Shopping on a Budget

Last Updated on Wednesday, 20 January 2010 08:23

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It’s a strange feeling going to the supermarket for a couple of things, then finding they somehow add up to $40 at the checkout...

Here are some tips to help you save a bit of money when it comes to food shopping.

1) Take a calculator - If you don’t like surprises and are shopping to a budget, then work out what you’re spending as you go.

2) Don’t shop when you’re hungry or in a rush.
If you can avoid it, don’t shop when you’re in a state that might affect how you make decisions. If you’re in a hurry, it’s easy to pick up a few extra things that each cost a few dollars and add an extra $20 to the bill. If you’re hungry you might pick up a bunch of tasty impulse buys that are expensive or that you never end up using.

3) Plan your meals. If you go to the supermarket three or four times a week, buying things for individual meals, you’ll spend far more than you will if you plan what you’re eating and stick to it. Supermarket products are often bigger than you need for one meal, so shopping meal by meal wastes a lot of food and money. Plan your meals around what’s in the fridge and the vege bin.

4) Cut back on luxuries not staples. When money gets tight, don’t stop buying fresh fruit and vegetables and eat baked beans for a week. If you’re still spending money on partying or convenience foods, cut back on these areas first and only cut back on necessities if things get really bad.

5) Work out what brands are the best buys. Brands such as Signature Range, Budget and so on are often produced in the same factories that make expensive brands. Many of their products are as good as more expensive ones, but cut costs on marketing. Also, make sure that when comparing prices, that you are comparing the same weight of food. A 300gm tin for $3.00 is less value for money than a 430gm tin for $3.90.

6) When buying meat, forget the supermarket. Supermarkets are places of convenience. They do not try to compete with specialty stores. Places like the Mad Butcher and Export Meat Warehouse sell much cheaper meat than is available at supermarket. Also, Asian grocery stores are also great value.

7) Buy veges from a market or green grocer. Just as with meat, fruit and vegetables are much cheaper if bought from a Sunday market, a specialty fruit and vege shop, an Asian supermarket or a roadside stall. Often the produce is a higher quality and fresher than what is offered in the supermarket.

8) Don’t forget about bulk bins. Bulk bins can represent good value for a lot of basic foods, plus you get the amount that you want, not a prepackaged amount.

9) Base your meals around cheap, staple foods. Using rice and beans in your meals are a way to stay healthy as well as save money.

10) Learn to cook! It works out much cheaper to make sauces and meals from scratch than buying pre-prepared. It is also better for you and tastier – plus you’ll impress your friends with your culinary prowess.