5 tips for spending less at the supermarket
It seems like grocery bills keep on rising, no matter how the bigger supermarkets promise to keep the prices down. Here are five simple ways that you can save at the checkout.
1. Try the markets
It’s an oldie but a goodie piece of advice: Market days often have a great multicultural flavour. Hunt around for one that offers fresh, affordable fruits and vegetables for much less than their supermarket competitors. Don’t be afraid to ask the stall owners what’s good and how things should be cooked if you’re unsure.
2. Check the catalogues
Don’t just bin them! Take five minutes with your morning tea or coffee to browse through the supermarket catalogues to see if there’s anything on special. If you see anything that you would normally buy that’s half price, stock up!
3. Eat before you leave home
It’s a good idea to have breakfast not just because it’s an important meal of the day, but it’s also an additional expense that you really don’t need to add to everything else that burns a hole in your wallet. A bowl of porridge with fresh berries, or honey is far healthier and cheaper in the long run than a sugar-heavy muffin and coffee to go mid-morning. If you happen to like muffins as a breakfast option, however…
4. Buy fresh and make your own food
Purchasing pre-packaged food or ready-to-eat-meals can often be far more expensive than simply making your own food. Cooking food jam-packed with grains and vegetables is better for your health, but cheaper too.
5. Ask for a discount
It’s not widely advertised, but many local shops and even the bigger supermarkets will offer seniors a discount of five to 10 per cent on slow shopping days. You’ll have to ask at the checkout or the customer service desk to find out if this is true of your local grocery store.