Ever really feel like your grocery cart has dedication points? You intend on grabbing just a few fundamentals. However then you definately’re someway standing consistent with oat milk you didn’t come for, six baggage of snacks you swear are “for the children,” and three rogue condiments that you simply’ll use as soon as and neglect within the fridge subsequent to final 12 months’s mustard. Yeah, similar. However I’ve been testing a brand new technique and it’s so easy, it’s dumb. I name it the “One Field Combo” Idea, and it’s truthfully saving me a ridiculous quantity on groceries, Goal runs, and even Amazon orders.

What Is the “One Field Combo” Idea?

It’s quick meals logic, utilized to actual life.

Take into consideration what you get in an ordinary drive-thru combo meal:

• One protein (burger, rooster, no matter)
• One carb (fries)
• One filler (soda or a second facet)

It’s clear. Predictable. No overthinking.

Now copy and paste that concept onto your weekly grocery haul:

• One protein
• One veggie
• One carb

Performed!

You’re not constructing a 10-day meal plan. You’re constructing a collection of ultra-simple, budget-conscious combos.

No spiralizing zucchinis. No “simply in case” objects. No $80 carts that someway don’t equal an precise meal.

PRO TIP: GROCERY STORE FLYERS ARE YOUR MENU BOARD

Earlier than heading in, scan your retailer’s weekly advert such as you’re ordering off the greenback menu.

If rooster is on sale, that’s your combo base. This helps forestall “dream meals” that require full-priced all the pieces.

See Additionally: 13 Straightforward Frugal Hacks That Save You a TON of Cash

Why It Works (and Why It’s Weirdly Enjoyable)

It turns grocery buying right into a low-effort sport.

One which stops you from doing dumb stuff like panic-buying your third jar of sesame oil or committing to 6 bananas when you already know you’ll eat two.

Right here’s what makes it genius:

You keep out of “faux meal planning” mode.

You already know the one. You seize lentils and tofu as a result of “one night time I’ll make a curry” (no you gained’t).

You slash impulse buys.

Your cart’s filled with precise meals, not snacky chaos or Pinterest-fueled delusions.

You eat what you purchase.

As a result of it’s easy, good, and already suits collectively.

PRO TIP: STICK TO THE 3-ITEM RULE FOR WEEKDAYS

Overwhelmed meal prep is the place overspending occurs.

Be sure you solely decide 3 combos that work and put it on repeat:

• Rooster + frozen veggie + rice
• Eggs + toast + fruit
• Floor beef + salad combine + tortillas

No guesswork. No waste.

See Additionally: 26 Pantry Gadgets That Appear to NEVER Expire

Actual-Life Instance (My Precise Grocery Run Final Week)

Let’s say I would like three fast dinners this week.

Right here’s how I combo’d it out:

Meal #1

• Protein: Rooster thighs (bone-in, approach cheaper) – $6.59
• Veggie: Frozen inexperienced beans – $1.89
• Carb: Rice – $1.39
• TOTAL: $9.87 — Feeds 3, and also you’ll most likely find yourself with leftovers.

Meal #2

• Protein: Canned tuna (don’t knock it) – $2.99 for two cans
• Veggie: Chopped celery + mayo from fridge = tuna salad
• Carb: Multigrain bread – $2.29
• TOTAL: ~$5.28 — Lunches for two days if you happen to’re flying solo.

Meal #3

• Protein: Eggs – $3.29
• Veggie: Bagged spinach – $1.99
• Carb: English muffins – $2.59
• TOTAL: $7.87 — Breakfast-for-dinner night time. Add a pound of bacon for $7.99 and it’s nonetheless an affordable meal.

All in, that’s three full meals for below $23.

Evaluate that to 1 random “Oh I’ll simply get just a few issues” Goal run, the place $23 will get you a candle, a bag of path combine, and remorse.

PRO TIP: MAKE IT A CHALLENGE

I extremely advocate turning it right into a enjoyable budgeting sport.

For instance, set a $40 weekly dinner purpose and attempt to construct 4 “field combos” with that money. If you happen to win? You’ve acquired cash leftover for snacks (or wine…you earned it).

See Additionally: All of the Grocery Shops That Slash Costs Earlier than “Greatest-By” Dates

Bonus Spherical: Use It at Goal or Amazon

This combo technique isn’t only for groceries.

The “One Field Combo” idea can critically rein in spending drift throughout:

• Goal runs
• Amazon orders
• Impulse buying black holes

Right here’s how:

For Amazon:

Earlier than you click on “Purchase Now”, run this take a look at:

• One factor you want
• One factor you need
• One factor with a coupon or low cost

That’s it. Construct your “cart combo” and skip the three a.m. looking spiral the place you by accident order a matcha whisk and three packable rain ponchos.

PRO TIP: SNEAKY AMAZON MOVE

On Amazon, test the “Different Sellers on Amazon” field as usually the very same merchandise is cheaper from a third-party vendor (with free Prime delivery).

I’ve discovered it’s tremendous simple to overlook, however this part usually hides worth drops, open-box offers, or warehouse returns in like-new situation. You continue to get the identical 30 day return coverage, however you may save 10–30% with out lifting a finger. Sneaky? Yep. Good? Completely.

For Goal:

Use the identical rule:

• One sensible important (bathroom paper, cleaning soap, and so on.)
• One deal with (Goal Greenback Spot, go forward)
• One clearance or Cartwheel deal

You’ll really feel such as you shopped, however with out the $88 shock.

PRO TIP: TARGET SPECIFIC HACK

At Goal, at all times scan clearance objects with the app, even when they’re already marked down. Generally the app reveals an excellent decrease hidden worth you possibly can seize at checkout (or get worth adjusted at customer support).

This trick works greatest within the magnificence, toys, and residential sections the place markdown tags lag behind the system. Bonus: You’ll be able to stack it with Circle presents or present card promos for double the financial savings.

Backside Line: Grocery Shops Need You to Be Disorganized

Each grocery aisle is designed to tempt you into “simply grabbing” yet another factor. However once you stroll in with a fast-food mindset, you cease letting the shop resolve what results in your cart.

You don’t want spreadsheets. You don’t want a binder. You simply want one protein, one veggie, one carb…and a bit confidence.

Strive it as soon as. Then test your receipt. Then strive to not gloat when your folks say they spent $280 and “nonetheless don’t have anything to eat”.

Ask the Reader: Are you sport for attempting this grocery spending technique? Or perhaps you already do one thing comparable, let me know within the feedback.

By Kyle James

I began Relatively-Be-Buying.com in 2000 and have change into a shopper knowledgeable and advocate writing about out-of-the-box methods to save lots of at shops like Amazon, Walmart, Goal and Costco to call just a few. I’ve been featured on FOX Information, Good Morning America, and the NY Instances speaking about my financial savings suggestions. (Be taught extra)