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Tip Store: Shopping: Habits
USE YOUR ARMS, NOT A BASKET!
If you need to do a mini grocery shop "just for a few things" like bread and milk etc, don't pick up a shopping basket! Taking a basket encourages you to fill it with more things than you originally needed (we've all done the "Oh I'll just grab an extra packet of biscuits as well!") By picking up only as much as your arms can hold, it encourages you to stick to just the bread and milk that are on your list.
Contributed by Alyce Fenton
Contributed by Alyce Fenton
Save All Receipts, and Check Them, to Save Money
So far this month I have been overcharged four times by supermarkets. The first was an overcharge on 3 avocados. The store refused to give me the first item for free and then adjust to the correct price for the other two.
The second was the same store, fruit was the incorrect weight. I was charged for half a kilo for one apple! I was repaid the overcharged amount. No free item!
The third was 2 packets of tea priced at $7.20 each. I was charged $8.20. I returned to the store and got the first packet for free, and the second for the adjusted correct price.
The fourth was today. I bought two kiwi fruit and saw on the docket they were both the same weight so queried it and ask for a re-weigh of the item. Yes the checkout person had charged me twice. I got it for free.
Australian National Retailers Assn Consumer Law 02 82494520 states that if an item is scanned at a higher price than shown on the shelf or advertised, then the consumer is entitled to receive the FIRST item for FREE and all other items at the lower price.
Exceptions are liquor, tobacco, items without a bar code or over $50 in value.
Despite what the store may tell you, it is not necessary for the customer to have left the store or to have paid for the item, to get the first item for free.
Any problems phone the above number...or ask to see a supervisor. Keep a screen shot of your rights on your phone in case of a problem.
Yes keeping my receipts and checking them has saved me heaps of money as the error is always against the consumer.
Contributed by Carolyn Fox
The second was the same store, fruit was the incorrect weight. I was charged for half a kilo for one apple! I was repaid the overcharged amount. No free item!
The third was 2 packets of tea priced at $7.20 each. I was charged $8.20. I returned to the store and got the first packet for free, and the second for the adjusted correct price.
The fourth was today. I bought two kiwi fruit and saw on the docket they were both the same weight so queried it and ask for a re-weigh of the item. Yes the checkout person had charged me twice. I got it for free.
Australian National Retailers Assn Consumer Law 02 82494520 states that if an item is scanned at a higher price than shown on the shelf or advertised, then the consumer is entitled to receive the FIRST item for FREE and all other items at the lower price.
Exceptions are liquor, tobacco, items without a bar code or over $50 in value.
Despite what the store may tell you, it is not necessary for the customer to have left the store or to have paid for the item, to get the first item for free.
Any problems phone the above number...or ask to see a supervisor. Keep a screen shot of your rights on your phone in case of a problem.
Yes keeping my receipts and checking them has saved me heaps of money as the error is always against the consumer.
Contributed by Carolyn Fox
Photo Shopping
Whenever I come across something I want or need (for me, or a gift), I take a photo on my phone of the object and the price, both prices if it’s on special. I put these photos in a ‘shopping album’, so I can ;buy it later if I need it or it comes on special, text it to my husband so he knows exactly what I am after, or just keep the photo for future reference.
Contributed by Denise
Contributed by Denise
Wiping Down When Shopping
After wiping down the supermarket trolley or basket with the wet wipes provided by the store I drape the wipe over the handle. This conveniently allows me to moisten my fingers and open a plastic bag when shopping for fruit and veggies. It is also very handy if I wish to wipe my hands while shopping and can easily be disposed of after use.
Contributed by Maureen Saunders
Contributed by Maureen Saunders
Taking Control of Impulse Buying
Whenever I feel the pull of an impulse purchase (because, let's be honest, we all do from time to time) I have a list on my phone which I add to instead of purchasing the item immediately. Then every 1-2 months I review and purge the list. And it's amazing how much, which on cool headed reflection, you just remove from the list. And some of what's left I keep as gift ideas for when family ask what I would like.
An easy way to save money, save the environment and feel the satisfaction of delayed gratification!
Contributed by Kate MacDougall
An easy way to save money, save the environment and feel the satisfaction of delayed gratification!
Contributed by Kate MacDougall
Should I Buy It?
It's the time of year when we are inundated with advertising. Here are my 4 questions that are asked as I contemplate if I should make a purchase.
Do I need it?
