The Complete Guide to Cutting Your Grocery Bill

Groceries are one of the largest expenses for households on a fixed income, but with the right strategies, you can dramatically reduce what you spend without sacrificing the quality of food on your table. This guide covers everything from choosing the right stores to stacking discounts and shopping smarter.

Important note: Store policies, discount programs, and prices vary by location and change over time. Always call your local store to verify current offers before making a special trip.

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Quick Start: The 3 Highest-Impact Strategies

If you're short on time, start with these three strategies that deliver the biggest savings with the least effort:

1. Switch to a discount grocer - Shopping at Aldi, WinCo, or Trader Joe's instead of traditional supermarkets can save 15-30% on your entire grocery bill with no extra effort.

2. Download your store's app - Most grocery store apps offer digital coupons that automatically apply at checkout. Just "clip" the coupons in the app before you shop. This alone can save $10-20 per trip.

3. Always use a shopping list - Studies show shoppers who use a list spend 23% less than those who don't. Check your pantry, plan your meals, write your list, and stick to it.

Master these three basics before diving into the advanced strategies below.

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Know Your Store Options

Not all grocery stores are created equal. Choosing the right store for your needs can be the single biggest factor in your grocery budget.

Discount Grocers (Best Prices)

Aldi (40 states, 2,600+ locations) The king of discount groceries. Aldi keeps prices low through a no-frills approach: limited selection of mostly private-label products, customers bag their own groceries, and minimal store staffing. Their Simply Nature organic line offers organic products at 30-50% less than competitors.

Trader Joe's (42 states) Known for unique products and friendly staff. Unlike traditional stores, Trader Joe's doesn't run sales - instead, they offer consistently low everyday prices. About 80% of products are private label.

WinCo Foods (Western states: WA, OR, CA, ID, NV, AZ, UT, TX, OK) Employee-owned and famous for their bulk section where you can save up to 80% on spices, grains, and dried goods. They don't accept credit cards (debit and cash only), which allows them to pass transaction fee savings to customers.

Save-A-Lot (32 states) Deep discount chain focused on private-label products. No-frills stores with rock-bottom prices on staples.

Grocery Outlet (CA, OR, WA, ID, NV, PA, NJ, MD, DE) A "bargain market" selling overstock and closeout items at steep discounts. Selection varies, but you can find name brands at 40-70% off.

Traditional Grocers

Kroger Family (35 states) The largest traditional grocery chain, operating under many names: Kroger, Fred Meyer, Ralphs, Harris Teeter, QFC, Fry's, Smith's, King Soopers, and more. Strong loyalty program with digital coupons and fuel points.

Albertsons Family (34 states) The second-largest traditional chain, including Albertsons, Safeway, Vons, Jewel-Osco, Shaw's, ACME, and others. Good digital coupon programs through their apps.

Regional Favorites

H-E-B (Texas and Mexico) Consistently ranked #1 in customer preference. Known for excellent store brands, great prices, and strong community involvement. If you're in Texas, this should be your first choice.

Publix (Southeast: FL, GA, AL, SC, NC, TN, VA) Employee-owned with excellent customer service. Famous for their BOGO (buy one, get one) sales. Their store brand is high quality.

Wegmans (Northeast: NY, PA, NJ, MA, MD, VA, NC) Focuses on everyday low pricing rather than weekly sales. Higher quality prepared foods section. Worth the trip for their store brands.

Market Basket (New England: MA, NH, ME, RI) Known for remarkably low prices despite being a full-service grocery store. Strong community loyalty.

Warehouse Clubs

Costco (all 50 states) Best for larger households or those willing to share bulk purchases with family. Membership costs $65-130/year. Excellent for paper products, meat, and shelf-stable goods.

Sam's Club (44 states) Walmart's warehouse club. Membership costs $50-110/year. Slightly lower prices than Costco on some items.

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Weekly Ad Circular Schedule

Knowing when sales start helps you plan your shopping and catch the best deals at their freshest.

Store	New Ad Starts	Notes
Kroger family	Wednesday	Available Tuesday in app
Aldi	Wednesday	Two ads each week (in-store specials + regular)
Publix	Wednesday or Thursday	Varies by location - check your store
H-E-B	Wednesday	Check their app for digital-only deals
Trader Joe's	Monday	"Fearless Flyer" is seasonal, not weekly
Wegmans	Rarely	Everyday low pricing instead of sales
Walmart	No regular ads	Only occasional promotional events

Pro tip: Most stores release their ads online 1-2 days early. Check the store's app or website to plan before you shop.

