Monthly Archives: March 2020
15 ways to save at the grocery store
It’s natural to waltz down grocery store aisles and add everything you see to your shopping cart. Strategically placed products catch your eye and make you think you need them immediately. Overspending at the grocery store is a habit that’s difficult to break—but, it can be done. Here are 15 ways you can save during your next trip to the supermarket:
Check your pantry
Before you head to the store, check to see what you already have. There are websites and apps, like Supercook or Cookpad, that allow you to find recipes based on ingredients. Depending on what’s in your pantry or fridge, you could make meals with what you have and avoid going to the grocery store altogether.
Make a grocery list
Compile a list to be sure you’re purchasing the essentials, and stick with it. Don’t stray from your list—you’ll spend more money than you intended.
Compare stores
While you’re determining your list, create a grocery store comparison chart. Pick your essential items, choose your stores, obtain the prices, and compare. It’s an invaluable tool that will ultimately save you money.
Use coupons
This seems obvious, but using coupons can help tremendously. There are dozens of websites, like coupons.com, that have free, printable coupons. Also, be sure to read your local store’s circular—it promotes items that are on sale. In addition to circulars, look for digital coupons that are store-specific.
Don’t shop hungry
The golden rule of grocery shopping: don’t shop hungry. According to Psychology Today, when you’re hungry, you overload your shopping cart with items you don’t need. Your brain focuses on finding its next food source, so you grab everything appealing within sight. To combat this, be sure you’ve eaten before you go. You’ll avoid the temptation of grabbing unnecessary items, and your wallet will thank you.
Leave the big spenders at home
Whether it’s your kids or your spouse, there’s always someone adding more than you need to your cart. It’s not always easy to say no, so avoid the situation entirely by leaving your big spenders at home, if you can.
Keep a running tally of your cart’s cost
Steer clear of the dreaded, “I spent how much?!” when you make it through the check-out line. As you add items to your cart, keep track of the running cost. It doesn’t need to be exact—just a rough estimate.
Avoid eye-level items
It may be easier to grab the first option you see, but scanning the shelves is critical. Stores use the motto “eye level is buy level” for a reason. We look at items that are eye level, so that’s where grocery stores place the most expensive items. Look for cheaper items on higher and lower shelves.
Don’t purchase pre-cut food
It’s often simpler to purchase ready-to-eat salad and fruit, but that’ll cost you more in the long run. You won’t receive as much, either, and pre-cut food doesn’t stay fresh for long. Trust me—just buy the head of lettuce and make your salad. It’ll take less than ten minutes, and you’ll save money.
Ask for a rain check
Did someone get too greedy during the BOGO sale? You can ask your store for a rain check on items that sold out during a promotion. If your grocer allows it, you can snag the item once the store restocks.
Don’t always buy in bulk
It appears cheaper, but buying in bulk isn’t always the best choice. Sometimes, depending on the unit price, it can wind up being more expensive. If you’re debating whether you should purchase items in bulk, it’s crucial to check the unit prices and compare them to see if you’re saving or spending more.
Try generic brands
Don’t be afraid to try the store brand. It’s often just as good as the national brand but a fraction of the cost. If you don’t like it, most grocery stores will allow you to return it and get your money back or swap for the national brand.
Shop in season
If you’re purchasing produce, be sure to buy items that are in season. Not only is it fresher and tastier, but it also costs less. It’s all about supply and demand. When produce is in season, there is an abundance—therefore, it costs less per pound. Compare that with something out of season—there is less of the product in-store, so it’s more expensive.
Pay with cash
When budgeting, cash is king. Paying for items with cash allows you to set a budget and stick with it—once your cash for an item runs out, that’s it. Finance expert Dave Ramsey swears by this method. Bring enough money to cover your groceries for one trip. If your total runs over, take items in your cart out. It’s hard but better than ruining your monthly budget.
Changing how you grocery shop can have a notable impact on your financial well-being. By shopping sensibly, you can stick to your monthly budget, as well as reach other money-related goals you may have. Try one, or some, of these tactics next time you’re at the grocery store—you’ll be amazed at how much you save!
What to do if you’re in real financial trouble
It’s a problem that no one likes to admit, but that happens to nearly every person at some point in their lives: a serious lack of funds. The current crisis has left many unsure if they will be able to make their next mortgage payment, or even get groceries for the week.