Can I afford it?
Where will it live?
What am I going to get rid of if I buy it?
If I don't have clear answers to all 4 questions it doesn't get bought.
Contributed by Gillian Gilson
Do I need it?
Can I afford it?
Where will it live?
What am I going to get rid of if I buy it?
If I don't have clear answers to all 4 questions it doesn't get bought.
Contributed by Gillian Gilson
Interest Free Time Payment for Big Ticket Items
I regularly use layby's for big ticket items, clothing etc., despite a store having a time period for layby (say 8 weeks), if regular payments are made most stores will happily extend the period of repayment.
Contributed by Dianne Turner
Contributed by Dianne Turner
Click and Collect
Do you have supermarket near you that does Click and Collect shopping? I find it wonderful to shop for savings at my convenience in the evenings (and as I'm not anxious to get out of the shop quickly I can get more specials). In fact if you click on the specials tab you can look exclusively for the specials. All you need to do is pick up the groceries at a time that is convenient for you. It has saved me so much money from impulse buys when shopping in a hurry and hungry.
Contributed by Felicity A.
Contributed by Felicity A.
Saving on Big Items
Approximate $ Savings: $100
Check the website of large stores before you buy large items for your home. Most of the businesses will match the prices that are advertised online. We saved $100 on our purchase of our HD Television by doing this.
Contributed by Karen Gillanders
Check the website of large stores before you buy large items for your home. Most of the businesses will match the prices that are advertised online. We saved $100 on our purchase of our HD Television by doing this.
Contributed by Karen Gillanders
Rotate Shopping Day to Save Grocery Money
Approximate $ Savings: $200.00
A great way to save your whole weekly shopping budget once every 7 weeks!!! Every week change your shopping day to the one after last week e.g. start on a Saturday and next week shop on the Sunday until you are back to the same day and you will find that week you have 2 shopping budgets and can save one whole weeks money.
Contributed by Kaye, Kings Langley
A great way to save your whole weekly shopping budget once every 7 weeks!!! Every week change your shopping day to the one after last week e.g. start on a Saturday and next week shop on the Sunday until you are back to the same day and you will find that week you have 2 shopping budgets and can save one whole weeks money.
Contributed by Kaye, Kings Langley
Buy What You Need
Go thru the pamphlets of different stores and compare prices. Purchase products in bulk and shop where there are clearance sales on and only buy what you need NOT what you want.
Contributed by Narelle Blanchard
Contributed by Narelle Blanchard
The Power of Cash
Approximate $ Savings: 2-5% purchase price
The power of paying in cash has returned, due to the deregulation of banking fees. I found that the factory suppliers where I buy my cleaning products from gives me a discount for paying in cash so not only do I save from buying in bulk but I get a discount for paying cash! Just ask is it cheaper for cash. Contributed by Phoebe, Kings Langley
The power of paying in cash has returned, due to the deregulation of banking fees. I found that the factory suppliers where I buy my cleaning products from gives me a discount for paying in cash so not only do I save from buying in bulk but I get a discount for paying cash! Just ask is it cheaper for cash. Contributed by Phoebe, Kings Langley
Cash or Debit - Depends on the Total
When I go shopping for anything I wait until the total is rung up before I decide to pay by debit card or pay cash (sometimes I know beforehand). If the amount is rounded up when cash is paid, then I pay by debit because it is an exact amount and I therefore pay less. If it would be rounded down, then I pay cash. This saves me up to .02c every time I purchase....not much but it adds up. Living the Cheapskate way has meant that because I am so conscious of spending now I virtually don't have big issues to worry about. As the old saying goes "Look after the pennies and the pounds look after themselves"....well nearly.
Contributed by Wendy, Taigum
Contributed by Wendy, Taigum
Save Seven Weeks of Shopping
Approximate $ Saving: $1,400
If you try and go grocery shopping every 8 days you will save yourself seven weeks of shopping bills every year, which could add up to $1400 if you spend $200 each week.
Contributed by Merewyn, Augustine Heights
If you try and go grocery shopping every 8 days you will save yourself seven weeks of shopping bills every year, which could add up to $1400 if you spend $200 each week.
Contributed by Merewyn, Augustine Heights
Granny Trolley Cuts Weekly Grocery Shopping Bill
Approximate $ Savings: $40.00 a week
Like everyone, I was so determined to save money on my weekly groceries that I came up with this idea and it works! I don't use the store trolley I just take my own. If you use the store trolley its too easy to throw items in that you don't really need. This way I only ever buy the essential and cheapest items. Try it and you will be amazed at the savings!
