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Busy mums, dads and students on a budget are always thinking of ways to save money at the supermarket. Most will think about how to save on beef mince or a home brand version of a nappy. But if you want to save money at the supermarket and put more $100 bills into your piggy, think again before venturing towards the bright lights of a supermarket! Literally, think outside the supermarket square and its parking lot! There are plenty of ways to save money at the supermarket before you even get there!
Take action before leaving home to produce savings
Follow these tips and you’ll be on your way to more time, cash and happier days!
Home supermarket
Treat your home like it is a supermarket. Always shop at home first in your pantry, fridge, freezer, bathroom and laundry.
If you shop in your kitchen this week you will save $100 to $200 by not going to the supermarket.
Deplete stocks
Only shop once all your pantry stocks are depleted.
Stretch it out
Stretch out your grocery shop for as long as possible. This saves hundreds of dollars.
Dig into the far reaches of your cupboards, pantry, fridge and freezer to find ingredients for meals.
Use leftovers
Create meals from what you find in your kitchen and mark them down on a monthly planning calendar.
Slash your list
Write a list of the grocery items you generally buy. Now cross off the items you think you can do without or that might be excess to your needs.
Clean out the fridge
Before leaving for a grocery shop clean out the fridge and freezer. Make sure there are no further leftovers for creating extra meals. This action will also give you sanity when you come home with the groceries. You can put them away with ease. Since you will be tired after shopping you will be happy to avoid this extra job upon returning home.
Take simple steps on the way and after arriving at the supermarket
Grab a snack
If you have decided that you do need to go grocery shopping grab a snack on the way out the door. Always avoid shopping on an empty stomach.
Take eco-bags
Check that your eco-bags are either in the car or that you have them with you. Do not get caught at the supermarket buying extra plastic bags.
Take your reading glasses
You will need reading glasses to read unit prices and the fine print on all those labels. If not download a free magnifying app for your mobile phone and use it to read labels more easily.
Ditch the card
If possible take cash with you and leave the ATM card at home. Check that you have written a shopping list and that you have set a budget.
Take your mobile phone
Use your mobile phone’s calculator to tally costs as you shop. This will help you to stay within budget and assist at the checkout when paying in cash.
Self-packing tips
If you are shopping somewhere like Aldi where you have to pack your own groceries take three or four sturdy bags that you can place in the trolley to divide items up. As you shop sort items into these bags. (See chapters See Trolley tips and At the Checkout for further related tips).
Save money at the supermarket | Need more great tips?
If you need more ways to save money at the supermarket download money saving cheat sheets and printables! Use up leftovers, create quick and easy meals, find healthy budget lunch and dinner ideas!
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