If you are in financial trouble and are looking for your next steps, read on for some of our ideas and tips on the best way to turn your struggles into success stories. Some of the best resources for help are right here in Atlanta:
United Way of Greater Atlanta: This organization is all about making connections to get you and your family everything they need, from a hot meal to polishing your resume.
The Salvation Army: There are several local locations of this group, which strives to help those struggling with homelessness, at-risk youth, financial issues, and the fight against human trafficking.
Downtown Atlanta: Don’t let the name fool you; this group serves all of Atlanta through their community service initiatives. Along with raising awareness for important global projects, Downtown Atlanta also has resources for those who need to get off the streets and into a stable residence.
CAPS: CAPS, or Childcare And Parent Services, is a program designed to help parents with low income find affordable, quality childcare so the parents can work or attend school. Their goal is to ensure that no child is denied education due to a financial strain.
National Foundation for Credit Counseling: The NFCC has long established a reputation of helping people across the United States figure out the next steps to manage their debt. Their website also offers a variety of tools and resources to aid you at any time.
You know where to go—now let’s talk about what you can do when you’re in real financial trouble.
Don’t ignore financial trouble
As we said above, no one likes to admit when they are in financial trouble. It may embarrass you, or perhaps you just aren’t comfortable with that level of vulnerability. Whatever the reason, the result is the same: Your money problems will not disappear, no matter how long you refuse to acknowledge them. In fact, they may just get worse.
Create a budget
You know how we feel about budgets—everyone needs one, and we mean everyone. Even if you know that there is no way your income covers your expenses, you need to make a budget to see where you stand financially. How can you plan to recover from a money crisis if you aren’t even sure how much you spend on gas every week?
See what you can trim or cut
We know that you have probably already started to cut back on the non-essential items. But have you looked at ways to save on some of the more necessary parts of your budget?
For instance, you can look for coupons at your local grocery store to see if you can save a few cents on your dinners for the week. Try consignment stores first when your kids need clothes for the spring. Saving a few cents and dollars here and there can add up a lot over time.
Consider talking it out
DJ Tanner of Full House said it best: You might not solve anything, but just talking about it helps. You don’t have to wait for the sappy violins to play, but if you are experiencing significant financial distress, it’s a good idea to talk to someone. They don’t have to be a professional – a good friend will work, too. Shouldering an emotional burden is an unnecessary stress you don’t need to add to your full plate.
Find good resources
There are organizations around Atlanta who want to help with everyday needs – but they can’t unless you tell them what you need. Places like United Way of Greater Atlanta, HOPE Atlanta, and the Atlanta Center For Self Sufficiency are just a few of the local resources that can assist you with housing and other basic needs. Reach out to them to learn what you need to do to take advantage of their resources.
Consult an expert
Once you get the help you need for the basics, it’s time to take charge of your finances. Check out free resources like the ones Dave Ramsey offers, or head to Udemy to take a class on creating and maintaining a budget.
If you want local referrals to an accountant who can help, dial 2-1-1 or text your zip code and need to 898-211, and the United Way of Greater Atlanta will reach out to you with the information you need. No matter what path you take, don’t try to go it alone – find the right people to help you succeed.
Get some credit counseling
Speaking of experts, have you considered seeking credit counseling to help you build your credit back up? Places like MoneyManagement International offer their expertise both in person and over the phone, for everything from managing debt to working through student loans. Getting this type of counseling will go a long way in shaping your future as you recover from this financial crisis.
Stick to your plan
You have the information you need from your financial advisor and other experts. Now it’s time to buckle down and follow the plan you made with them. Will it be difficult? Probably. But anything worthwhile is.
Take the steps outlined by your professional consultant, and do not vary from them, even a little bit. If you’re not sure how to proceed in a particular circumstance, give your advisor a call to see what they would recommend.
Let others know how to help
Asking for help, or even just accepting it, can be hard. We know that. But the truth is that everyone needs help sometimes. This can even be something as small as letting someone know what your financial limitations are so they can help keep you accountable. Or see if anyone you trust can give you more ideas for resources in your area.
