Skip the 'Whole Paycheck' trap with these proven money-saving strategies

• Use Prime: Link your Amazon Prime account to unlock exclusive discounts and combine them with affordable 365 store-brand products.

• Shop Tuesday & Friday: Tuesdays feature deals on easy weeknight meals, while Fridays often bring discounts on pizza, sushi, seafood, and other weekend favorites.

• Shop smart: Compare produce prices, buy frozen and sale items, and stick to a list to avoid overspending.

For years, Whole Foods carried the nickname "Whole Paycheck," and for good reason. Organic produce, premium meats, and specialty foods often came with premium prices.

But today's Whole Foods is a different store than it was a decade ago.

Since Amazon acquired the chain in 2017, the retailer has introduced Prime member discounts, expanded its affordable 365 private-label line, and lowered prices on hundreds of everyday items. Shoppers who know where to look can often find surprisingly good deals, especially on pantry staples, frozen foods, produce, and prepared meals.

The key is shopping strategically. Here are eight insider tips that can help you save money every time you visit Whole Foods.

1. Never shop without linking your Amazon Prime account

If you only follow one tip on this list, make it this one.

Amazon Prime members unlock some of the biggest discounts available at Whole Foods, including exclusive weekly deals and additional savings on many sale items. Those discounts can add up quickly over the course of a year.

To receive them, simply connect your Prime account to Whole Foods through the Amazon app and scan your Prime code or phone number at checkout.

Even if you only shop at Whole Foods occasionally, the discounts can easily outweigh the few extra seconds it takes to scan your account.

2. Learn what the different price signs actually mean

Whole Foods uses several different shelf tags, and understanding them can instantly help you spot the best values.

Look for the following signs in-store:

• Blue Prime Member Deal signs for exclusive discounts available only to Prime members.

• Yellow Sale signs for temporary promotions available to everyone.

• Yellow Low Price signs for products with reduced everyday pricing.

• 365 by Whole Foods Market products, which are the retailer's private-label brand.

Once you recognize the difference, it becomes much easier to prioritize the best bargains throughout the store.

3. Shop around Tuesday and Friday promotions

If you're a Prime member, Tuesday and Friday are the two best days of the week to shop at Whole Foods because the chain runs recurring one-day promotions that focus on different types of meals.

Rather than random sales, the discounts are designed around when most people are planning their meals.

Tuesday is built around easy weeknight dinners. That's when you'll often find deals on rotisserie chicken, prepared soups, ready-to-heat meals, ground beef, salad kits, and bakery bread. Serves as an ideal day to buy ingredients for meals later in the week or stock your freezer with discounted prepared foods.

Friday shifts to weekend entertaining and more of your convenience foods. Expect promotions on fresh pizza, sushi, oysters, cut fruit, desserts, and other grab-and-go items that are popular for Friday night dinners, family gatherings, or weekend get-togethers.

The exact offers vary by store and season, so check your local weekly ad or the Whole Foods app before heading out.

Pro tip: Freeze more than you think. Bread, tortillas, shredded cheese, cooked grains, soups, and many prepared meals freeze exceptionally well. Buying discounted products before their sell-by date and freezing them can stretch your grocery budget while reducing food waste.

4. Don't overlook the prepared foods

Whole Foods' hot bar can get expensive if you're paying by the pound.

Instead, compare prices on the refrigerated prepared meals, family-size entres, soups, and rotisserie chickens. Many provide multiple servings for less than the cost of takeout and are often included in weekly promotions.

For busy families, these meals can be a convenient compromise between cooking from scratch and ordering restaurant food.

5. Compare produce prices instead of assuming they're higher

Many shoppers skip the produce department because they assume Whole Foods is always more expensive.

That's not necessarily true.

Items like bananas, avocados, organic spinach, apples, eggs, and milk are often competitively priced especially when Prime discounts are available.

Instead of relying on old assumptions, compare the unit price with your regular grocery store. You may be surprised by how often Whole Foods is the better buy.

