How I Save $150/Month on Food Without Couponing or Going Full Meal Prep Mode

There’s something about grocery shopping that used to always get away from me.

I’d walk in with one or two meals in mind, throw a bunch of “maybe I’ll use this” items in the cart, and end up overspending without solving the “what’s for dinner?” problem.

So, I stopped trying to be perfect about it and started focusing on what actually worked.

Now I use a handful of simple tools and habits that help me eat well, stress less, and spend less, without going full-on meal prep girlie or clipping coupons for hours.

Here’s what’s been saving me roughly $150/month (sometimes more):

1. I Use Rakuten for Groceries I Was Already Buying

I signed up for Rakuten using someone else’s referral link (because why not get the $30 bonus?) and I got cash back after my very first grocery haul from Walmart. It felt weirdly easy, but it worked.

Now anytime I shop online, whether it’s for groceries, pantry staples, or kitchen finds, I check Rakuten first. Most of the stores I already use (like Target, Thrive Market, even a few Amazon categories) give me cash back without me doing anything extra.

If you haven’t tried it, you can sign up using my referral link here. it’s free, and you’ll get a $30 bonus too when you shop through it.

It’s one of the quiet little things that helps stretch my food budget without me having to think too hard.

2. I Use a Meal Plan When I’m Too Tired to Think

There are weeks when I just want someone else to decide what I’m eating.

That’s where the $5 Meal Plan comes in. It sends me a full week’s worth of easy meals and a shopping list every Sunday, and even if I don’t use every recipe, it gives me structure I can tweak. I pick 3 or 4 meals I like, cross off what I don’t, and keep moving.

If you’re the type who likes someone else to take the wheel, it’s worth it. I signed up for $5/month and it easily saves me triple that in last-minute takeout and “Ugh, I’ll just grab something” moments.

3. But Some Weeks, I Like to Plan Things Myself

Sometimes I’m in the mood to sit down, scroll a few ideas, and plan my own thing.

That’s why I created a simple printable meal planner that helps me map out my week without getting overwhelmed. I keep it low-pressure: just dinners and a flexible shopping list. No micromanaging, no 20-step recipes.

I made the same planner available in The Easy Plate shop in case you’re like me and just need something visual and calming to work from. This planner comes with a 30-day healthy eating challenge to make things for fun.

4. I Don’t “Meal Prep” — I Just Cook a Little Extra

I don’t do the whole “10 containers in the fridge” thing. But when I cook, I make a little more.

If I’m roasting sweet potatoes, I’ll throw in extras for wraps later. If I’m cooking rice, I double it and use it for something else two days later.
It’s not a system, just a small way to save time and avoid the takeout trap.

The Little Things Add Up

I’m not an expert. I just got tired of spending more than I needed, stressing more than I wanted, and never feeling in control of my meals.

So I found a rhythm:

• Use Rakuten when I shop

• Let $5 Meal Plan do the thinking when I can’t

• Use my own printable when I want to plan mindfully

• Cook enough for leftovers and keep it simple

And over time? My grocery bills got smaller. My fridge got more manageable.
And my dinners? Still delicious.

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