You're Making a Big Mistake if You Haven't Tried This Sam's Club Feature

A Costco or Sam's Club membership can unlock significant savings for many households. Buying household essentials and groceries in bulk can be an excellent way to save money on living expenses. If you're a Sam's Club member, you may be missing out on a useful feature called Scan & Go. This tool can be a lifesaver for those who don't like waiting in long lines. Here's how Scan & Go could improve your Sam's Club shopping experience.

Scan & Go can save you time

Instead of loading up their carts and heading to wait to pay in the checkout line, Sam's Club members can use the Scan & Go tool. This free feature is available to all members and is built into the Sam's Club mobile app.

Here's how it works: You'll scan each item's barcode as you shop and then pay for your order through the app. Credit cards, Sam's Cash, and EBT are accepted as payment. This mobile payment solution allows you to skip the regular checkout line. After you pay, you'll receive a digital receipt to show a staff member before exiting the club.

When life gets busy, and you need to load up on essentials as quickly as possible, tools like this can get you in and out the door faster. If you're typically crunched for time when you shop and have yet to use this tool, you may want to try it the next time you shop at Sam's Club.

Scan & Go can save you money

In addition to saving time, Scan & Go can save you money. As you stroll the aisles at your local club, you may notice some items marked with a yellow Scan & Go Offer sign. Items with these signs are discounted. The discounted price is only available to Scan & Go shoppers. You may want to avoid the checkout line and instead use Scan & Go to ensure you get the best price.

These special deals are only available to members who shop in-store. To help you make your shopping list, you can view current Scan & Go offers on the Sam's Club website or mobile app. Any opportunity to save money while shopping can improve your personal finances, so don't miss out on this convenient free service.

Four tips to keep your spending in check as you shop

Whether you do most of your shopping at Sam's Club or your local grocery store, you may be looking for ways to keep your spending in check. It's possible to stay on budget as you shop so you don't drain your checking account. The following tips may help you avoid overspending:

• Don't shop without a list: If you head to the store without a list, you may be tempted to buy items you don't need. A grocery list can help you avoid overspending and save time.
• Pay attention to what's on sale: It can be easy to overpay if you frequently load non-sale items into your cart. Reviewing the current sales flier before you head to the store and shopping for sale items can help you reduce your grocery bill total.
• Buy store-brand items: Purchasing store-brand items can save you money. Many generic products are cheaper than popular name-brand items. If you regularly buy generic products, the savings could add up.
• Shop your cupboard first: Before you go to the store, assess your fridge and cupboards. You may be able to make a few more meals by using the ingredients you already have. Using what you already have can reduce shopping trips and grocery spending costs.

Save 50% on a Sam's Club membership

You may want to consider joining Sam's Club if you're not yet a member. Check to see if there is a club near your home. The warehouse club is currently offering a discount on memberships. You can save 50% and become a member for $25 instead of $50 if you join by July 31, 2023.