How to build a grocery budget for two people and earn rewards
Quick insights
- Setting a monthly spending limit could help you manage your household expenses and reduce food waste.
- Using budgeting methods like the 50/30/20 rule might make it easier to allocate funds for groceries.
- Paying for supermarket trips with a rewards credit card could help you earn points or cash back.
Cooking for two can sometimes feel like a balancing act between buying too much food and not having enough for the week. Creating a spending plan may be a helpful first step in managing your household food expenses. A structured budget and payment method could help you lower your checkout total and potentially earn rewards.
Navigating food costs for two
When you shop for two people, it can be easy to overspend on snacks or duplicate ingredients if you aren't coordinating your lists. You might be wondering how much a two-person household typically spends on food. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Consumer Expenditure Survey, the average U.S. household spent $6,224 on food at home (which includes groceries) in 2024, which breaks down to about $519 per month.
Because every household is different, your budget might depend on your location, dietary needs and dining habits. Establishing a household budget may help you avoid impulse purchases and keep your spending on track. A well-planned budget can be a financial tool that helps prevent overspending and limits food waste.
Popular methods for managing your food expenses
There are a few strategies that might make it easier to figure out how much to spend. The 50/30/20 budget rule is a method that allocates 50% of your income to needs, 30% to wants and 20% to savings. Groceries typically fall into the needs category alongside housing and utilities.
Another common habit involves dedicating about 10% of your take-home pay specifically to groceries. You might consider adjusting these guidelines to fit your unique situation and local grocery costs.
Steps to help build your grocery budget
Creating a plan may help you lower your checkout total while ensuring you have exactly what you need for the week. Here are a few ways to help streamline your budgeting process:
- Tracking your spending: Looking at past receipts can help you see what your household typically spends each month.
- Comparing grocery stores: You might want to explore discount grocers in your area to see if you can find better prices on your favorite items.
- Buying in bulk carefully: Stocking up on pantry staples at wholesale clubs might save money, but you may want to be mindful of expiration dates when shopping for just two people.
- Joining store loyalty programs: Signing up for your local supermarket's loyalty program might give you access to digital coupons and other opportunities to save.
- Planning your meals: Creating a weekly menu and planning ahead could help reduce impulse buys and ensure you only purchase what you need, which may help you save money on groceries.
How to earn rewards on your supermarket trips
Beyond setting a spending limit, the payment method you choose can provide additional value on everyday purchases. Using a rewards credit card can help you earn points or cash back on purchases at the grocery store.
Many credit cards offer bonus categories for supermarkets, allowing you to earn rewards on your groceries. You might consider reviewing your credit card benefits to see how your specific card categorizes grocery purchases. By pairing a budget with a card that rewards your spending, you might make your weekly food prep work harder for your wallet.
In conclusion
A grocery budget can be a helpful tool for managing your monthly expenses. By tracking your spending and planning meals, you might reduce impulse buys and limit food waste. You could also consider paying with a rewards credit card to earn a little something extra on your next supermarket run.