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Senior Discounts

Many grocery stores have offered senior discounts, though these programs have been scaling back in recent years. The discounts that remain vary significantly by location, so always call your local store to verify before making a special trip.

Current Programs (Verify Locally)

Albertsons family stores Some locations offer 10% off for seniors (typically 55+) on specific days - usually the first Wednesday or Thursday of the month. Note: California locations generally do not participate. Discount applies to in-store purchases only and excludes alcohol, tobacco, gift cards, and pharmacy items.

Publix Select locations in Alabama, Georgia, North Carolina, South Carolina, and Tennessee offer 5% off for shoppers 60 and older on Wednesdays. This is not company-wide - you must confirm with your specific store.

Kroger divisions Some Kroger divisions offer occasional senior discount days (typically 5% off for those 55+), but this varies by region and is not consistent. The Columbus, Ohio division, for example, has run periodic senior discount days. Check with your local store.

Fred Meyer Some locations offer 10% off on the first Tuesday of the month for seniors. As a Kroger-owned store, policies vary by location.

Stores That Have Discontinued Senior Discounts

• Walmart (discontinued)
• Many Publix locations outside the states listed above
• Many Kroger divisions

What This Means for You

If senior discounts are important to your budget:

1. Call your local stores to ask about current policies
2. Ask about the age requirement (ranges from 55 to 65)
3. Ask what day the discount is offered
4. Ask what items are excluded
5. Be prepared for the answer to be "we don't offer that"

Many chains have shifted from senior discounts to loyalty programs that benefit all customers. The strategies in this guide can help you save even without a senior discount.

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Veteran and Military Discounts

If you're a veteran or active-duty military member, you have access to some significant grocery savings opportunities.

Military Commissaries (Year-Round Savings)

If you have access to military installations, commissary shopping offers the best grocery savings available to eligible military families.

Typical savings: 20-42% compared to civilian grocery stores

• U.S. average: approximately 23% savings
• Overseas locations: approximately 36% savings

Who is eligible:

• Active-duty service members and their families
• Military retirees
• 100% disabled veterans
• Medal of Honor recipients
• Some other categories (eligibility has expanded in recent years)

What to know:

• A 5% surcharge applies at checkout (still substantial net savings)
• Case lot sales offer up to 50% additional savings several times per year
• Visit commissaries.com to verify your eligibility

Veterans Day Grocery Deals (November 11)

Many grocery stores offer special discounts on Veterans Day:

• Publix: 10% off groceries
• Food Lion: 10% off with MVP card and military ID
• Harris Teeter: 11% off
• Lowes Foods: 11% off
• Hy-Vee: 15% off groceries plus free breakfast
• Target: 10% off (two purchases via Target Circle with ID.me verification)

These typically require proof of service (military ID, veteran ID, DD-214, or digital verification through ID.me or SheerID).

Year-Round at Civilian Stores

Year-round military discounts at civilian grocery stores are limited. However:

• Always ask at checkout - some stores have unpublished policies
• Check if your store honors military appreciation days beyond Veterans Day
• Some stores offer small everyday discounts that aren't widely advertised

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Loyalty Programs and Store Apps

Nearly every major grocery chain now offers a free loyalty program, and using these programs is one of the easiest ways to save money.

Top Free Loyalty Programs

Kroger Plus Card Works at all Kroger family stores (Kroger, Fred Meyer, Ralphs, Harris Teeter, etc.). Kroger claims members save over $1,000 annually on average through sale prices, digital coupons, and fuel points.

Target Circle Free program offering 1% back on purchases plus exclusive deals. Circle members also get early access to sales and can vote on which local charities receive Target donations.

Safeway Just For U Personalized deals based on your shopping habits, plus digital coupons and fuel rewards. Works at all Albertsons family stores.

My H-E-B Digital coupons and personalized deals. Recently added a family-sharing feature that lets household members pool benefits.

Sprouts Rewards Newer program launched in 2025. Earn 10 points per dollar spent, get $2 off for every 1,000 points.

