By the time you’re reading this — God willing and the creeks don’t rise — the government shutdown will be over. But while it’s been dragging on, it’s caused a lot of stress for families across the country.

Military personnel aren’t getting paid. SNAP recipients don’t know if their benefits are coming. Federal employees are stuck waiting for checks that haven’t shown up. That’s a lot of folks trying to stretch every dollar — and with grocery prices climbing higher every week, feeding your family can feel impossible.

Now, I don’t have all the answers, but I am good at grocery shopping. Since the shutdown has hit my own household (my husband’s a federal employee), I figured I’d share a few ways I shop smart, save money, and still make sure everyone goes to bed full and happy.

Start With the Sales

I’m a Giant and Aldi girly, so the first thing I do each week is check their flyers. You can find both online — and if you’re in the 17701 zip code, Aldi’s flyer is right in your Webb Weekly.

I plan meals based on what’s on sale. It takes a little time, but that bit of prep work pays off later. Giant’s app makes things easy with digital coupons you can “clip” straight to your Bonus Card. You’ll automatically save at checkout, and those points can add up to real rewards — like dollars off groceries or free hams and turkeys during the holidays.

Make a Plan and Stick to It

Once I know what’s on sale, I build my meal plan and make my grocery list. I divide it into five sections — Produce, Meat/Deli, Dairy, Frozen, and Everything Else — and I only buy what’s on the list.

Aldi’s prices are tough to beat, but Giant’s coupon and points system has its perks. Mixing the two is how I save the most.

Honestly, just planning your meals is about 85% of the money-saving battle. When you have a plan, you can stick to it. When you don’t — well, that’s when “hope and vibes” turn into DoorDash and regret.

Step Away From the Apps

Speaking of DoorDash… delete it. At least for now. Same goes for Uber Eats or any of those delivery temptations. Out of sight, out of mind. You’ll thank yourself later.

What’s on Sale Right Now

If you want a few ideas to start with, Giant has a coupon for boneless, skinless chicken breast for $1.97/lb. through November 13, plus buy-one-get-one pork tenderloin. So guess what’s on my menu next week?

You’ll also find deals on asparagus, mini yellow potatoes, Bob Evans mac & cheese, Tastykakes, grapes, mandarin oranges — plenty of ways to fill your fridge without emptying your wallet.

A Bonus for the Holidays

And because I can’t sing Aldi’s praises enough — no, they’re not paying me! — they’ve rolled out a holiday meal plan that’s hard to beat: dinner for 10 people for just $40. I’ve included the list on this page. It may not be fancy, but it’s hearty, affordable, and gets the job done.

Hopefully, some of these tips help lighten the load a bit. I can’t fix the shutdown or the prices, but if this helps you save a little and stress a little less, then I’ll call that a win.

And if the shutdown is over by the time you read this? Even better. Use these tips to stash a little extra away for Christmas or your next vacation — because saving money feels good, no matter the reason.