Grocery Savings Tips From Jason Tartick And Ziploc You’ll Actually Use

In a time when saving money at the grocery store feels more urgent than ever, entrepreneur and "The Bachelorette" alum Jason Tartick has teamed up with Ziploc to champion an initiative that gives new life to old coupons, and reminds shoppers how to preserve both their food and their funds.

More than half (54%) of online shoppers in the U.S. have increased their use of coupon codes in the past year, and yet, a staggering 99% of those coupons go unused.

Enter the Ziploc Preserved Promos campaign, which gave expired promo codes a second chance to shine, according to Jason Tartick.

“I talk all the time about maximizing every dollar, and for over 50 years, Ziploc has provided trusted protection to help extend the life of food and prevent food waste,” Tartick shared in an exclusive interview with The Blast. “This program brought that same preservation power to expired coupons, because deals, like food, should never go to waste. It’s smart, simple, and a program I'm glad I got to be a part of.”

Tartick, host of the "Trading Secrets" podcast and founder of Restart, a financial literacy-focused media and consulting company, knows how critical smart spending is. He believes many people let savings slip through their fingers simply because coupons are often forgotten.

“We’ve all been there, finding an expired coupon or promo and feeling like we just threw away free money,” he said. “That’s what made this program so great. Just like Ziploc brand bags help keep food fresh, this program was a way to extend the life of deals. Instead of letting coupons go to waste, Ziploc gave people a second chance at savings.”

That kind of mindset doesn’t stop with coupons.

Tartick is passionate about reducing food waste, too, a topic he calls one of the “biggest hidden money drains” for American families.

“Food waste costs the average family of four $1,500 on uneaten food each year,” he noted, citing data from the USDA. “It seems simple, but proper food storage is an easy, everyday way you can save money on each grocery store trip. I use Ziploc Freezer Bags to help keep food fresh and prevent freezer burn for up to 12 weeks. Most Ziploc products now also come in bonus packs that offer at least 10% more bags at no extra cost.”

In other words, a well-packed fridge equals a well-balanced budget.

Tartick also shared one of his go-to grocery hacks, which is to stack the savings.

“Couponing isn’t just for extreme shoppers; you can stack savings with minimal effort,” he said. “I always check for store coupons, manufacturer discounts, and cashback offers before making a purchase. Many retailers let you combine multiple deals.”

For anyone navigating the tricky balance between being budget-savvy and still indulging in the occasional splurge, Tartick has a rule, which he calls the 24-hour pause.

“Impulse buys can wreck a budget. Before making a non-essential purchase, I wait 24 hours to see if I still want it,” he explained. “If I still want it after 24 hours, I find a way to get the best deal, whether that’s using a promo code, cashback, or waiting for a sale.”

And when it comes to the best financial advice he’s ever received? Tartick credits his grandfather, Dr. Leonard Gross, for words of wisdom that still guide him.

“Numbers don't lie, but people do. Know your numbers, understand your numbers, and use them as a report card and a benchmark because they will never lie," he told The Blast. "They will tell you everything you need to know, quick adjustments can be made within those numbers.”

The Ziploc Preserved Promos campaign may have wrapped, but the message remains that small, smart changes in how we shop and store can lead to big savings.

"One of the biggest financial game-changers for me has been assigning every dollar a purpose,"  he added. "Before I spend, I ask myself: ‘Is this money working for me?’ Whether it’s investing, saving, or even just planning ahead for bigger purchases, being intentional with your money helps prevent wasteful spending, which is true for meal prep, too."

Tartick continued, "Getting into the habit of saving all my leftovers with Ziploc Freezer Bags has not only helped me save money, but it’s also encouraged me to get serious about my meal planning, which in turn gives me the energy to focus on my finances. It all works together."

And with expert-backed tips from Tartick, your grocery game (and your wallet) may be fresher than ever. And while you're at it, check out these money-saving kitchen hacks that our readers swear by!