Affinity Federal Credit Union presents the Wellbeing And Your Wallet podcast! In this episode, expert hosts Shawn Lubitz and Grant Gallagher discuss practical strategies for significantly reducing grocery spending.

The team begins the discussion by asking, “What’s your favorite budget-friendly meal to make?” Grant and Shawn discuss practical strategies for reducing grocery bills and saving money on groceries. They emphasize the importance of avoiding brand loyalty and being open to trying generic or store brand alternatives.

Some additional topics addressed included:

• Avoid impulse purchases when grocery shopping, especially when hungry.
• The benefits of having a well-stocked pantry of staple ingredients to make meals at home.
• Strategies for meal prepping and planning to reduce food waste and save money.

Following the main discussion, Grant pulled a submitted question from the member mailbag, and the team shared their responses: I find myself eating out way too much during the week—grabbing lunch at work, ordering takeout after a long day, and even indulging on weekends because I'm too lazy to cook. I've tried meal prepping, but I always fall off the wagon. What can I do to stay motivated and make meal planning easier and more sustainable?

Finally, Grant concludes the discussion by highlighting Affinity’s Cash Back Debit account, which allows you to earn 1% cash back on up to $1,000 in monthly debit card purchases. The account has no fees and includes benefits such as e-statements, early pay with direct deposit, and member-to-member online banking transfers.

Just a reminder if you have a question or comment for a future Member Mailbag segment, please send it to @affinityfcu on Facebook or X/Twitter with #MemberMailbag.

Rate, like, and subscribe for more from the Wellbeing and Your Wallet podcast. Visit www.affinityfcu.com for additional information about financial wellbeing and Affinity products.

Thanks for listening and be well.