Financial trouble can be overwhelming, but they don’t have to dictate the rest of your life. Find the right help, take the right steps, and watch as you take control of your financial future.
How to manage stress and anxiety during a pandemic
With news about the current pandemic on a loop, as well as other factors looming over our heads, right now is a stressful time for everyone. News about the Coronavirus has affected almost every aspect of society. And, with more people staying in and practicing social distancing, this can severely impact mental well-being. If you’re coping with feelings of stress and anxiety, you’re not alone—here are a few tips to help you manage those feelings:
Stick to your usual routine
In this era of uncertainty, having a sense of normalcy is critical to maintaining your mental health. It’s one of the few factors you can control, so it’s essential to ensure you’re sticking to a routine, just like any regular day. Do what you would accomplish on a normal work morning—wake up, shower, and get dressed as if you’re going to run into people. It’s also vital to avoid burnout by enforcing your work hours.
Keep yourself occupied
While it seems easy to treat this period of social distancing as an opportunity to veg out and watch Netflix, it quickly grows old. There are surprisingly a ton of things you can do from the comfort of your home. You could experience a virtual tour of the Louvre, started spring cleaning, or even learn a foreign language. Either way, finding something to stay occupied will relieve some boredom you might face.
Take a break from the news
It’s essential to stay informed, but constantly hearing news about the pandemic is exhausting. Every once in awhile, take a break. Whether it’s from social media, reading, or even having the news playing in the background, shut it off. Find something uplifting to watch or listen to, so your mind will be on other things. Puppy videos are highly recommended, because who doesn’t love puppies?
Meditate
Yoga and meditation are highly beneficial—there are numerous physical and mental benefits. Yoga and meditation are proven methods to help relieve stress and anxiety. People of all ages and fitness levels can participate, and you don’t have to be an expert, either. There are dozens of apps and YouTube channels that guide you on the essentials of yoga and meditation. Headspace is an app that’s great for beginners—their free basics pack instructs you on the fundamentals of meditation. Yoga with Adriene is another fantastic resource—her YouTube channel is filled with over 500 free videos for all fitness levels and ages. From simple meditation to yoga for writers, there’s something for everyone.
Talk to others
Just because people are social distancing doesn’t mean you can’t keep in touch with people. Staying home and not having any social interaction can take a huge toll on your mental health. As humans, social interaction is essential for coping with stress and anxiety. So, it’s especially important to maintain contact with friends and family. Set FaceTime dates, or pick up the phone and call a friend or family member. It’s always great to hear someone else’s voice and have someone to talk with about whatever issues you may be facing.
We understand this is a difficult period for many of you. We hope that these tips will help you manage your stress and anxiety and get you through this crazy, confusing time.
For more information on coping with stress and anxiety during COVID-19, visit cdc.gov.
5 things to do at home while practicing social distancing
With more people working from home, as well as students completing online school, social distancing has become the new norm. More than ever, it’s critical to stay home as much as possible—however, being home all day can take a toll on your mind and body. Looking for something besides Netflix to keep you and your family busy? Here are five ways to pass the time while practicing social distancing:
Go on a virtual tour
With the temporary closing of many museums, zoos, and aquariums, some establishments are offering free virtual tours, so you can experience everything without leaving your home. The Georgia Aquarium has nine live webcams, operating 24/7, that offer you a close and personal view of various marine wildlife throughout the aquarium. For those wanting to take it international, the world-renowned Louvre offers a free, online tour of some of its galleries—view ancient Egyptian relics or classic works of art, all without leaving your couch.
Get started on spring cleaning
Now is the perfect time to get started on spring cleaning. Not only will you keep yourself occupied, but you can also complete tasks you ordinarily wouldn’t have time for. Determine what needs to be accomplished and set a schedule. Even if it’s one task per day, it’ll make a significant difference in the long run. You’ll have a cleaner, healthier home, and you’ll feel a sense of accomplishment.
Play a game
Now is the perfect time to break out your favorite game. Whether it’s Scrabble or a classic game of charades, this is a great way to keep the whole family entertained and engaged. If you don’t have any games on deck, don’t worry—there are hundreds of fun, free or cheap games on your smartphone’s app store that everyone can enjoy, like Heads Up!.
