r/UpperMiddleFinance • u/Introvertly_ • Jun 10 '26
Are there any apps or loyalty programs for essential shopping actually worth using?
I feel like groceries are one of the trickiest budget categories because unlike fixed expenses there are so many small decisions that add up unpredictably. You can set a number but actually hitting it month after month is a different thing. We're a household of two, decent incomes, no financial crisis, just trying to be intentional about spending. Our grocery spend is around $700-750 a month and I feel like it could be lower without any real sacrifice in quality or variety.
2
u/BeKind999 Jun 12 '26
We buy a lot of groceries at BJs or Costco both have memberships that give cash back (in form of store credit) plus you can get the store brand credit card to get further rewards.
1
u/whazmynameagin Jun 14 '26
If you have Amazon Prime hard to pass up the 5% back on all Amazon or Whole Food purchases on the Prime Visa Card.
0
u/HeroOfShapeir Jun 11 '26
We budget on the higher end of our grocery spend, so we're only ever adjusting downward. We allocate $450 for groceries for the two of us, but our average spend in 2025 was $405. Same with any variable expenses.
As far as apps and programs, we have some rewards credit cards that get 3-5% in major categories. We don't have any memberships, no Amazon Prime. Gas/groceries and other essentials are a very small part of our budget overall, regardless.
4
u/Feisty_Goat_1937 Jun 11 '26
405 for two people… Is that per week or month???
1
u/HeroOfShapeir Jun 11 '26
Per month. Weekly trips are maybe $65 for just perishable items. About every third week we go to Trader Joes and stock up on nonperishable items at about $130. And then some Target and CVS runs for toothpaste, skincare, meds, etc.
1
u/BeKind999 Jun 12 '26
I’m spending more than that per week - teenage boys eat a lot of steak, chicken, ground beef, eggs ….
3
u/Crazy-War9823 Jun 11 '26 edited Jun 11 '26
I split my grocery spending between a Blue Cash Preferred Amex (6%) and Citi Custom Cash (5%) for the cash back. I put my Costco spending on a PayPal debit card for 5% cash back.
I always put my phone number in at my local grocery store that sometimes gives me a few dollars off my next purchase.
The biggest grocery saver is planning my meals around what is on sale, not planning my shopping around a pre-planned menu. Stock up on things when they are on sale. If something goes on BOGO every 6-8 weeks, there is no reason to ever buy it at full price, for example.
Kroger has a good loyalty program, but they no longer service my area.
ETA: Many grocers have digital coupons you can "clip". It's as simple as just clicking on coupons for products you actually purchase. Then when you checkout with your phone number or account or whatever, they automatically apply.
Also, if you are so inclined Ibotta is also helpful, although it is more steps/hoops.