Episode 176

full
Published on:

13th Aug 2025

How to Save Thousands on Groceries (Without Giving Anything Up) | E176 Bryan Suddith

If you're on the path to financial independence, you know every dollar adds up. An extra $1,000 a year might not sound like much, but early in your FI journey, that kind of savings can seriously accelerate your timeline. And if you’re already FI, trimming $1,000 in expenses lowers your FIRE number and helps your nest egg last longer.

The best part? I’m not asking you to start a side hustle or cut out your favorite purchases.

Instead, we’re talking about saving money by wasting less, specifically, food waste.

Yes, that’s right. The average American throws out over 200 pounds of food a year. For a family of four, that’s about $3,200 straight into the trash. Think wilted spinach, moldy bread, and forgotten leftovers. Any of this sound familiar?

Here’s the good news: with a little planning and a few habit shifts, you can cut that waste dramatically and keep more money in your pocket without sacrificing lifestyle.

Today’s guest, Bryan Suddith, took this challenge seriously. Over the last five years, he’s tracked every bit of food that ended up in his trash. And the total? Less than $100. For a family of four.

We’ll share practical tips for meal planning, a framework for eating through your groceries, his favorite go-to food-waste saving meal (which surprised me), and even how to avoid food waste after hosting a party.

If you’re ready to trim your grocery bill and stretch your FI dollars further without really sacrificing anything, then you’re going to like this episode.

Key Takeaways:

  • The impact of tracking your food waste
  • How to avoid aspirational grocery purchases
  • Which groceries to prioritize eating first
  • Creative ways to turn soon-to-expire food into tasty meals
  • A go-to food-waste-saving meal everyone will enjoy
  • How to cut down on food waste after hosting a party
  • What to know about food waste legislation


More of Bryan:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bryansuddith/


More of FI Minded:

Email Justin at Justin@FIMinded.com

Connect with Justin on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/justinleepeters/

Next Episode All Episodes Previous Episode

Listen for free

Show artwork for FI Minded: Achieve Financial Independence & Have Fun Doing It

About the Podcast

FI Minded: Achieve Financial Independence & Have Fun Doing It
Achieve Financial Independence & Have Fun Doing It
Want to achieve Financial Independence (FI) without missing out on life?

FI Minded is the podcast for anyone seeking financial freedom, time freedom, and a work-optional lifestyle — all while enjoying the journey along the way.

Whether you’re at the beginning of your FI journey or already deep into Coast FI or Slow FI, this show gives you practical strategies and insights to reach early retirement and design a life that aligns with your values, purpose, and fulfillment.

Popular topics include:
- FI Optimization Strategies: Actionable advice to reach Financial Independence faster without unnecessary stress.
- Work Optional & Lifestyle Design: How to transition from the corporate grind and build a life of freedom, flexibility, and intentional living.
- Time Freedom & Coast FI: Making the most of your time while still planning for the future, including mini-retirements, travel, and other ways to enjoy your life now.
- Post-FI Identity & Purpose: What to do once you’ve achieved FI, and how to create meaning beyond money.
- Burnout & Balance: Avoid the pitfalls of over-optimization and learn to balance saving for the future with mental health and happiness.

If you want to reach financial independence, design a life that’s purposeful and fun, and avoid burnout along the way, FI Minded is your guide to building a sustainable, fulfilling, and free life.

Some of our past guests include Carl Jensen (1500 Days), Jeremy Schneider (Personal Finance Club), Nick Loper (Side Hustle Show), Andrew Giancola (The Personal Finance Podcast), Jordan Grumet (Earn & Invest), Rachael Camp (Work Optional), Jillian Johnsrud (Retire Often), Sean Mullaney (FI Tax Guy), Jill Sirianni (Frugal Friends), Jackie Cummings-Koski (Catching Up to FI), Joel Larsgaard (How to Money), Cody Garrett (Measure Twice), Jesse Cramer (Personal Finance for Long-Term Investors), Jess (The Fioneers), Chris Hutchins (All The Hacks), Diania Merriam (EconoMe), and many more inspiring voices in the FI space.
Support This Show