How to Save Money on Monthly Groceries with GoTyme Bank

These days, the price of groceries can leave many to wonder, “How is everyone affording groceries right now?” That’s because without a well-thought-out strategy for budgeting and shopping, even the most basic items can seem like a luxury. The trick lies in using hacks and tips, along with powerful tools such as GoTyme Bank’s GoalSave account, which helps you save money and get the most out of your grocery shopping.

With GoTyme Bank, one of the world’s fastest-growing digital banks, you can be empowered to put food on the table without breaking the bank. With the right savings account, you can take the strain out of managing your household.

Smart Grocery Shopping: How to cut costs in 2025

With some planning, you’ll be amazed at how you can pay for groceries while building up your savings account. Here are some practical yet simple ways to cut costs in 2025:

• Meal planning is your new bestie: Before you even head out the front door, pull out your notebook and plan your meals for the week. It might seem old-fashioned, but it works for a reason! You’ll protect your purse against impulse buys, and those sneaky snacks won’t stand a chance!
• Pro tip: Keep a note by the fridge to help you keep track of essentials needed as you use.
• Stick to that list like glue: Once you’ve got your meal plan, write a shopping list and stick to it. Discipline is a game-changer.
• Don’t shop hungry—it’s a trap!: To help you stay disciplined, have a light meal or snack before shopping. This simple trick will help you stay focused on your list. Quick in, quick out!
• Buy in bulk, but be smart: Bulk shopping can save you big time if done right. Stock up on non-perishables like rice, pasta, beans, and spices. For meat, buy in bulk and freeze portions for later. Don’t buy perishables in bulk unless you’re catering for many people soon. Pro Tip: Go halfsies with a friend and visit a specialist store such as Makro, where you can buy in bulk and split the goodies.
• Go generic and save big: Name-brand items often have a markup, yet they are often made by the same manufacturers as the big names. Basically, you’re paying extra for fancy packaging. Swap to generics for pantry staples like condiments and canned goods or dairy items like milk and cheese. You can keep your must-have faves, but experiment with generics on stuff you’re not picky about, and you’ll slash your bill without noticing much of a difference.
• Seasonal produce for the win: Grab in-season produce, such as fruits and vegetables as they are fresher and cheaper. Your savings account will thank you!

Tips to reduce grocery waste and save more

One of the best ways to build up your savings is to reduce food waste as much as possible:

1. Do an inventory: Before making your grocery list, take some time to see what you have in your freezer and pantry. Then, use these ingredients to put meals together before heading to the store. You’ll buy only what you need and waste less.
2. Freeze for later: Don’t let leftovers or extras go bad—freeze them! Soups, veggies, and even bread can be saved for later. Portion out bulk buys and you’ll stretch your groceries further while saving cash on future meals.
3. Repurpose like a pro: Turn scraps into something delicious, for example, leftover chicken for stock or overripe bananas for banana bread. It’s a creative way to squeeze every bit of value out of your groceries. Made extra rice? Leftover rice makes delicious egg-fried rice the next day.
4. Compost the scraps: For the scraps that can’t be saved, start a compost bin. It reduces waste, and gives you nutrient-rich soil for a garden—saving even more in the long run.

Must-know grocery shopping hacks for 2025

You can make 2025 the year you hack and nail your grocery shopping by:

• Using loyalty programmes for instant savings: Sign up for Pick n’ Pay Smart Shopper, Woolworths WRewards, and Checkers Xtra Savings. They are free, easy to use, and can add up to significant savings over time.
• Meatless Mondays: Meat is often one of the most expensive items in your cart. Adding meatless meals to your weekly plan can save your pocket from this additional expense. The delicious part? There are so many fun, yummy options that will leave you satisfied.
• Use price comparison tools: Use tools such as PriceCheck to compare prices across Pick n Pay, Woolworths, and Checkers before you shop.
• Support local: You can build relationships with vendors at township or informal markets for discounts on staples such as tomatoes or spinach.
• Grow your own herbs and veggies: This is the ideal year to start a small home garden with herbs, lettuce, or tomatoes using seeds from your favourite supermarket. It’s low-cost, and you’ll be guaranteed fresh, organic produce.
• Join a stokvel: It’s a fantastic way to save money, reduce food costs, and build community, which is perfect for stretching your budget in today’s economy.

How GoTyme Bank helps you stick to a grocery budget

Struggling to stick to your grocery budget? GoTyme Bank’s got your back with invaluable tools that make your grocery budgeting much easier. The app’s real-time notifications help you track every rand, making sure you stay within limits and avoid impulse buys. Saving up for bulk buys? GoTyme Bank’s insights and flexible savings account options can help you make the best decisions for your family, keeping your budget tight, your pantry full, and your savings account happy.

Using GoalSave to plan your monthly grocery expenses

GoTyme Bank’s GoalSave account is a game-changer, letting you set up to 10 savings goals (think ‘Bulk Festive Grocery Fund’) with interest rates that grow over time—up to 10% if you use your Everyday account regularly and give 10 days’ notice on withdrawals. This means you can stash away money specifically for groceries, earning more the longer you save, so you’re prepared for monthly shopping without overspending.

The GoalSave calculator lets you plan exactly how much to save and how long you need to save to hit your grocery targets, giving you clarity and control. Also, your money stretches further with no monthly fees and low transaction costs.

Ready to enjoy GoTyme Bank savings? Open your Current Account in under five minutes for instant access:

• Log in to your GoTyme Bank Current Account
• Choose “New Goal” and follow the prompts
• Give your GoalSave a name
• Deposit money, and you are sorted. Watch your money grow!

Open a GoTyme Bank Account today

Put money back in your pocket with GoTyme Bank. Enjoy savings and peace of mind while grocery shopping with GoTyme Bank’s strong fraud prevention measures and safe banking habits.

You can access all these safety tools by opening a GoTyme Bank account in less than five minutes. The GoTyme Bank app gives you access to seamless transactions, a bank account with no monthly fee, and double Smart Shopper points. Download the GoTyme Bank app or open an online account to activate these benefits.

All you’ll need is:

• A South African ID number
• An active South African cellphone number
• Be 16 years or older