Your Favorite Girl Scout Cookies Now Cost More: Here's Where the Money Goes

Believe it or not, Girl Scout cookie season is already upon us -- or nearly here if your local chapters begin selling cookies in a few weeks. You'll want to order your cookies soon if you prefer to remain stocked up on your favorite flavors.

You should know that inflation has come for your beloved cookies, so expect to pay more this year. Find out how much a box of cookies costs and learn more about how your money supports troops in your area.

A box of Girl Scout cookies will cost you more

If you ordered Girl Scout cookies last year, you likely paid $5 per box. Well, that's changed. Cookie lovers will pay $6 to $7 per box this year. Prices vary by location. Customers in some parts of the country will pay $6 per box for all flavors. But in other areas, select specialty flavors will cost $7 per box. You can verify pricing with your local troop before placing an order.

Troops collect orders for free local delivery or shipping. Then, later in the season, troops sell cookies at in-person events in the community. If you're feeling the sting of price increases, consider setting aside money in your savings account now. With this strategy, you'll have plenty of money saved to buy your favorite flavors at a local cookie sale in the coming weeks.

You'll be supporting a good cause

Most of us are feeling the impact of rising prices on our bank accounts. Utilities, milk, paper towels, and yes, even Girl Scout cookies are more expensive than they were in years past. But you may feel more comfortable paying more for your favorite cookies, knowing your money is going toward a good cause.

The net sales from cookie purchases stay local and are pooled between the local council and its troops. The troops use their earnings to fund activities and events for the year. Earnings are also used to cover the cost of community projects, travel, and other troop-led adventures.

Some of the money earned is used to fund scholarships to ensure girls and women (troop leaders) can participate in the Girl Scouts program, regardless of financial barriers. Lastly, your cookie purchases will help girls in your community develop valuable lifelong skills.

Business, communication, goal setting, and money management skills are built through the program. Placing a cookie order is an excellent way to show your support for the girls and women in your community.

Other ways to support the Girl Scouts program

If you're not much of a Cookie Monster, you can support the Girl Scouts in other ways. One option is to order cookies to be donated toward hometown heroes, like military members and essential workers. You can also donate directly to your local Girl Scouts council. You can search for your local council by zip code and make a donation through the Girl Scouts website.

Now you know how much to expect to pay for a box of cookies and how your money is used. Whether donating to an organization like the Girl Scouts or another worthy cause, keep your personal finance goals in mind. Giving may be part of your overall financial strategy. One way to prepare for charitable giving is to set aside money in your savings account throughout the year.