Paid Memberships Worth Considering

Walmart+ ($98/year)

• Free delivery on orders $35+
• 10 cents off per gallon at Walmart and Murphy USA stations
• Member prices on some items
• Free Paramount+ subscription

Instacart+ ($99/year)

• Free delivery on orders $35+ from multiple stores
• Reduced service fees
• Worth it if you regularly use grocery delivery

How to "Stack" Savings

The real power of loyalty programs comes from combining multiple discounts:

1. Sale price - The marked-down price in the weekly ad
2. Store coupon - Digital coupon from the store's app
3. Manufacturer coupon - Coupon from the brand (paper or digital)
4. Loyalty discount - Automatic discount for program members
5. Cashback apps - Additional rebates through Ibotta, Fetch, or Checkout 51

Example: A $5.00 box of cereal on sale for $3.50, with a $0.50 store coupon, a $0.75 manufacturer coupon, and $0.25 back from Ibotta = $2.00 final cost (60% savings).

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How to Use Digital Coupons (Step-by-Step)

If you're not tech-savvy, digital coupons might seem intimidating. Here's exactly how they work:

Getting Started

Step 1: Download your store's app

• Find your store's app in the Apple App Store (iPhone) or Google Play Store (Android)
• Search for the store name (e.g., "Kroger" or "Safeway")
• Download and install the free app

Step 2: Create an account

• Open the app and tap "Sign Up" or "Create Account"
• Enter your email address and create a password
• If you have a physical loyalty card, you can link it to your account
• If not, the app will create a digital card for you

Step 3: Browse and clip coupons

• Look for a "Coupons" or "Deals" section in the app
• Browse available coupons for products you buy
• Tap "Clip" or "Add" to save coupons to your account
• Clipped coupons are automatically linked to your loyalty card

Step 4: At checkout

• Scan your loyalty card (physical or digital) or enter your phone number
• Clipped coupons automatically apply to qualifying items
• Your receipt will show which coupons saved you money

Tips for Digital Coupon Success

• Clip before you shop - Browse the app at home and clip coupons before your trip
• Check expiration dates - Coupons expire; use them before they do
• Look for "load to card" offers - These are one-time use coupons that require a specific purchase
• Don't forget manufacturer coupons - Apps like Coupons.com have manufacturer coupons you can print or load digitally

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Aldi's Organic Advantage

If you want to eat organic without breaking your budget, Aldi deserves special attention. Their Simply Nature organic line offers substantial savings compared to organic products at other stores.

Price Comparisons (Typical Savings)

Product	Aldi Simply Nature	Kroger Simple Truth	Whole Foods 365
Organic eggs (dozen)	$2.39	$4.00	$4.00
Organic ground beef (per lb)	$5.29	$7.00	$7.00
Organic coffee (per oz)	$0.37	$0.59	$0.70
Organic mac & cheese	$1.15	$1.50	$1.99

Why Aldi Organics Cost Less

Aldi keeps organic prices low through several strategies:

1. Private label only - Simply Nature products go directly from supplier to shelf, cutting out brand marketing costs and middlemen
2. Minimal store overhead - No-frills stores mean lower operating costs passed on as savings
3. Limited selection - Stocking fewer products means more buying power for each item
4. Efficient operations - Self-bagging, cart deposits, and compact store layouts reduce labor costs

What to Buy Organic at Aldi

Focus your organic spending on the "Dirty Dozen" - produce items that tend to have the highest pesticide residue:

• Strawberries
• Spinach
• Apples
• Grapes
• Peaches
• Celery
• Tomatoes
• Peppers (bell and hot)
• Cherries
• Leafy greens (kale, collards)

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Store Brand Savings

Switching from name brands to store brands is one of the simplest ways to cut your grocery bill. Store brands (also called private label or house brands) typically cost 20-30% less than national brands.

Quality Is Often Identical

Many store-brand products are made in the same factories as national brands, using similar or identical recipes. The main difference is the label - and the price.

Best Store Brands by Chain

Kirkland Signature (Costco) - Widely considered the gold standard of store brands. Everything from olive oil to batteries to laundry detergent rivals or exceeds national brands.

Good & Gather (Target) - Clean ingredient lists and modern packaging. Strong on snacks, dairy, and pantry staples.

Great Value (Walmart) - Massive selection at rock-bottom prices. Quality varies by product category.