Exercise at home
You don’t need to hit the gym to stay fit—keep up with your fitness routine from your living room. There are dozens of websites, YouTube channels, and apps that guide you through workouts, with or without equipment—most are free, too. Down Dog is offering its yoga, HIIT, barre, and seven-minute workouts for free until April 1st. Popsugar Fitness also has over 1,000 free workouts at all levels to choose from. Or, if none of those sound appealing, you can simply go on an outdoor walk. Not only is it crucial to be sure you’re getting enough exercise—you also need to catch up on your vitamin D.
Learn a foreign language
If you’ve always wanted to learn a foreign language but never had the time, now’s your chance. There are numerous free websites, like Duolingo, that offer courses on languages like Spanish, French, German, or even High Valyrian if you’re a Game of Thrones fan. Duolingo offers personalized lessons and games that make learning easy and fun.
Right now, practicing social distancing is critical, but it can have a significant impact on your mind and body. Use these activities to keep you and your family occupied, all while ensuring you stay healthy and safe.
What the Coronavirus could mean for your money
Among the many concerns that COVID-19, or coronavirus, has brought to Americans and people worldwide is that of finances.
With school systems shutting down and some states even enacting a state-wide policy that allows only certain businesses to operate during certain hours, those who are still able to go to work may be wondering what they should expect as far as their paychecks – while those who have already been called out of work are wondering how to stretch their paychecks as far as they can. Read on for information on what the biggest concerns are, and how you can combat them.
Overall financial concerns
There is good and bad news here. You’ve seen the stock market took a hit. Bad news. But as a result, the Federal Reserve is taking extra steps to keep the economy afloat as everyone tries to predict how long this crisis will change our daily lives, such as lowering interest rates for student loans and home loans. Good news.
Financial experts are all saying the same thing: Don’t panic-sell anything! Now is not the time to throw years of investments and planning away because things seem so dire right now. Eventually, this crisis will pass – and you will need your investments when it does.
Adapt to change
When changes like this occur, it’s smart to evaluate and take a fresh look at your budget. For instance, you may be working from home right now – but that means you are using way less gas than usual. Your grocery fund will go up, but your school activities will be at a standstill. Reallocate your funds as needed to get you through the next few weeks.
Stretch it out
This isn’t a comment on your time at the gym (please don’t go to the gym). You can find creative ways to stretch your dollars even beyond their usual point. Turn the week’s leftovers into a meal all its own. Buy off-brands instead of your usual store brand for groceries. If you can work from home outside of your typical job description (i.e., help the front desk send emails, do some digital filing, etc.), take the hours that you can so you can keep some cash flow coming.
Cut it out
How many digital streaming services do you have? Probably more than one – so why not stop subscribing to some of them for now? We know that having your kids home with no Netflix may sound like the worst idea ever, but split the difference and keep the one service your family uses most. Also consider reducing the level of service you purchase to save a few bucks.
Refinance student loans
Remember what we said about interest loans being reduced? Since you have a lot of extra time at home right now, why not look into refinancing your student loans to see if you qualify for a lower interest rate? That may not change your immediate situations, but it will certainly be useful down the line when we all return to our usual routines.
Save for emergencies
Again, we realize that you may be scraping by while things are uncertain. But as soon as you’re able, go ahead and start an emergency fund. A good rule of thumb is to have three months of your salary stashed away. But you can start small. That change from the gas station? Drop it in a jar. The next time you find a $10 bill in your wallet, put it aside. A little here and there will mean big changes later on.
No one can predict the future – but you don’t have to let it control your finances. Spend wisely, save daily, and remember that this is temporary.
Georgia’s Own Credit Union recognized for community outreach
Georgia’s Own Credit Union was recognized by BadCredit.org for our initiatives during 2019’s 85 Acts of Kindness.
Our very own Adam Marlowe, Principal Market Development Officer, discussed our constant dedication to improving the community—an important philosophy of Georgia’s Own. From partnering with organizations, such as L.E.A.D and Action Ministries, to promoting financial wellness, Georgia’s Own consciously prioritizes giving back to our members and their communities.
Because of our efforts, we received the BadCredit.org Editor’s Choice Award for Community Commitment.
Click here to learn more about our endeavors during 85 Acts of Kindness.