Grocery costs have been climbing and many of us are feeling it at the checkout line. According to the Consumer Price Index*, prices rose by nearly 3% over the past year. If your weekly food bill feels heavier than it used to, you’re not alone. The good news is that a few simple habits can help you stretch your grocery budget further.
One of the easiest ways to cut costs is by planning meals in advance. A few minutes of preparation can save both money and stress. Start by checking your fridge and pantry to see what you already have, then build your weekly meals around those items. This not only reduces waste but also helps you avoid buying things you don’t need.
Once you have your meal plan, write out a shopping list and then stick to it. Impulse buys are one of the fastest ways to overspend. I’ve found that shopping with a list not only helps me stay on budget but also cuts down on those “why did I buy this?” moments when I unpack the bags at home.
Cooking a little extra can actually save you money. Leftovers may not be the most exciting option, but they make for quick, cost-effective meals. Try planning dishes that are easy to repurpose, like using taco meat for nachos the next day or turning roast chicken into soup.
Consistency makes saving easier. Choose a day each week, such as Saturday or Sunday, to plan meals and create your list. Once this becomes part of your routine, you’ll find it easier to stick to your budget and avoid those last-minute, expensive grocery runs.
Small changes in your grocery routine can add up—and keeping track of your spending is easier with the right tools. Check out our online and mobile banking features to see your transactions, set up spending alerts, and make your budget work for you.
Category: Saving & Investing Money
Need a smart strategy to save on essential school supplies? Planning your dream vacation or gearing up for the holiday season? With a club account, you can save for essential school supplies, exciting vacations, and joyful holiday celebrations, making your financial goals more attainable and stress-free.
Now is the moment to turn your attention to your tax obligations. With less than 60 days remaining until the tax deadline now is a good time to prepare your documents and file.
Starting college is exciting, but it also brings new responsibilities, especially when it comes to managing money. Between housing, food, books and social plans, expenses can pile up quickly if you’re not careful.
Whether you’re living on campus or commuting, building smart habits now can help you stay on top of your finances all semester long. Here are a few tips to make your money go further while you’re in school.
Life is unpredictable and you can be responsible for unexpected expenses at any moment. Whether it is a broken appliance, a minor accident or an urgent vet bill, having a financial cushion can make all the difference. An emergency fund acts as your safety net, helping you manage these surprises without stress or debt.
Grocery costs have been climbing and many of us are feeling it at the checkout line. According to the Consumer Price Index*, prices rose by nearly 3% over the past year. If your weekly food bill feels heavier than it used to, you’re not alone. The good news is that a few simple habits can help you stretch your grocery budget further.