Kroger Brand - Extensive line including Private Selection (premium) and Simple Truth (organic/natural).

O Organics and Signature Select (Safeway/Albertsons) - O Organics offers affordable organic options; Signature Select covers conventional products.

Publix Brand - High quality, particularly their bakery items, deli, and dairy.

Items to Always Buy Store Brand

These products are virtually identical to name brands:

• Pantry staples (flour, sugar, salt, oil, vinegar)
• Dairy (milk, butter, cheese, eggs)
• Canned goods (beans, tomatoes, vegetables)
• Frozen vegetables and fruits
• Paper products (toilet paper, paper towels)
• Cleaning supplies (bleach, dish soap)
• Over-the-counter medications (same active ingredients as name brands)

When to Stick with Name Brands

Some products have noticeable quality differences:

• Items where you have a strong flavor preference
• Products with unique formulations (specific cereals, snacks)
• Items where texture matters (some frozen foods)

Try the store brand first. Most stores offer satisfaction guarantees - if you don't like it, return it for a full refund.

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Smart Shopping Habits

The Power of a Shopping List

Studies consistently show that shoppers who use a list spend about 23% less than those who don't. A list keeps you focused and helps you resist impulse purchases.

How to build an effective list:

1. Check your pantry, refrigerator, and freezer before shopping
2. Plan your meals for the week
3. Write down every item you need
4. Organize your list by store section (produce, dairy, etc.) to avoid backtracking
5. Stick to the list - if it's not on the list, don't buy it

The list rule: Before adding anything to your cart that's not on your list, put it back and walk away. If you still want it after you've finished shopping, you can go back for it. Most of the time, you won't.

Never Shop Hungry

Shopping on an empty stomach leads to impulse purchases. When you're hungry:

• Everything looks appetizing
• You buy more high-calorie snack foods
• You're more likely to grab convenience items
• You spend more overall

Solution: Eat a meal or substantial snack before every shopping trip. Keep a granola bar in your car for unexpected shopping stops.

Meal Planning Saves Money Twice

Planning meals before you shop helps in two ways:

1. You buy only what you need - No random purchases that go unused
2. You reduce food waste - Planned meals get cooked and eaten

Build your meal plan around:

• What's on sale that week
• What you already have on hand
• Seasonal produce (cheapest and freshest)

Plan Around Sales Cycles

Grocery stores operate on predictable sales patterns:

• Meat: Often marked down mid-week
• Bread: Best deals at end of week before new deliveries
• Produce: Seasonal items are cheapest when abundant
• Holidays: Related items go on sale 1-2 weeks before, and clearance immediately after

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Bulk Buying and Family Sharing

Warehouse clubs like Costco and Sam's Club offer excellent prices on bulk items, but the quantities can be too large for one household. The solution? Team up with family or friends.

How to Share a Warehouse Membership

Option 1: Add a household member Costco and Sam's Club memberships allow you to add one additional household member at no extra cost. Use this for a family member who can shop for you.

Option 2: Shop together Coordinate shopping trips with family members or neighbors who are also members. Split bulk purchases on the spot.

Option 3: Organize a buying group

• Designate one person with a membership to do the shopping
• Create a shared shopping list (group text or shared app)
• Split purchases and costs based on what each household takes
• Rotate who makes the shopping trip

What to Buy in Bulk

Bulk buying makes sense for:

• Non-perishables you use regularly: Rice, pasta, canned goods, dried beans
• Household essentials: Paper products, cleaning supplies, trash bags
• Frozen items (if you have freezer space): Meat, vegetables, fruits
• Long shelf-life items: Cooking oil, condiments, spices

When to Skip Bulk

Don't buy bulk:

• Perishables you can't use before expiration: Fresh produce, dairy, bread (unless freezing)
• Items you haven't tried before: Buy small to test first
• If you lack storage space: No savings if items go bad before use
• If the per-unit price isn't actually better: Always compare unit prices

Splitting Bulk Meat

One of the best bulk-buying strategies is splitting meat packages:

1. Buy the large pack (10-lb ground beef, family pack of chicken)
2. Divide into family-sized portions at home
3. Wrap portions in freezer paper or vacuum-seal bags
4. Freeze immediately
5. Label with contents and date

Properly wrapped meat lasts 4-12 months in the freezer.

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Freezer Strategies

Your freezer is one of your best tools for saving money on groceries.

