How To Save Money On Groceries

Grocery bills are often the cause of woe to many of us. Then how to get a grip on your grocery expenses? How to buy the essentials and still make nifty savings?

Here is how.

1. Set a budget

Setting a budget should be the first step before venturing out to do your grocery shopping. Next step is to stick to your budget and avoiding temptation at all cost.

2. Eat before you go


Eating a hearty lunch, dinner or just snacking on some cookies, bars or bread will ensure that you go grocery shopping on a full tummy and do not spend your hard-earned money on impulse buys that may not be at all required for your pantry.

3. Bulk buys are cost-effective


Buy items in bulk to save money on groceries. It is wise to adopt the option of bulk buys for household items like toilet tissues, spices, detergents, although it is not viable to do bulk buys for perishables like bread and fruits. Moreover, when you buy things like cooking oil, it is savvier to buy a four litre can compared to a 500ml can.

4. Steer clear of the shelves at the counter

The shelves at the counter are always stocked with chocolates, gums etc. As you wait to get the attention of the checkout chick, it is not unusual to reach out for a gum, a chocolate or even some USBs; basically, things you do not need or could do without. And if you do feel the need to stock up on chocolates and gum, make bulk buys from the shelves inside the store rather than opting for the single items at the counter. You would save quite a bit by declining the temptation of making impulse buys at the counter.

5. Local markets are your best friends


Local markets and farmers markets are your best friends when making substantial savings on grocery shopping. Not only will you procure a wide variety of products and goods at a cheap price but will also be bestowed with fresh items. Also, paying a visit to your local butcher for meat is more cost-effective than gracing the red carpet of the big supermarkets.

6. Some supermarkets are better than others


Image by Aconcagua via Wikimedia Commons

ALDI is a prime example where you can make a significant difference in your weekly grocery bill, without compromising on quality. Undoubtedly, ALDI lacks options for any given item as opposed to Coles and Woolworths, but what it lacks in diversity it makes up for in lucrative discounts.

7. Take advantage of specials and discounts

On certain days of the week, specials are advertised in supermarkets that enables consumers to bag items at excellent discounted prices, for example some Coles have specials on Tuesday. Ask your local supermarket for the days on which they hold specials.

%saverguide