The Update

How Members Can Save Money at the Grocery Store

Price Check on Aisle Savings! With inflation rising, now it’s important to make that dollar stretch as much as possible. Rio Grande CU members can start at the grocery store! Shopping is a necessity, but that doesn’t mean that every week you need to break the bank.

Here are some useful tips to save money while you’re shopping for groceries.

Learn How to (Kind of) Cook

You don’t need to be Bobby Flay, Gordon Ramsey, or Ronald McDonald to make a delicious meal. You can cook a mouthwatering dinner by grilling a protein like chicken or pork and adding it to some rice. It is incredibly easy, and products like Rice a Roni have simple instructions anyone can follow. There are tons of easy to cook products at your local grocery store. Not only is this a fiscally smart alternative to going out, but it’s also a healthy alternative!

Members can also take some introductory cooking classes online, or YouTube their favorite recipes. RGCU also has a blog series called Dine on a Dime that will help you wow your family with inexpensive, tasty meals.

Make a Shopping List and Stick to It

Take an inventory of what food you have in your pantry, and what food you’ll need to buy this trip. It’s very frustrating to purchase your third bottle of pancake syrup, especially when you haven’t made pancakes in over a year. Bring a list with you, and don’t stray too much with the impulse items.

Don’t Shop Hungry

Shopping while hungry – or “Hangry” - can make you buy things you probably wouldn’t have otherwise. If you are hungry, it’s only natural to put things in your basket because they seem appetizing in the moment. This is an old school trick that will keep your impulse buys to a minimum.

Look for the Sales

Take advantage of the store’s sale items. If something that you regularly use is on sale, and is non-perishable, don’t be afraid to buy one or two extras. This will help save money down the road.

Earn 4x Rewards by Using your RGCU Debit Card

Don’t forget to take advantage of your RGCU Debit Rewards! Every time you go shopping, you will accumulate points that you can redeem for gift cards, merchandise, cash back, and more! Rio Grande CU has recently enhanced their grocery rewards, so you earn 4x the points! These rewards are there to help. Use them!