What to Freeze

Bread: Freezes beautifully for up to 6 months. Slice before freezing to take out only what you need.

Meat: Buy when on sale and freeze:

• Ground meat: 3-4 months
• Steaks/chops: 4-12 months
• Whole chicken: up to 12 months
• Bacon: 1 month

Butter: Stock up during sales. Lasts 6-9 months frozen.

Cheese (shredded): Freezes well for cooking. Texture changes make it less ideal for eating straight.

Bananas: Peel and freeze overripe bananas for smoothies and baking.

Cooked grains and beans: Prepare large batches and freeze in portions.

Freezing Tips

• Remove as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn
• Label everything with contents and date
• Freeze in flat layers to save space and speed thawing
• Use the oldest items first (first in, first out)

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Bonus: Lesser-Known Savings Tips

WinCo Bulk Section

If you have a WinCo nearby, their bulk section offers incredible savings on:

• Spices (up to 80% cheaper than jarred)
• Dried beans and lentils
• Rice and grains
• Nuts and seeds
• Dried fruit
• Baking supplies

You buy only the amount you need, and prices are dramatically lower than packaged versions.

Reusable Bag Discounts

Many stores offer a small discount for bringing your own bags:

• Aldi: Bags cost $0.10 each (savings when you bring your own)
• WinCo: $0.05 per reusable bag
• Target: 5-cent discount per bag
• Many local stores: $0.05-0.10 per bag

Small savings add up over time.

Cashback Apps

After your store's app, consider these cashback apps for additional savings:

• Ibotta: Cash back on specific products; browse offers before shopping
• Fetch Rewards: Scan any receipt to earn points toward gift cards
• Checkout 51: Weekly offers with cash back on purchases

Markdown Schedules

Ask your store when they mark down items:

• Bakery: Often discounted in the evening or early morning before new baking
• Meat: Check for "manager's special" stickers; buy and freeze immediately
• Produce: Slightly imperfect items at reduced prices
• Dairy: Items close to sell-by date are often marked down

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If You Only Have Walmart

Many readers live in areas where Walmart is the only option. Here's how to maximize savings there:

Use the Walmart app

• Walmart Pay makes checkout faster
• Some app-only prices are lower than in-store
• Savings Catcher (when available) price-matches competitors

Consider Walmart+ If you shop frequently, the $98/year membership offers:

• Free delivery on orders $35+
• Gas discounts at Walmart and Murphy USA
• Early access to deals

Price matching Walmart matches its own online prices. If the app shows a lower price, show the cashier.

Rollback items Look for yellow "Rollback" signs - these are temporary price reductions that represent real savings.

Great Value brand Walmart's store brand offers significant savings on most items.

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Using SNAP/EBT Benefits Effectively

If you receive SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) benefits, nearly all the strategies in this guide work with your EBT card.

Where SNAP Is Accepted

SNAP benefits are accepted at:

• All major grocery chains (Kroger, Walmart, Albertsons, Publix, etc.)
• Discount grocers (Aldi, WinCo, Save-A-Lot, Trader Joe's)
• Warehouse clubs (Costco, Sam's Club - membership required)
• Many farmers markets (look for the "SNAP Accepted" sign)
• Amazon (online grocery ordering)

What Works with SNAP

These savings strategies work fully:

• Store brand savings (buy Aldi Simply Nature, Great Value, etc.)
• Sale prices and weekly ad deals
• Store loyalty programs and digital coupons
• Buying in bulk at warehouse clubs
• Shopping at discount grocers

These work with limitations:

• Cashback apps (Ibotta, Fetch) - you can still use them; the cashback goes to your app account, not your EBT card
• Senior discounts - still apply on top of SNAP purchases at participating stores

SNAP at Farmers Markets

Many farmers markets now accept SNAP benefits and offer "Double Up Food Bucks" programs that match your SNAP spending (spend $20 in SNAP, get $20 in free produce). Search for participating markets at:

• Your state's SNAP website
• LocalHarvest.org
• USDA Food and Nutrition Service website

Online Grocery Shopping with SNAP

SNAP EBT is now accepted for online grocery orders at:

• Amazon (Amazon Fresh and Whole Foods delivery)
• Walmart (pickup and delivery)
• Many Kroger, Albertsons, and other chain stores

Note: SNAP covers food items only. Delivery fees, tips, and non-food items must be paid separately.