Pro tip: Shop Whole Foods like a specialty store. You don't need to buy your entire grocery list there. Many experienced shoppers visit Whole Foods specifically for products where it offers exceptional value (365 pantry staples, organic produce, Prime promotions, specialty cheeses, and prepared meals), then purchase everything else at a lower-cost supermarket.

6. Buy more 365 products

The 365 brand may be the best-kept money-saving secret at Whole Foods.

The store's private-label products often cost significantly less than comparable national brands while still meeting Whole Foods' ingredient standards. In many cases, the ingredients are remarkably similar.

Some of the best values include:

• Frozen fruit

• Frozen vegetables

• Pasta

• Olive oil

• Peanut butter

• Canned beans

• Rice

• Oats

• Yogurt

• Cheese

• Organic snacks

Many shoppers automatically reach for familiar brands, but choosing the 365 version can trim several dollars off a shopping trip without sacrificing quality.

7. Shop with a list and stick to it

Whole Foods excels at merchandising. Beautiful displays, seasonal products, and specialty foods can quickly turn a quick shopping trip into an expensive one.

Walking in with a shopping list (and resisting impulse purchases) is one of the simplest ways to keep your grocery budget under control. Treat the specialty items as occasional splurges rather than routine purchases.

8. Check the freezer aisle

Frozen foods are often one of the best values at Whole Foods.

Frozen fruit, vegetables, seafood, and vegetables are picked and frozen at peak freshness, helping reduce food waste while often costing less than fresh alternatives.

Keeping a few frozen staples on hand also makes it easier to prepare meals at home instead of ordering takeout.

Pro tip: Stock up when your favorites go on sale. If you find a pantry staple, frozen food, coffee, or household product at a significant discount, buy enough to last until the next sale. Building a small pantry of frequently used items purchased only during promotions is one of the easiest ways to reduce your grocery spending over the course of the year.

New analysis shows a mini PC can deliver major energy savings without changing everyday computing tasks

• Switching from a traditional desktop PC to a mini PC could reduce computer electricity costs by about 83%.

• The average household could save around $67 per year, or about $333 over five years, according to the analysis.

• The electricity saved each year is enough to charge a smartphone for more than 90 years or brew about 4,500 cups of coffee.

When people look for ways to lower their electricity bills, they often focus on appliances like refrigerators, washing machines, or heating systems.

But a new analysis from GEEKOM suggests another household device may deserve more attention: the desktop computer.

According to the analysis, a traditional desktop PC uses significantly more electricity than a mini PC while handling the same everyday activities, such as web browsing, email, and office work. Over time, that difference can translate into noticeable savings on a home's electric bill, especially for people who spend several hours each day using a computer.

Computers have quietly become devices used for the longest periods in many homes, Max Tang, CMO at GEEKOM, said. A desktop that stays powered for hours every day can add up to hundreds of dollars in electricity costs over its lifetime. Helping people see that hidden cost gives them another way to make smarter choices about their technology.

Why mini PCs use less energy

The analysis estimates that a standard desktop computer draws about 150 watts during everyday use, while a mini PC uses about 25 watts. Assuming the computer is used for eight hours a day throughout the year, that equals roughly 438 kilowatt-hours (kWh) of electricity annually for a desktop, compared with about 73 kWh for a mini PC.

At average U.S. residential electricity rates, that works out to approximately $80 a year to operate a desktop versus about $13 for a mini PC. That's an estimated savings of about $67 annually, or roughly $333 over a typical five-year lifespan an 83% reduction in electricity costs.

The amount households save depends on where they live because electricity prices vary by state. Hawaii residents could save the most, at about $170 per year, followed by Connecticut, Massachusetts, and California. Even in states with lower electricity rates, the analysis found households could still save around $45 annually by making the switch.

To help put those energy savings into perspective, GEEKOM estimates the 365 kWh saved each year is enough electricity to charge a smartphone for more than 90 years, power an LED light bulb for more than three decades, brew about 4,500 cups of coffee, or run a refrigerator for nearly 11 months.

