SoFi Blog

Tips and news—
for your financial moves.

Grocery Inflation Is Heating Up Again: How to Cope

When the price of clothes, furniture or airfare rises, we can often adjust our spending priorities. But how do we avert inflation at the grocery store?

It’s a pertinent question right now. The latest Consumer Price Index reading shot a warning flare last week, revealing August had the biggest monthly increase in grocery prices since 2022 (when pandemic inflation was in its heyday.)

Economists say new tariffs on imported foods are finally working their way through to consumers, and the pressure is likely to build.

The good news? The most significant hikes were concentrated within a few key categories: coffee, beef, and fresh produce. Other staples like chicken, pork, frozen produce, beans, milk, dairy, and fresh fish saw smaller increases or even slight declines. And egg prices — which surged earlier in the year because of bird flu outbreaks — didn’t change at all, holding steady at 24% below their March high.

Plus, while August saw a big jump in prices, both April and July of this year saw declines. So clearly things are pretty volatile from month to month.

So what? With so many moving parts to the economy, it’s unclear how prices for necessities like groceries will change.

But you don’t need to know what will happen to make a plan. Here are some proactive ways you can adapt your grocery shopping strategies to counter inflation:

Be patient. If it’s freezable or non-perishable, don’t pay full price until it goes on sale – and then stock up. If you scan your supermarket app or flyer, you may even start to notice discount patterns (like ground beef or your favorite rocky road ice cream going on sale every few weeks). This is a great way to save on those pricier items you can’t live without.

Challenge yourself. Can you come up with one or two meals per week for under $10? Focus on staples that can feed a crowd and feature less costly proteins and pantry items. (Think frittatas, soups, pasta, or rice/grain bowls.)

Experiment with generic brands and different stores. Test out private label items at big box stores (Target’s dealworthy or Walmart’s Bettergoods brands, for instance). Or branch out and see whether you’d get better deals at a supermarket you don’t normally go to. Even if it’s not a chain known for discounts (like Aldi’s,) you might be surprised by how much variation you can find in prices.

Cut “nice-to-have” extras to offset hikes on “must-haves.” Some ideas: Skip the paper plates and cups, make your own salad dressings, or switch to brewed teas (hot or iced) to cut back on coffee or soda.

Related Readings

Grocery Inflation Hacks: How to Fill Your Fridge for Less (SoFi.com)

Here Are 4 Ways ChatGPT Can Help You Save Money on Groceries (Investopedia)

We Compared Grocery Bills Across 3 Chains — Here’s Where Shoppers Save the Most (GOBankingRates)


Please understand that this information provided is general in nature and shouldn’t be construed as a recommendation or solicitation of any products offered by SoFi’s affiliates and subsidiaries. In addition, this information is by no means meant to provide investment or financial advice, nor is it intended to serve as the basis for any investment decision or recommendation to buy or sell any asset. Keep in mind that investing involves risk, and past performance of an asset never guarantees future results or returns. It’s important for investors to consider their specific financial needs, goals, and risk profile before making an investment decision.

The information and analysis provided through hyperlinks to third party websites, while believed to be accurate, cannot be guaranteed by SoFi. These links are provided for informational purposes and should not be viewed as an endorsement. No brands or products mentioned are affiliated with SoFi, nor do they endorse or sponsor this content.

SoFi isn't recommending and is not affiliated with the brands or companies displayed. Brands displayed neither endorse or sponsor this article. Third party trademarks and service marks referenced are property of their respective owners.

OTM20250919SW

Read more

Extra Credit: 5-Question Quiz of the Week

Test your knowledge of topics covered in the past week’s newsletters. Can you get a perfect score?

 


Please understand that this information provided is general in nature and shouldn’t be construed as a recommendation or solicitation of any products offered by SoFi’s affiliates and subsidiaries. In addition, this information is by no means meant to provide investment or financial advice, nor is it intended to serve as the basis for any investment decision or recommendation to buy or sell any asset. Keep in mind that investing involves risk, and past performance of an asset never guarantees future results or returns. It’s important for investors to consider their specific financial needs, goals, and risk profile before making an investment decision.

The information and analysis provided through hyperlinks to third party websites, while believed to be accurate, cannot be guaranteed by SoFi. These links are provided for informational purposes and should not be viewed as an endorsement. No brands or products mentioned are affiliated with SoFi, nor do they endorse or sponsor this content.

SoFi isn't recommending and is not affiliated with the brands or companies displayed. Brands displayed neither endorse or sponsor this article. Third party trademarks and service marks referenced are property of their respective owners.