If you receive SNAP benefits, you typically qualify for LIHEAP utility assistance that can save $200-$1,000+ annually. See our complete guide to reducing utility bills for details on applying for LIHEAP and other energy assistance programs.

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How to Compare Unit Prices

Unit pricing is the key to knowing if a "deal" is actually a good deal. Here's how to use it.

What Is Unit Price?

The unit price tells you the cost per standard measurement (per ounce, per pound, per count). It's usually printed in small text on the shelf tag below the item's main price.

Example:

• Large cereal box: $5.99 (16 oz) = $0.37 per oz
• Small cereal box: $3.99 (10 oz) = $0.40 per oz
• The large box is the better value, even though it costs more

Where to Find Unit Prices

Look at the price tag on the shelf edge. You'll typically see:

• Large numbers: The total price
• Small numbers: The unit price (look for "per oz," "per lb," "per 100 ct," etc.)

Unit Price Comparison Tips

Compare apples to apples Make sure you're comparing the same unit. Some stores show "per ounce" for one item and "per pound" for another. Convert if needed (16 oz = 1 lb).

Check unit prices on "sale" items Sometimes the sale price still isn't as good as a competitor's regular price, or the store brand at regular price.

Bigger isn't always better Calculate whether you'll use the larger quantity before it expires. A great unit price on something that goes to waste is no savings at all.

Use your phone calculator If unit prices aren't displayed, divide the total price by the quantity to find the cost per unit.

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Online Grocery Shopping: Is It Worth It?

Online grocery shopping has become common, but is it a money-saver or a budget-buster?

When Online Shopping Saves Money

Reduces impulse purchases Shopping from home eliminates "browsing" that leads to unplanned purchases. You only see what you search for.

Makes price comparison easier You can easily check unit prices and compare to other stores' websites.

Helps you stick to your list Digital lists with running totals help you stay on budget.

Saves gas and time For those with mobility issues or who live far from stores, delivery or pickup can save transportation costs.

When Online Shopping Costs More

Delivery fees and tips Delivery can cost $5-15 per order plus tip. These fees quickly eat into savings.

Higher item prices online Some stores charge higher prices for online orders than in-store purchases.

Substitutions may not match If your item is out of stock, the substitution might cost more or be a product you don't want.

Minimum order requirements Many services require $35+ orders for free delivery, potentially leading to buying more than needed.

Making Online Shopping Work

Use pickup instead of delivery Many stores offer free curbside pickup, eliminating delivery fees.

Compare store websites before ordering Check if online prices match in-store prices (Walmart's usually do; some stores charge more online).

Be specific about substitutions Note acceptable substitutions or mark items as "no substitution" to avoid surprises.

Watch for digital-only deals Some stores offer online-only coupons or promotions that make ordering worthwhile.

Best Online Grocery Options

• Walmart pickup: Free on orders $35+, prices match in-store
• Kroger pickup: Free on orders $35+, use digital coupons
• Amazon Fresh/Whole Foods: Free for Prime members on $35+ orders; accepts SNAP
• Instacart: Access to multiple stores; Instacart+ membership ($99/year) offers free delivery

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Putting It All Together

Here's a practical action plan to start saving immediately:

This Week

1. Download your main grocery store's app and create an account
2. Clip all digital coupons for items you normally buy
3. Make a shopping list before your next trip
4. Eat before you go shopping

This Month

1. Try shopping at a discount grocer (Aldi, WinCo, Trader Joe's) for at least one trip
2. Switch five items from name brand to store brand
3. Stock up on sale items you use regularly and freeze or store them

Ongoing

1. Check weekly ads before planning meals
2. Build meals around sale items
3. Use a list for every shopping trip
4. Never shop hungry
5. Stack coupons, apps, and loyalty discounts when possible

If You Have Family Nearby

1. Consider sharing a Costco or Sam's Club membership
2. Split bulk purchases of non-perishables
3. Share deals you find with each other

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By implementing even a few of these strategies consistently, most shoppers can reduce their grocery spending by $100-200 per month or more. That's $1,200-$2,400 back in your pocket every year.

Remember: Prices and policies change. Always verify senior discounts, military discounts, and specific offers with your local store before making a special trip. The best savings come from combining multiple strategies over time.