What this means for consumers

For people who use a computer for work, school, or everyday household tasks, energy use may be another factor worth considering when it's time to replace an older machine.

The analysis found that the longer a computer stays powered on each day, the greater the potential savings.

While actual electricity costs depend on the computer's hardware, workload, and local utility rates, the findings suggest that choosing a more energy-efficient computer could help reduce long-term operating costs without changing the way many people use their computers every day.

New tariff timeline aims to encourage more U.S. pharmaceutical manufacturing

• Generic drugs imported into the U.S. will continue to face a 0% tariff beginning August 1, 2026, for a two-year period.

• The tariff would then increase to 100% for one year before rising to 200% afterward.

• The policy is intended to encourage pharmaceutical companies to build manufacturing facilities in the United States.

President Trump announced a new tariff timeline for generic drugs imported into the United States, outlining a phased approach that begins with a two-year period of no tariffs before significantly higher rates take effect.

According to the announcement posted on Truth Social, the policy is designed to encourage more generic pharmaceutical manufacturing within the U.S. by giving companies time to invest in domestic production.

The announcement also states that the policy for patented, branded, and innovative drugs will remain unchanged.

Here's how the new timeline would work

According to the announcement, effective August 1, 2026, imported generic drugs will continue to be subject to a 0% tariff for the next two years (through 2028). After that period ends, the tariff would increase to 100% for one year before rising again to 200% on an ongoing basis.

The announcement says the phased approach is intended to give pharmaceutical companies a window to build manufacturing plants and equipment in the United States before the higher tariff rates take effect.

It also states that the escalating tariffs are meant to serve as a penalty for companies that choose not to establish domestic production during that time.

Trump said the objective of the policy is to "protect the people of the United States." He also said pharmaceutical manufacturing facilities are currently being built across the country at what he described as an unprecedented level.

The announcement specifies that the tariff policy applies to generic drugs, while the existing policy for patented, branded, and innovative medications will remain in place.

What this means for consumers

The announcement does not provide details about how the policy could affect prescription drug prices, insurance coverage, or the availability of generic medications.

Instead, it focuses on encouraging pharmaceutical companies to expand manufacturing operations in the United States by providing a two-year period before substantially higher tariffs would take effect.

New discounts, lower prices and in-store events aim to stretch budgets further

• Target says 95% of its school supply deals are priced at or below last year's retail prices.

• A weeklong sale beginning July 26 includes discounts on clothing, shoes, backpacks, and dorm dcor.

• The retailer is expanding in-store back-to-school and college events with giveaways and personalization activities.

Back-to-school shopping can add up quickly, whether you're buying crayons for a first grader or bedding for a college freshman.

To help families prepare for the upcoming school year, Target is introducing a mix of lower everyday prices, limited-time discounts, and expanded in-store events designed to make shopping a little easier.

The retailer says it has reduced prices on thousands of products across school supplies and everyday essentials, including many food and beverage items. According to Target, 95% of its school supply deals are priced at or below last year's retail prices. Shoppers will also find school supplies starting at 25 cents, apparel starting at $5, and a variety of college essentials priced under $20.

"From picking out a first-day outfit to finding the perfect sheets for your dorm, back-to-school and college is filled with so many meaningful moments, and Target is making them easier for busy families," Cara Sylvester, executive vice president and chief merchandising officer, Target, said in a news release.

"With fresh styles, everyday essentials and incredible value all in one place, we're helping families spend less time shopping and more time celebrating the start of a new school year."

Discounts cover everything from uniforms to dorm dcor

One of the biggest promotions is a weeklong savings event running from July 26 through Aug. 1.

During that time, shoppers can save up to 30% on kids' clothing, receive 25% off kids' shoes, and save 30% on school uniform polos and dresses. The sale also includes 20% off Champion backpacks and lunch items, 20% off All in Motion backpacks, lunch kits, and hydration products, and 30% off teen home dcor.