OTM20250919EC

Read more

SoFi Invest Awards


SoFi Invest
Awards and Accolades

Don’t just take our word for it. See why leading financial experts and publications
consistently rate SoFi Invest as a top choice for modern investors.


Start investing


NerdWallet Best Brokerage Accounts for Online Investing – November 2025

“Best Brokerage Account for Advisor Access 2025”

Explore our Brokerage account benefits

Awards or rankings are not indicative of future success or results. Neither SoFi Securities LLC nor its employees paid a fee in exchange for ratings. Awards and ratings are independently determined and awarded by their respective publications.

Source

NerdWallet Best Brokers for Options Trading – November 2025

“Best for No Options Contract Fees 2025”

Explore our easy-to-use options trading platform

Awards or rankings are not indicative of future success or results. Neither SoFi Securities LLC nor its employees paid a fee in exchange for ratings. Awards and ratings are independently determined and awarded by their respective publications.

Source

NerdWallet Best Roth IRA Accounts – November 2025

“Best Roth IRA for Access to Financial Advisors 2025”

Start saving for retirement with a Roth IRA

Awards or rankings are not indicative of future success or results. Neither SoFi Securities LLC nor its employees paid a fee in exchange for ratings. Awards and ratings are independently determined and awarded by their respective publications.

Source

2025 Bankrate Awards

“Best Robo Advisor for Low Costs 2025”

Bankrate is a paid promoter of SoFi Wealth, but neither SoFi Wealth LLC nor its employees paid a fee in exchange for ratings.

See how our Automated Investing works

Awards or rankings are not indicative of future success or results. Neither SoFi Securities LLC nor its employees paid a fee in exchange for ratings. Awards and ratings are independently determined and awarded by their respective publications.

Source

Barron’s 2025 Best Robo-Advisors

“Best Overall Robo Advisor of 2025”

Learn more about our award-winning Robo Advisor

Awards or rankings are not indicative of future success or results. Neither SoFi Securities LLC nor its employees paid a fee in exchange for ratings. Awards and ratings are independently determined and awarded by their respective publications.

Source

Motley Fool Money’s Best-Of 2025 Awards

“Best Stock Broker for Beginners 2025”

Beginner-friendly stock investing with self-directed investing

Awards or rankings are not indicative of future success or results. Neither SoFi Securities LLC nor its employees paid a fee in exchange for ratings. Awards and ratings are independently determined and awarded by their respective publications.

Source

StockBrokers.com 2025 Annual Awards

“Best In-Class Bank Brokerage 2025”

Awards or rankings are not indicative of future success or results. Neither SoFi Securities LLC nor its employees paid a fee in exchange for ratings. Awards and ratings are independently determined and awarded by their respective publications.

Source

StockBrokers.com 2025 Annual Awards

“Best In-Class Customer Service 2025”

Awards or rankings are not indicative of future success or results. Neither SoFi Securities LLC nor its employees paid a fee in exchange for ratings. Awards and ratings are independently determined and awarded by their respective publications.

Source


Get up to $1,000 in stock when you fund
a new Active Invest account.

Access stock trading, options, alternative investments, IRAs, and more. Get started in just a few minutes.


Trade now

Customer must fund their Active Invest account with at least $50 within 45 days of opening the account.
Probability of customer receiving $1,000 is 0.026%. See full terms and conditions.


Online Investing > Awards & Accolades

Read more

SoFi Unlimited 2% Credit Card Terms & Conditions

SoFi Unlimited 2% Credit Card Terms & Conditions

SOFI CREDIT CARD TERMS OF OFFER INTEREST RATES AND INTEREST CHARGES

Annual Percentage Rate (APR) for Purchases

The standard variable APR for purchases is 29.24%, based on your creditworthiness. Your APR will vary with the market based on the Prime Rate.

Annual Percentage Rate (APR) for Balance Transfers

29.24%, based on your creditworthiness. Your APR will vary with the market based on the Prime Rate. SoFi is currently accepting Balance Transfers from recipients of promotional offers only. We will inform you when this feature is widely available.

Annual Percentage Rate (APR) for Cash Advances

30.74%. This APR will vary with the market based on the Prime Rate.

How to Avoid Paying Interest on Purchases

Your due date is at least 25 days after the close of each billing cycle. We will not charge you interest on purchases made during the most recent billing cycle if you pay your entire balance (adjusted for any financing plan, if applicable) in full on or before the due date each month. We will begin charging interest on cash advances and balance transfers on the transaction date.

Minimum Interest Charge

If you are charged interest, the charge will be no less than $1.00.

