As a Southern gal that grew up on home-cooked meals and can throw down in the kitchen, I make it a priority to cook a couple of times a week. Because of that and due to the fact that I am easily influenced by Pinterest recipes, I tend to find myself spending a lot of time and money at the grocery store.
To be totally honest, I probably go to the grocery store at least 3 times a week. Last year is when I realized that I had a serious grocery shopping problem. I was going grocery shopping 4-5 times a week and I was unmarried with zero kids. Just imagine how much freaking money I was spending! When I realized that I had a problem, I decided to find help with grocery shopping saving, and productivity apps. Within this past year, I have tried almost every free grocery shopping app that's on the iOS market, some free and some paid.
If you're frugal like me, saving money off your grocery bill is an ongoing challenge. Although there are ways to save money while grocery shopping, you probably don't have the time, energy, or patience to clip coupons out of the newspaper, compare paper ads, or scour the internet and newspaper for sales.
Fortunately for you, your mobile device can make grocery shopping less stressful and easier for you to keep a couple of coins in your pocket with just a few clicks.
Here are my top 3 apps that I believe can help you save money because they have each helped me.
1.Checkout 51
Price: Free
Why you should use it: This an app that partners with brands to bring its members some of the best rebates without the hassle. You can use this app to save money on groceries by snapping a picture of your receipt and earning cash back for qualifying purchases.
How to get it: This app is available on iOS and Android
2.Grocery IQ
Price: Free
Why you should use it: With this app you can create grocery lists by typing in your desired items or using voice search. While you are creating your list, coupons will show up that you can use to save more money. You can also clip and print coupons using this app and sync your Grocery IQ account with your favorite store's loyalty card to get more savings.
How to get it: This app is available on iOS and Android
3.Flipp
Price: Free
Why you should use it: This is my favorite app for 2016 so far. Flipp has access to flyers from over 800 retails stores and helps you save money by providing the sales and associated coupons. By typing in a zip code or your current location, you can view the latest flyers and coupons, and easily save them to a list on the app. You can also create an easy shopping list and find sale items while creating the list. Last but not least, Flipp will even notify you when your coupons or sale ads that you saved are expiring.
How to get it: This app is available on iOS and Android
*BONUS*
Want more tips on saving money on groceries? Check out the bonus gems below!
1. Make a list:
Always go to the grocery store with a plan. Write down what you need before you get to the store and avoid adding to the list once you get there. This will help you stay away from impulse buying and will help you save money and time.
2. Price match:
At Walmart and Target you can price match (this will save you time and money because you can possibly get your entire grocery list at one location). Using an app like Flipp can make price-matching very easy.
3. Get a rain check:
Stop settling for “we ran out of what you want" when you go to the store. For many on-sale items, rain checks can be given but you have to ask for one. Most grocery stores won't offer them freely. If you're at the store and they run out of the advertised special, go to the customer service counter and request a rain check and ask when they will be restocked. A rain check means they will let you buy the advertised item at the sale price when the item has been restocked.
What are some your tips on saving money at the grocery store? Share with us below!
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It's easy for couples to fall into a routine, going through the motions and letting their connection sit on autopilot. While comfort is natural in a long-term relationship, it’s important to remember: that what you don’t nurture, eventually fades. So, why not make 2025 the year you reset your relationship? Here’s how to start the year with a renewed bond, reigniting the spark that brought you together.
Step 1: Schedule Your Reset Meeting
The first step to hitting the reset button is a State of the Union meeting with your partner. This is your chance to take a pulse on the relationship, discuss what's working, and identify areas that need attention. It’s all about creating space to reflect, without distractions.
Grab a pen and paper (or open a shared note on your phone) and come prepared to share your top 2-3 desires for your relationship.
What do you both want to feel more of in 2025? Maybe it’s feeling more appreciated, or perhaps you want to reignite the passion you had when you first started dating. Whatever it is, get clear about it, and make sure both of you are on the same page.
This isn’t just about listing your own wants, it’s also about discussing ways to nurture each other’s needs. Relationship goals should be focused on fostering deeper intimacy, trust, and mutual respect. Use this time to check in, not only with each other but with your individual feelings and expectations. Set the foundation for a fulfilling year ahead.
Alistair Berg/Getty ImagesStep 2: Set A Date (Or Multiple!)
Having the meeting is only the first step. Now, it’s time to take action. One of the simplest ways to breathe new life into a relationship is by reintroducing consistent, intentional time spent together. For many couples, life gets busy, and date nights fall by the wayside. But dating doesn’t stop when you say "I do"—in fact, it’s even more essential.
During your reset meeting, lock in a regular date night that works for both of your schedules. This could be a weekly dinner date or an every-other-week adventure—whatever keeps things fresh. The goal is consistency. It’s easy to push date nights aside when life gets hectic, but if you set a specific date each week or month, you’re making your relationship a priority.
If you’re unsure what to do for your date nights, don’t worry! The key is creating new experiences together. This is what sparks excitement and brings you closer as a couple. Whether it’s cooking a new recipe together, trying a dance class, or exploring a nearby town, it’s about creating shared memories that build your connection.
Getty ImagesStep 3: Find an Accountability Partner
Just like you might have a personal trainer to help you crush your fitness goals, an accountability partner for your relationship can do wonders for keeping both of you on track. Consider hiring a marriage coach or therapist—someone who can meet you where you are and guide you in strengthening your relationship.
When selecting a professional, it’s important to choose someone who truly wants the best for your marriage and can provide actionable advice.
Don’t be afraid to set high standards for your relationship, and seek guidance on how to keep it thriving for the long haul. In your reset meeting, discuss your commitment to growth, and be honest about areas where you may need support.
Marriage isn’t a set-it-and-forget-it endeavor—it’s an ongoing process. Regular check-ins with a professional can help keep your relationship in tip-top shape and “divorce-proof” by addressing issues before they become insurmountable.
DMP/ Getty ImagesStep 4: Try Something New Together
Stale routines can easily make a relationship feel monotonous. Spice things up by trying something new! Couples that explore new activities and create new memories together have stronger, more fulfilling bonds.
My husband and I host one of the top luxury marriage retreats, A Weekend For Love, designed to help couples experience new things together. From couples' workshops to outdoor adventures, the retreat provides a platform to rediscover each other and reconnect on a deeper level.
The element of surprise can reignite your connection. It’s exciting, fresh, and shows your partner that you’re committed to growing together. This doesn’t have to be a huge commitment—it could be as simple as trying a new hobby or planning an impromptu weekend getaway.
Your Relationship Should Be A Priority
As you start the year with personal goals in mind, don’t forget the importance of nurturing your relationship. It’s easy to get caught up in work, fitness, and family obligations, but your bond with your partner deserves to be at the top of your list. Resetting your relationship offers an opportunity to reignite that spark and remind each other why you fell in love in the first place.
In 2025, make a commitment to prioritize your partnership, to nurture it daily, and to invest in its growth. Take time to celebrate each other’s victories, support one another’s dreams, and build a foundation of love and respect. When you start the year with a clear focus on your relationship, you’re setting it up for success.
So, before you start mapping out your new workout plan or work goals, do yourself a favor: put your relationship at the top of that list. Your love story deserves a fresh start, too.
Happy New Year, and here’s to a love-filled 2025!
Couples, if you are ready to do the work and invest in your relationship register for A Weekend For Love: Heart Retreat Feb 21-23, 2025.
Featured image by zamrznutitonovi/Getty Images
