Make Money Side Hustles

12 Ways to Tackle High Grocery Costs You Won’t Hear About From Your Grocery Store

A carton of eggs
Last updated Feb. 17, 2026 | By Team FBZ

If you're feeling the pain of high grocery prices, you're not alone.

🚨Inflation is a problem: Data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics shows food prices have exploded from before the pandemic … up over 25.1%!

This means that your cart of groceries, which was $80 in February 2020, now costs you $100.08 — and you feel that struggle every time you check out.

You're no fool: You look for deals, clip coupons, and buy in bulk. But it just doesn't feel like enough.

So what can you do? This list offers ideas to improve your finances outside the grocery store. Read it to ensure that you're not missing out on money — because you can't afford to right now.

Make a list and stick to it

Making a shopping list before you go to the store and sticking to it can prevent impulse purchases. Stores strategically place items to make shoppers want to buy things they wouldn't otherwise.

For example, it's sometimes tempting to grab an overpriced drink or snack at the checkout line, and sales might prompt consumers to purchase goods they don't need.

Avoiding browsing and sticking to your grocery list can save you tens, if not hundreds, of dollars every month.

Ohio Driver? Cancel your car insurance

Driving without car insurance is illegal, but if you do this, you’re not actually breaking the law.

This tool can help you see if you’re overpaying for car insurance in just a few clicks. You’d be shocked by the difference. $159 per month is what they wanted to charge me. I thought that was the best price, don’t even look anywhere else. Right? Wrong.

I used this tool and now I’m able to pay just $47 a month for two cars.1If you want to try this tool and compare and potentially score same-day savings, here’s what to do:

  1. Click the link below and enter your zip code, date of birth, and phone number.
  2. Answer a few questions about your car’s make and model to get matched with top offers.
  3. Choose the best quote for you and lock it in before rates go up.

Compare rates now and see if you could score same-day savings today!

I can hardly believe I waited so long to do this, but I’m glad I finally did. It only took me two minutes. Super fast. You have to trust me on this. Just try it out.

Pay no interest on balance transfers well into 2027 with this no annual fee card

If you're struggling to pay down high interest debt, this might be the exact thing you need. There's a card that allows you to completely pause the interest on balance transfers well into 2027 ... and the best part is that it could be easier than you think.

The Chase Slate®(Rates and fees) is an extremely powerful card that gives you 0% intro APR for an astounding 21 Months on balance transfers (then 18.24% - 28.24% Variable). That's right — you can now transfer crippling high interest debt to this card and let your payments go directly to paying down your balance, without piling on additional interest charges — all with no annual fee.

But it doesn't end there, because this card comes with an additional perk: If you have a large purchase coming up, finance it easily with 0% intro APR for 21 Months on purchases. After the intro period, the APR for balance transfers and purchases is 18.24% - 28.24% Variable. Don't delay — apply for the Chase Slate®, finance the large purchases you've been waiting on, and pay down crippling high interest debt!

Apply now for the Chase Slate®

Opt for generic brands

You may be surprised to find that the generic brands for some items are just as good as the name-brand versions.

Check out the in-store brands for things like cereal, canned goods, snacks, and more. A small change to buy in-store brands can lead to big savings on your grocery bill.

Borrow from your home’s equity (even with a lower credit score)

You could get a good amount of money in your pocket from your home equity. You just need to know where and how to get it.

If your credit score is between 580 to 679, a company called New American Funding could help.

More and more homeowners are getting HELOCs due to how effective they can be. But even with a lower credit score, New American Funding helps you find home equity options to get you out of crippling debt or fund home improvements. All without affecting your mortgage.

If you need money now, it couldn’t be easier to see what you qualify for. Just go to New American Funding, answer a few questions, and check out their personalized options for you.

Visit New American Funding

Get out of $20,000 or more in credit card debt

If you have a lot of debt, getting out of it can feel stressful (and nearly impossible). Here’s the problem: the longer you put off tackling it, the harder it gets to fix. If you don’t take control of it early on, it can add undue stress to your life for years. But what if there was a way to get out of debt once and for all?

TurboDebt2can help. If you have more than $20,000 in debt from credit cards, medical bills, collections, or personal loans, their representatives might be able to assist you in consolidating your debt into one low monthly payment.

Best of all? There are zero fees until your debt is resolved, and you could be debt-free in as little as 24-48 months. To get started, just answer a few simple questions. It only takes 30 seconds to see if you qualify!

Try TurboDebt

Download retailer apps

It can feel like one more thing to manage, but store apps are often where the best savings live. Many retailers put their lowest prices, limited time promos, and app only discounts in one place, so you can spot deals fast and plan your shopping before you check out.

Apps from stores like Kroger, Walmart, and Target can also help you build a list, compare prices, track rewards, and see what’s on sale, so you’re less likely to overspend on impulse buys.

Earn a $200 bonus with this incredible cash back card (no annual fee - do not skip this!)

The Chase Freedom Unlimited®(Rates and fees) lets you earn a $200 bonus after you spend $500 on purchases in your first 3 months from account opening

In addition to the welcome offer, this card lets you earn cash back on everything you buy. Earn 5% cash back on travel purchased through Chase Travel℠, 3% cash back on drugstore purchases and dining at restaurants, including takeout and eligible delivery service and unlimited 1.5% cash back on all other purchases.

And it gets better (really): This card also gives you 0% intro APR on purchases and balance transfers for 15 months. That means you could finance large purchases or pay down high-interest debt for over a year. After the intro period, the APR is 18.24% - 27.74% Variable. Oh, and the annual fee is $0. It's almost a no-brainer to apply. Click below to get started.

Good or excellent credit (typically 670 or higher) is recommended.

Click here to Apply Now to the Chase Freedom Unlimited®

Set up direct deposit and complete qualifying activities - pocket $400

If you aren't banking with Truist, you're missing out on a huge boost of extra cash just by following a few simple steps.

Earn a bonus of $400 when you open a new Truist One Checking account online between October 30, 2025 and March 25, 2026 using promo code AFL400TR1Q425.3To earn the $400 bonus, your account needs to receive at least 2 qualifying direct deposits totaling $2,000 or more and complete 20 qualifying debit card purchase transactions within 120 days of account opening. Terms apply.

This is a great way to supercharge your earnings. It basically takes no extra work at all other than following the steps above. Plus, your new account offers benefits like no overdraft fee and options to avoid a monthly maintenance fee on top of the bonus.

Open your account and earn a $400 bonus

Save potentially $1,000 or more on home insurance

If you want better or more affordable home insurance, there is ONE thing you should never skip in the process of finding a policy: Getting multiple options from a variety of home insurance providers.

Too many homeowners skip this step — not realizing that they could save potentially $1,000s over the lifetime of owning their house just by switching. And yes, you can switch your home insurance at any time.

Provide Home Insurance is a company that matches you with home insurance options from a variety of lenders to meet your home insurance needs … including lower overall cost or better overall coverage.

Just answer a few questions, and they will find options that are right for you. And heads up — the insurance company you choose may call you. Do NOT ignore the call, as they want to work with you to find the best rate possible.

Enter your zip code to get started

O&O Auto Insurance
  • You could save up to $600 with some companies
  • Compare dozens of providers in under 5 minutes
  • Fast, free and easy way to shop for insurance
  • Quickly find the perfect rate for you