Here are a few simple adjustments you can make in order to save money on groceries.
By Gail Gill
We all have to eat and most of us have to shop for that food. We should therefore consider our shopping habits carefully. Adjusting our habits can save us a little money, or with care and patience, maybe even a lot of money. Here are several ways you can save money on your groceries:
Make a List
This is very important. You should always shop with a list. There are a couple of reasons for this. Firstly, you won’t forget to buy essential items. If you drive your car to the shopping centre, it can be very expensive, as well as frustrating, if you have to return to purchase a must have item, such as bread. Secondly, you are less likely to buy expensive items that you don’t really need, if you train yourself to adhere to your list.
Shop for bargains
If you have the storage space, it is always a good idea to buy items which you are going to need in the future, when they are on special. This is especially true for non-perishable items such as soap, shampoo, toilet paper, household cleaners, and washing powder, etc.
Some supermarkets discount meats, breads, fruit and vegetables at the end of the day, or at the end of the working week. Pay a few visits to your local supermarket and find out if they do this and when it is likely to be. This is the best time to shop. However, you must be careful that you do not impulse buy. Buying steak at 20% off may be cheap, if you wanted to buy steak, but not such a good purchase if your budget was more for chops or mince.
Buy generic brands
Try generic brands, as you may be pleasantly surprised. There will be many times where you just can‘t tell the difference between a generic brand and the more expensive branded products. You can also use items such as generic brand long-life milks in your cooking and baking, instead of the more expensive fresh milk.
Be aware of Supermarket tactics
Many supermarkets lay in traps for the unsuspecting buyer. We all know the one where confectionary and other similar goodies are placed at the checkout, but there are many other traps you may not be aware of. The first is to realise that the more expensive brands of any item will be at eye level. Look above or below eye level for the cheaper and generic brands. It is worth it to stretch up or down to buy at a lesser price.
Essential items such as eggs, milk, bread and margarine are often placed at the back of the supermarket. This is to encourage you to look at all of the items as you walk down the isle. Do not impulse buy. If the items are not on your list, make straight for the back of the store.
If food items are on special, be sure to check the use-by or best-before date. The item may not be such a bargain if it is out of date.
Avoid convenience food
It costs far less to chop up a potato then to buy a packet of pre-prepared chips. It is also better to buy individual salad items then to purchase pre-packed salads. Usually, individual salad items retain their freshness longer, because they are not cut up until you are ready to eat them. An exception to this rule is frozen peas, beans and corn, which are cheaper to buy this way because there is no waste.
Buy in bulk
Many foods cost less if you purchase them in bulk. Be careful though when it comes to fresh foods, as it is not worth paying less per kilo or pound if you end up having to throw half of your purchase away. Frozen foods such as ice-cream are usually cheaper, if you buy the larger container.
Next time you visit the supermarket, be prepared. Have your list handy and except for non-perishable bargains or very well discounted other items, stick to your list. Remember supermarket tactics and don’t get caught. When you have spent considerably less at the supermarket, it will all be worth it You may even find a few health benefits as you will be less likely to pick up those expensive snack foods. Enjoy your shopping.
~CHARLOTTE PATTERSON
Realtor, eCertified,
Accredited Staging Professional