Contributed by Robyn, Sydney
Like everyone, I was so determined to save money on my weekly groceries that I came up with this idea and it works! I don't use the store trolley I just take my own. If you use the store trolley its too easy to throw items in that you don't really need. This way I only ever buy the essential and cheapest items. Try it and you will be amazed at the savings!
Contributed by Robyn, Sydney
It's Worthwhile to Haggle
When I go out for a "coffee" I usually just order a plain hot soy milk and then I add a sachet or granules of something I like ( I have stomach issues, so I find this suits me). This saves me lots because I usually only get charged $2.00 for a cup of hot soy milk. Today in town, at a cafe, I was horrified at being charged $3.50 for a plain cup of the same so I haggled until they at least cut off the .50c, reducing it to $3.00 - moral - it's worth our while to haggle, even in places we've never thought of doing it before.
Contributed by Josie, Regent
Contributed by Josie, Regent
Make Taking Snacks A Money Saving Habit
Approximate $ Savings: over $500 p/a
When going out anywhere with my two children I always take Vegemite sandwiches and some crackers. I try and plan ahead by making 6 or so sandwiches at a time and freezing them in Tupperware lunchboxes. I also put some rice crackers or arrowroot biscuits in a small plastic container. Of course, we also take drink bottles even if only going out for 1/ hour. I estimate that by taking snacks out with me twice per week for a year can easily save over $500. When you think about having to purchase food out it is very costly and usually unhealthy. Most places will even charge $3 for a Vegemite sandwich. As I have been doing this since my eldest was 12 months old, they think it is normal. It is more abnormal for them if we buy snacks out!
Contributed by Melissa, Kellyville
When going out anywhere with my two children I always take Vegemite sandwiches and some crackers. I try and plan ahead by making 6 or so sandwiches at a time and freezing them in Tupperware lunchboxes. I also put some rice crackers or arrowroot biscuits in a small plastic container. Of course, we also take drink bottles even if only going out for 1/ hour. I estimate that by taking snacks out with me twice per week for a year can easily save over $500. When you think about having to purchase food out it is very costly and usually unhealthy. Most places will even charge $3 for a Vegemite sandwich. As I have been doing this since my eldest was 12 months old, they think it is normal. It is more abnormal for them if we buy snacks out!
Contributed by Melissa, Kellyville
Shop Early to Pick Up Markdowns and Save Hundreds
Approximate $ Savings: 50% off meat bill - $20 per week
Our family saves a great deal of money each month by getting meat from the supermarket at a low price. Every Monday my husband gets up early and goes to our local Coles (around 7am), where meat that didn't sell over the weekend is going out for 30-75% off (2 scotch fillet steaks for $5! This is normally $38 a kilo!). Obviously the use-by dates are either for that day or the next, but we aren't eating it that night, we freeze it immediately and are aware that we have to use it as soon as it's defrosted. We save hundreds each year!
Contributed by Rebecca, Kensington Gardens
Our family saves a great deal of money each month by getting meat from the supermarket at a low price. Every Monday my husband gets up early and goes to our local Coles (around 7am), where meat that didn't sell over the weekend is going out for 30-75% off (2 scotch fillet steaks for $5! This is normally $38 a kilo!). Obviously the use-by dates are either for that day or the next, but we aren't eating it that night, we freeze it immediately and are aware that we have to use it as soon as it's defrosted. We save hundreds each year!
Contributed by Rebecca, Kensington Gardens
Grocery Shopping With a Plan
Approximate $ Savings: $5-$50
I do a big shop every four weeks while my Mum looks after my three kids who are hopefully sleeping. To save myself a lot of time I have a print out of the stores layout. Next to each item on the shopping list I mark the isle number in red. I've found this stops me wandering aimlessly, saves me heaps of time and stops me buying thing that aren't on the list. If I'm really lucky I get ot have a cuppa at home before bub wakes for a feed.
Contributed by Megan, Bull Creek
I do a big shop every four weeks while my Mum looks after my three kids who are hopefully sleeping. To save myself a lot of time I have a print out of the stores layout. Next to each item on the shopping list I mark the isle number in red. I've found this stops me wandering aimlessly, saves me heaps of time and stops me buying thing that aren't on the list. If I'm really lucky I get ot have a cuppa at home before bub wakes for a feed.