For Credit Card Tips from the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau

To learn more about factors to consider when applying for or using a credit card, visit the website of the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau at https://www.consumerfinance.gov/learnmore

FEES
Annual Fee None
Transaction Fees

  • Balance Transfer Fee
  • Cash Advance Fee

  • The greater of $10 or 5% of the Balance Transfer
  • The greater of $10 or 5% of the Cash Advance
Penalty Fees

  • Late Payment Fee
  • Returned Payment Fee

  • Up to $41
  • None

How We Will Calculate Your Balance

We use the “daily balance” method, including new transactions, to calculate the daily balance on which we will charge interest.

Loss of Introductory APR

We may revoke any promotional APR if you fail to make a payment of at least the minimum payment due within 60 days of the due date. Your new APR will be the Standard Purchase APR.

Variable Rates

Your Daily Periodic Rate(s) and corresponding Annual Percentage Rate(s) will change if the Prime Rate changes. If the Daily Periodic Rate(s) and corresponding Annual Percentage Rate(s) increase, your interest charges will increase, and your minimum payment will be greater. Complete details regarding how the variable rate is determined are set forth in the Cardholder Agreement.

Payment Allocation

We decide how to apply your payment, up to the minimum payment, to the balances on your account. We may apply the minimum payment first to interest charges, then to the balances with the lowest APR, and then to the balances with higher APRs.

If you pay more than the Minimum Payment, we’ll apply the amount over the Minimum Payment, first to the Balance with the highest APR, then to the Balance with the next highest APR, and so on, except as otherwise required by applicable law.

SoFi Unlimited 2% Credit Card Terms & Conditions

The SoFi Unlimited 2% Credit Card is issued by SoFi Bank, N.A. (“SoFi”, “we”, “us”, or “our”). By submitting this application, you request that we establish a card account (“SoFi Credit Card Account”) for you and any authorized users you have designated. You agree that all information provided in this application is verifiable and accurate. The SoFi Credit Card Account will be governed by the terms of the cardholder agreement (“Cardholder Agreement”), which will be provided when the SoFi Credit Card Account is issued.

Your eligibility for a SoFi Credit Card Account or a subsequently offered product or service is subject to the final determination by SoFi Bank, N.A., as issuer. Please allow thirty (30) days from the date of submission to process your application.

You must be at least 18 years of age (or of legal age in your state of residence). The card offer referenced in this communication is only available to individuals who reside in the United States. This communication is not and should not be construed as an offer to individuals outside of the United States.

Identity Verification

IMPORTANT INFORMATION ABOUT PROCEDURES FOR OPENING A NEW CARD ACCOUNT

To help the government fight the funding of terrorism and money laundering activities, federal law requires all financial institutions to obtain, verify, and record information that identifies each person who opens a SoFi Credit Card Account. This means that we will ask for your name, address, date of birth, and other information that will allow us to identify you when you open a SoFi Credit Card Account. We may also ask to see your driver’s license or other identifying documents and obtain identification information about you or any authorized user you add to your SoFi Credit Card Account.

Credit Reports

Upon completion of your Credit Card application and submission, you authorize us to request a copy of your credit report from one or more consumer agencies. Upon receiving your completed application, we will conduct a soft credit pull, which will not impact your credit score. You hereby authorize us to conduct a soft credit pull upon receipt of your application. You understand that after evaluating your completed application and soft pull credit report, we may determine not to offer credit to you. If we approve your application, we will conduct a hard credit pull, which might impact your credit score. You hereby authorize us to conduct a hard credit pull following the approval of your application.

You authorize us to request credit reports and other information about you from consumer reporting agencies and other sources for such purposes as: (a) determining whether to issue you a SoFi Credit Card Account, (b) administering, reviewing, and renewing the SoFi Card Account, (c) credit line increases or decreases, (d) collection and other servicing of the SoFi Credit Card Account, (e) offering other products, (f) services, and (g) for any other uses permitted by law. We may report negative information about your SoFi Credit Card Account payment history, like delinquencies, to consumer reporting agencies.

Cardholder Agreement

If you are approved for a SoFi Credit Card Account, you’ll receive the Cardholder Agreement. By activating your SoFi Credit Card Account, using the SoFi Unlimited 2% Credit Card or making any payment to your Account, you are agreeing to be bound by the terms of the Cardholder Agreement. We have the right to make changes to the terms of your SoFi Credit Card Account (including rates and fees) in accordance with the Cardholder Agreement.

In New York, this Agreement begins on the first date that you sign a sales slip or memorandum evidencing the purchase of goods or services.

