Have your money work harder for you 

When you use a rewards credit card for everyday spending and then reap the (literal) rewards in the form of points, your money just works harder for you. Every time you swipe or tap a rewards card like the Visa Platinum Rewards card from RMCU, you earn points. You can cash these points in for travel, cash back, or gift cards. That means your everyday spending on things like groceries actually puts money back in your pocket.  

Use digital coupon clipping to save 

While it’s harder to find printed coupons these days, there are all sorts of online and app-based services you can still use to save. Many chain grocery stores have online coupons, and you can download free apps that give you rebates and cash back even after you’ve made a purchase. It doesn’t take much work to help each dollar go further. 

Incorporate meal planning to cut costs 

By having a plan, you’re less likely to fill your cart with ingredients you won’t be able to use. A meal plan can make it easier to shop and more of a no-brainer to eat at home instead of getting takeout or heading to a restaurant. When you know exactly what you’re making for dinner tonight, it helps you save money.

Keep track of what you have in the cupboard

Apps like Supercook let you enter the items that you have on hand and then recommend recipes based on what’s already in your cupboard. This is perfect for the nights when you just don’t know what to make and might be tempted to make a grocery store run or order takeout. This can also help cut down on wasted food. 

Get perishables in the freezer before they go bad 

So you buy a bag of spinach but don’t use it before it starts to get soggy. Then it goes in the trash, along with the dollars you spent on it. But by freezing it before it gets bad, you can help save that money and reduce food waste. The same goes for carrots, fruit, bagels, and meat. If you don’t think you’ll use it right away, get it in the freezer as soon as possible. 

Shop the sales 

See if you can get your local grocery store’s sale flier before you shop. Then plan your meals around the sales that week. Plus, skip the name brand and buy generic wherever you can. The quality is usually comparable, but the price can be a lot lower. 

Stick to your list or consider using a pickup service 

While grocery delivery typically comes with a fee attached, some supermarkets offer free store pickup, where all you have to do is drive up and load the car when your order is ready. If you know you’re prone to making impulse purchases in the grocery store, this could be a good way to save money and time.  

Whether you’re budgeting to reach your financial goals or working toward a major investment like owning your own home, RMCU has your back. Become a money mastermind with RMCU’s free online course, and gain more insight into your personal finances. 

*Must qualify for membership. On approved credit. Some restrictions may apply. Each account is privately insured up to $250,000 by American Share Insurance. By member’s choice, this institution is not federally insured.