Beyond sale prices, Target says it will participate in state tax-free shopping holidays where applicable.

Verified college students and teachers can also receive 20% off one storewide purchase through Target Circle during the promotional period.

The retailer is also expanding its in-store experiences. On Aug. 8, about 2,000 stores will host back-to-school events featuring activities such as personalization kits for backpacks and school gear, giveaways, and opportunities to explore new merchandise.

Later in the month, Target will hold back-to-college move-in events at nearly 150 stores, with select locations offering DJs, samples, and welcome bags timed to local campus move-in schedules.

What it means for shoppers

For families and students, the announcement provides several ways to save depending on what they need most. Everyday price reductions may help with routine school supply purchases, while the limited-time sale offers deeper discounts on clothing, backpacks, and dorm items.

Students heading to college and teachers preparing for the new year may be able to stretch their budgets further by combining Target Circle offers with seasonal promotions.

Meanwhile, the expanded in-store events add an extra element for shoppers who enjoy browsing in person while picking up supplies before the school year begins.

The family car has gotten bigger but has your family?

• Many families are buying larger SUVs than they need, increasing costs for insurance, fuel, maintenance, and repairs.

• Look beyond the monthly payment and compare the total cost of ownership before choosing your next family vehicle.

• Don't overlook the minivan it often offers more practical space and better value than a three-row SUV.

The American family has gotten smaller, but our vehicles have gotten bigger.

A new study from Bumper found that only 10% of households have three or more children the type of family that originally made the minivan a household staple. Yet 44% of respondents drive an SUV, while just 5% drive a minivan. Even more surprising, 63% said their ideal family vehicle is an SUV, compared with just 12% who chose a minivan.

That preference may be costing families far more than they realize.

Buying the biggest or trendiest vehicle isn't always the smartest financial move. Before you sign on the dotted line, here's how to make sure you're buying the right vehicle for your family, and not just the one everyone else seems to want.

Buy for your family today not the one you might have someday

It's easy to justify buying a three-row SUV "just in case."

But if you have one or two children and rarely travel with extra passengers, chances are you'll spend years paying for seats you seldom use.

Ask yourself these questions:

• How often is every seat occupied?

• Do you really need a third row every week or only just a few times each year?

• Would renting a larger vehicle for vacations cost less than owning one year-round?

The answers may surprise you.

Look beyond the monthly payment

Many shoppers compare only the sticker price or monthly payment and fail to look at the big picture.

Instead, compare the total cost of ownership, including:

• Insurance premiums

• Fuel costs

• Tire replacement

• Maintenance

• Registration fees

Those ongoing expenses can add thousands of dollars over the life of the vehicle.

Pro tip: Before buying, get insurance quotes for several models. The difference between two similar vehicles can easily add up to hundreds of dollars per year.

Don't underestimate the humble minivan

For years, minivans have battled an image problem, but practicality hasn't gone out of style.

Having raised three kids, I can vouch for the sliding doors making it so much easier to load and unload children in tight parking spaces.

Plus, most minivans offer more usable cargo space than many three-row SUVs, while providing similar seating capacity. They also tend to be easier and less expensive to repair because they're built on car-based platforms rather than truck-based designs.

If functionality tops your priority list, a minivan deserves a strong second look.

Separate wants from needs

The Bumper survey found an interesting contradiction.

When people were asked what matters most when shopping for a family vehicle, seating capacity, fuel economy, and price topped the list. Yet the vehicle that performs well in those categories the minivan remains one of the least popular choices.

That suggests many buyers are making emotional decisions instead of financial ones.

There's nothing wrong with buying a vehicle you love. Just make sure you're paying for features you'll actually use.

Think about the money you'll keep

Every extra dollar spent on a vehicle is money that can't be saved, invested or used for other family financial goals.

If a less expensive vehicle meets your needs just as well, the savings could help fund a family vacation, pay down debt, boost your emergency fund, or add to a college 529 plan.

That's a trade-off worth considering before you head to the dealership.