Credit Eligibility

To receive a SoFi Credit Card Account, you must meet certain applicable criteria bearing on creditworthiness. Your revolving credit limit may be determined based on the following:

  • Your annual salary and wages
  • Any other annual income
  • A review of your debt, including the debt listed on your credit report.
  • A review of your credit history and other factors deemed relevant by the issuer

We’ll inform you of your revolving credit limit when you’re approved for your SoFi Credit Card Account. Some credit limits may be as low as $500.

About Adding An Authorized User

Before adding an authorized user to your SoFi Credit Card Account you should know that:

  • You’re responsible for all charges made to your SoFi Credit Card Account by the authorized user
  • Authorized users have access to your SoFi Credit Card Account information
  • Before adding an authorized user, you must first let them know that we may report SoFi Credit Card Account performance to the credit reporting agencies in the authorized user’s name
  • A review of your credit history and other factors deemed relevant by the issuer

If we ask for information about the authorized user, you must obtain their permission to share their information with us and for us to share it as allowed by applicable law.

Additional Information

Any benefit, reward, service, or feature offered in connection with your Card Account may change or be discontinued at any time for any reason except as otherwise expressly indicated. SoFi Bank isn’t responsible for products and services offered by other companies.

SoFi Unlimited 2% Credit Card Rewards Program

With the SoFi Unlimited 2% Credit Card, you can earn rewards points for purchases made using your card, and you can redeem those points for statement credits, rewards offered through the SoFi Member Rewards Program, or other rewards offered from time to time. More details onSoFi Unlimited 2% Credit Card Rewards can be found here.

SoFi Member Rewards Program

As a SoFi Member, you can earn points by using features across SoFi products that are designed to help you Get Your Money Right. When you elect to redeem Rewards Points toward active SoFi accounts, including but not limited to your SoFi Checking or Savings account, SoFi Money® account, SoFi Active Invest account, SoFi Automated Invest account, SoFi Credit Card account, SoFi Personal Loan, Private Student Loan, Student Loan Refinance, or toward SoFi Travel purchases, your Rewards Points will redeem at a rate of 1 cent per every point.

Mastercard World Benefits

You are also eligible for more rewards through the Mastercard World Elite Benefits program when shopping with eligible merchants. More details on the Mastercard World Elite Benefits program can be found here.

Fraud, Misuse, Abuse, or Suspicious Activity

If we see evidence of fraud, misuse, abuse, or suspicious activity, we’ll investigate and, if we determine that fraud, misuse or abuse has occurred, we may take action against you. This action may include, without limitation and without prior notice:

  • Taking away the rewards points you earned because of fraud, misuse, or abuse
  • Suspending or closing your SoFi Credit Card Account
  • Taking legal action to recover our monetary losses, including litigation costs and damages

Some examples of fraud, misuse, abuse and suspicious activity include:

  • Using your SoFi Credit Card Account in an abusive manner for the primary purpose of acquiring rewards points
  • Using your SoFi Credit Card Account other than primarily for personal, consumer, or household purposes

SoFi Bank reserves the right to take action, including but not limited to those actions enumerated above, based on your activity across any SoFi product, as well as external information received from SoFi third-party vendors, external bureaus, or industry referrals.

Special Notices

California Residents:
If married, you may apply for a separate account.

Delaware Residents:
Service charges not in excess of those permitted by law will be charged on the outstanding balances from month to month.

Ohio Residents:
The Ohio laws against discrimination require that all creditors make credit equally available to all credit worthy customers, and that credit reporting agencies maintain separate credit histories on each individual upon request. The Ohio civil rights commission administers compliance with this law.

Wisconsin Residents:
If you are applying for individual credit or joint credit with someone other than your spouse, and your spouse also lives in Wisconsin, combine your financial information with your spouse’s financial information. No provision of any marital property agreement, unilateral statement under Section 766.59 of the Wisconsin statutes or court order under section 766.70 adversely affects the interest of the lender, unless the lender, prior to the time credit is granted, is furnished a copy of the agreement, statement of decree or has actual knowledge of the adverse provision when the obligation to the lender is incurred. If married, you understand that your lender must inform your spouse if a credit account is opened for you.

Additional documents

As a reminder, the SoFi Unlimited 2% Credit Card is a completely digital product. All written communications related to the card will be online or in electronic format. The following is a link to the SoFi Esign terms and conditions that you must agree to in connection with your application for the SoFi Unlimited 2% Credit Card.

Read more
TLS 1.2 Encrypted
Equal Housing Lender