with. If you know someone’s a high impulse shopper (maybe it’s you), leave them at home.”
• Sharon: “Preparation is everything. Know how much you plan to spend, leave a little room for a good sale, and check in mid-month to track where you’re at.”
• Manraj: “Plan your meals for the week and stick to it. A simple meal plan can save you more than you think.”

Looking Ahead

Stay tuned for next week’s Humans of Money Mentors conversation, where Tim and Manraj will welcome another team member to explore Credit, sharing practical strategies to take control of your debt and build lasting financial stability.

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