Food is more expensive now than it was a year ago, according to U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data.
The bureau's Consumer Price Index for food showed a 12-month increase of 5.7% in June 2023. In fact, all categories besides energy, used vehicles, and medical services are up in price.
If you want to save money on groceries and other items, you could benefit from implementing the tactics of seasoned Sam's Club shoppers. Head to Sam's Club with the following tips in mind.
Earn 2% cash rewards at grocery stores and Costco
The Wells Fargo Active Cash® Card(Rates and fees) is a powerful rewards card that allows you to earn unlimited 2% cash rewards on purchases — including on groceries, even at warehouse stores like Costco.
New cardholders can also earn a one-time cash rewards bonus — $200 cash rewards bonus after spending $500 in purchases in the first 3 months!
If you’re looking for a powerful rewards card that offers an extended intro APR period, look no further, the Wells Fargo Active Cash® Card checks that box too!
This card also offers an intro APR of 0% for 12 months from account opening on purchases and qualifying balance transfers (then 20.24%, 25.24%, or 29.99% Variable). Which is great for someone who wants a break from high interest rates, while still earning rewards.
The best part? There's no annual fee.
Click here to apply for the Wells Fargo Active Cash® Card now.
Shop the seasonal sales
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Sam’s Club discounts many of its products throughout the year. Some of these monthly or seasonal savings could reduce your bills substantially.
Stock up when items you need go on sale. Buy larger quantities of cold meds, cereal, and sugar when it’s on sale. Do the same for meat and other items you can safely freeze.
Take advantage of bonus offers
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When you link an eligible credit card to your Sam’s Club account, you can look for bonus offers at other places you shop, including restaurants, websites, and even monthly TV subscriptions.
You’ll earn Sam’s Cash, with 20% or more on some offers. Then you can spend that cash back at Sam’s Club for things you need.
Buy online to get cash back
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Getting even a small amount back from your shopping trip is always a good idea.
You can purchase dry goods, electronics, and health supplies online from Sam’s Club. When you do, use a cash back website like Rakuten to help you get some money back. Shipping is free on most items.
Shopping online has its perks. It's super convenient, but it can be time consuming to find the best deals. Instead of hunting for coupon codes (that don't always work!) and opening tons of browser tabs comparing prices, you can try Capital One Shopping.
Capital One Shopping makes saving money effortless. Just add the browser extension and when you check out, it'll scour the internet for coupon codes to help you save cash. And before you check out at 25+ major retailers, Capital One Shopping will notify you with a friendly pop-up if the item you're buying is available cheaper somewhere else.
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Get the Plus membership
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For those who love shopping for most of their needs at Sam’s Club, upgrading from the Club-level membership to the Plus-level membership is worth it.
The Plus membership is $110 per year (but is discounted to $70 until 2024) and gives you added benefits like extra membership cards, access to free shipping, pharmacy discounts, and vision savings.
Sign up for email updates
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Sign up for emails from Sam’s Club, and you receive updates about special savings events and promotions (as well as special offers that may not be advertised through other methods).
In-club events are a good way to save money at Sam’s Club, and you’ll be among the first to learn about them.
Get to the clearance sections
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Did you know that Sam’s Club has clearance sections? Most do, at least (both online and in-store), which can provide significant savings.
Clearance items are often scattered throughout the store, and you’ll likely notice stickers on them indicating sale prices.
Shop mid-week for big savings
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The weekends are a busy time for the warehouse. That’s why you should skip it and shop Tuesday through Thursday instead.
That’s when you’ll get the best deals, especially if you shop early in the day when customer service reps discount items that haven’t sold over the weekend. This is especially true in the produce and meat sections.
Get discounted gift cards
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Many Sam’s Club locations offer gift cards at a lower price than their face value.
That means if you are going to dinner with friends, you could head to Sam’s and pick up a $100 gift card for that restaurant for only $86.
The amount of savings depends on the offer and how many cards you purchase.
Get your prescriptions at a discount
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Some people may qualify to get a lower price on their prescriptions if they purchase them through Sam’s Club. Some are even free for Plus members.
