Become a Smart Shopper with Money-Saving Resources

We all like to find great deals and avoid stress when shopping! You can do that by taking advantage of tax-free shopping and discount goods and services available to service members and their families at commissaries, exchanges and online. Implementing budget-friendly shopping tips and tricks will help make shopping cost-effective and satisfying. Watch the savings add up — and keep your family’s monthly spending plan on track.

Commissary Benefits

Being in the military gives you many choices about where to shop. As a service member, you and your family have the exclusive opportunity to purchase groceries and household items at the commissary at lower prices than civilian stores can offer. The Defense Commissary Agency operates 240 commissaries on military installations including overseas locations.

What commissary products and services can I save on?

· The commissary prices food and household items at cost plus 5%. This means you save an average of 30% on groceries compared to civilian shopping options.

· Save 50% or more on groceries during customer appreciation case-lot sales.

· Increase your savings by using coupons at the register or logging in to in-store Wi-Fi at stateside commissaries to access digital coupons for additional savings.

· Obtain a Commissary Rewards Card to load with digital coupons, promotions and discounts.

· Enjoy additional savings by choosing commissary brands.

In addition to cost savings, there are other advantages to shopping at the commissary. Enjoy convenient online ordering and curbside pickup. Visit the commissary website for dietician-approved recipes and weekly shopping lists for a month of nutritious family meals. You can also enter one of the frequent commissary contests, sweepstakes and shopping sprees. After shopping at the commissary, you will feel good knowing you received a great value for your money.

Exchange Benefits

As a member of the military community, you also have access to the exchange system. Many installations have exchange set up like a department store or a strip mall. An exchange may include small stores and service vendors and feature uniform shops, barbershops, dry cleaning, gas stations, fast food and lawn and garden shops.

What exchange products and services can I save on?

· You do not pay tax on purchases made at the exchange. This keeps the money you would have spent on taxes in your pocket.

· Name-brand products and services are offered at lower prices than in civilian department stores.

· If you shop online, you receive free shipping on purchases over $49 when you use your MILITARY STAR credit card.

· If you are stationed overseas for more than 30 days, you can usually purchase a car tax-free and ship it back to the U.S. without charge.

There are many benefits to shopping at the exchange that extend beyond initial cost savings.

· The exchange employs a large number of military family members. Spouses of service members receive preference in the hiring process through the Military Spouse Preference Program.

· Service members can fill all their uniform and tactical gear needs in one convenient place.

· All exchanges accept major credit cards, the MILITARY STAR credit card and personal checks.

· Exchanges have easy and generous return policies, taking the stress out of shopping.

· The exchange system also filters money back into the military community by offering contests with thousands of dollars in prizes and scholastic rewards to encourage military kids to study and focus on being excellent students.

Online Benefits

Service members and families also have access to online savings. Mobile apps make it easier to use coupons no matter where you shop, including the commissary. Before visiting the commissary or exchange, you may want to read online reviews and recommendations to help ensure you get products that meet your needs. Make sure to use credible and trusted resources. You can also save money by signing up for free trials of various products offered online, but be sure when signing up to read fine print to avoid hidden costs and cancellation fees.

Follow the Department of Defense Office of Financial Readiness on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram for more cost-saving tips. Look for more on YouTube and the FINRED blog.