Small Shopping Changes to Save Money
Little Alterations at the Supermarket Make a Difference to a Budget
Oct 3, 2008
Learning to shop economically involves techniques which can be learned, and which will pay dividends in the longer term. Here are some small changes one can make when shopping which will add up to large amounts of money in the longer turn.
Which Supermarket to Use?
In the UK, Asda, Morrisons, and Tesco tend to be far cheaper than Sainsbury or Waitrose. The difference can add up to a few pounds during a shopping trip, so it's worth changing. It may even be worth driving a few miles to go to a cheaper supermarket, though the shopper should calculate the extra cost of petrol carefully before doing this. If another expensive supermarket has some items she wants but can't buy elsewhere, she should buy those separately.
How to Shop Economically in the Supermarket
It is a good idea to make a shopping list. That way, the shopper won't be highjacked by attractive items that she really does not need. Special offers such as 'Buy One Get One Free' are excellent ways of saving money, but only if they are for items normally used, and only if one does not eat or use more if the item is in stock. Manufacturers tend to offer these deals on so-called 'expandable categories', such as soft drinks and biscuits/cookies, knowing that families will consume more if the items are in the house. If the shopper takes advantage of these offers, she should store the items out of reach of children and others in the family if necessary.
Changing One's Shopping Habits
Small changes in what one buys really can make a huge difference. Basic ingredients are far cheaper than Ready Meals or other processed food. The shopper can buy these, and if necessary make up a large amount of a meal and freeze it in small portions for busy days - her own ready meals. 'Value' brands and supermarket own brands are often cheaper than branded products, but are frequently similar; indeed they are often made by the same manufacturer! The shopper and her family should try them before assuming that the branded product is better. It is best to buy everything one is likely to need. Running out of small items and having to buy them locally at greater cost can add a large amount to one's shopping bills.
Using Supermarket Reward Cards
It is worthwhile having every supermarket reward card one can get...and using them. The money saved, even if it is not a supermarket the shopper uses regularly, adds up over a period of time. One person recounted to the author that she even used to pick up discarded till receipts, and if the points had not been added, go to Customer Services and get them added to her own card. She bought a number of expensive items with the proceeds over the course of a few years!
These changes may not look like very much. But one shops for food at frequent intervals, so it can add up to something meaningful...enough for a long holiday, a new car, or some other treat.
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