Stop in at the pharmacy to find out what the out-of-pocket costs would be for your prescriptions.
Get a protection plan on all your appliances
Did you know if your air conditioner stops working, your homeowner’s insurance won’t cover it? Same with plumbing, electrical issues, appliances, and more.
Whether or not you’re a new homeowner, a home warranty from Choice Home Warranty could pick up the slack where insurance falls short and protect you against surprise expenses. If a covered system in your home breaks, you can call their hotline 24/7 to get it repaired.
For a limited time, you can get your first month free with a Single Payment home warranty plan.
Get the credit card
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The Sam’s Club credit card offers nice bonuses for members. Plus members get up to 5% cash back when shopping at the warehouse (2% from their Plus membership and 3% from Sam’s Club Mastercard).
You also get 5% cash back on the first $6,000 worth of gas you purchase at the club, 3% on dining, and 1% on all other purchases. That can add up over time.
Get a military discount
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If you qualify, you could save substantially on your Sam’s Club membership as a veteran or a military spouse. You’ll just need to provide military identification.
The current signup deal for veterans or their spouses knocks the membership price down to under $30.
Split your purchases with a friend
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If you have a friend that wants to save on Sam’s Club goods but doesn’t have a membership, split your purchases with them for added savings.
That’s a great way to take advantage of bulk savings options available through the warehouse without letting items go to waste. You also get those membership cash back rewards on all the purchases made, even those of your friend.
Get your flat tire fixed for free
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If you are a Club or a Plus member, you may be able to bring your vehicle into the Tire & Battery Center with a flat tire and get it fixed without cost.
They will also provide free wiper blade installation (you’ll need to purchase the wiper blade) and free battery testing. You don’t even have to buy your tires or battery at Sam’s Club to get these perks.
Shop the codes
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Sam’s Club uses letter codes on their price tags that can shed some light on whether or not items may drop in price even further.
If you see an “N,” it’s “Never Out” or always in stock. Items with an “A” are “Active,” meaning they have ample stock.
For those with a “C,” though, buy them now. That indicates the product has been “Canceled” and is likely coming off the shelves soon.
Buy the Member’s Mark items
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Member’s Mark is the in-house brand for the warehouse and often is significantly cheaper than the more well-known brands you’re used to buying.
Here’s a simple way to keep more money in your wallet: Switch to the Member’s Mark brand to get high-quality products at a lower price.
From patio furniture to groceries, the quality tends to be very high, and it’s almost impossible to tell the difference from the original on-brand items.
Bottom line
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These days, figuring out how to stretch your dollar further could help lower your financial stress. If you shop at Sam’s Club, these tips can help you.
To save money at Sam’s Club, consistently check for savings options for grocery, travel, entertainment, auto care, and more.
Lucrative, Flat-Rate Cash Rewards
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Wells Fargo Active Cash® Card
Current Offer
$200 cash rewards bonus after spending $500 in purchases in the first 3 months
Annual Fee
$0
Rewards Rate
Earn unlimited 2% cash rewards on purchases
Benefits
- Low spend threshold for its welcome offer — $200 cash rewards bonus after spending $500 in purchases in the first 3 months
- Cell phone protection benefit (subject to a $25 deductible)
- Can redeem rewards at an ATM for literal cash
Drawbacks
- Foreign transaction fee of 3%
- No bonus categories
- Select “Apply Now” to take advantage of this specific offer and learn more about product features, terms and conditions.
- Earn a $200 cash rewards bonus after spending $500 in purchases in the first 3 months.
- Earn unlimited 2% cash rewards on purchases.
- 0% intro APR for 12 months from account opening on purchases and qualifying balance transfers. 20.24%, 25.24%, or 29.99% Variable APR thereafter; balance transfers made within 120 days qualify for the intro rate and fee of 3% then a BT fee of up to 5%, min: $5.
- $0 annual fee.
- No categories to track or remember and cash rewards don’t expire as long as your account remains open.
- Find tickets to top sports and entertainment events, book travel, make dinner reservations and more with your complimentary 24/7 Visa Signature® Concierge.
- Up to $600 of cell phone protection against damage or theft. Subject to a $25 deductible.