Contributed by Megan, Bull Creek
Not Sucked in This Time!
We celebrated our daughter's 21st yesterday. I kept a record or what we spent and managed to host a lovely party for 18 people for $200! We had it at home, made our own dips, made homemade punch, cooked a fabulous Mediterranean meal! We provided some alcohol, and suggested people bring a bottle of wine if they asked if they could bring something. We made a slideshow of pictures (I am a photographer so we have millions of pictures of her:) ) I was shopping for the party and was going to the drinks isle. There was a special for 3 x 2l coke for $7, great I thought! I will get that!, then I thought , well this is not what I had planned, not on my shopping list, so I put all the coke back and bought what I really needed, 1l diet coke $1.86 and 2l no frills lemonade for the punch $0.99. A total of $2.85. So the SPECIAL on the coke was not a saving at all!!! NEARLY SUCKED IN!
Contributed by Stine Baska
Contributed by Stine Baska
Op Shopping for Bargains
You can find a Red Cross, Lifeline or St. Vinnies op shop anywhere. I bought two large bags of all sorts of clothes for only $40.00. Some of the clothes were new and label brands, it's a great treasure hunt. They also have toys and a great variety of things that can be used for Christmas, just put them in nice gift bags. The best part is it's for charity and the savings are phenomenal.
Contributed by Kristen, Logan Village
Contributed by Kristen, Logan Village
Stretching Shopping Day Saves Money for Yearly Holiday
Approximate $ Savings: $1200 a year
Instead of doing a weekly grocery shop, I go every 9-10 days, and spend the same amount as I would spend if I went weekly. Sometimes I run out of a few basics a day or two early, but I make do until shopping day comes around instead of heading to the shops early. If there's no cold meat for sandwiches for lunch I will have a Vegemite sandwich, dinner on the night before shopping might be a simple pasta with whatever veggies are left over and some sauce, and I have been known to fill the dishwashing liquid bottle with water to get the last bit out, but we always make do. The small sacrifices we make mean we can take a good holiday each year. I'd much rather a few basic meals every so often if it means a family holiday that we otherwise couldn't afford.
Contributed by Kellie, Mayfield
Instead of doing a weekly grocery shop, I go every 9-10 days, and spend the same amount as I would spend if I went weekly. Sometimes I run out of a few basics a day or two early, but I make do until shopping day comes around instead of heading to the shops early. If there's no cold meat for sandwiches for lunch I will have a Vegemite sandwich, dinner on the night before shopping might be a simple pasta with whatever veggies are left over and some sauce, and I have been known to fill the dishwashing liquid bottle with water to get the last bit out, but we always make do. The small sacrifices we make mean we can take a good holiday each year. I'd much rather a few basic meals every so often if it means a family holiday that we otherwise couldn't afford.
Contributed by Kellie, Mayfield
Shopping Local
I like to shop around, as a divorced mother of 5 getting no support I have to. I like our local Foodworks here in Melton, yes they can be pricey on some items but their basic specials are knock outs. They always have a named brand soap powder for under $2, toilet paper specials are much greater savings than other supermarkets. I own a Great Dane and last week I was able to buy 700gm Chum dog food for 79 cents a can, that was an awesome saving. They have a specialty section where everything is $2, there are photo frames, kids toys, books, stove lighters, can openers etc
Contributed by Lee Anne, Melton
Contributed by Lee Anne, Melton
Once a Month Shopping
Approximate $ Savings: $100 - $150 per month
As I am someone who doesn't like grocery shopping, I try to do one shop a month, which can be hard for a family of four. We menu-plan by the month and buy $1.09 loaves of Coles bread, $1.09 Savings UHT milks and several pumpkins. We dice the pumpkin and put it in freezer bags in meal portions. The pumpkin and the bread then go into the deep freezer. As UHT milk doesn't need to be kept cold, we store it in our pantry. The UHT doesn't taste any different from bottled milk and you always have milk on hand. At the beginning of each month we buy 35 loaves of bread and 40 UHT milks. Two good sized pumpkins last us over a month. So it means a quick visit to the fruit and vegie shop for fresh stock once a fortnight and all of our other shopping can be completed once a month. This means less money used on petrol going back and forth and impulse buys are eliminated.
Contributed by Anne, Scoresby
As I am someone who doesn't like grocery shopping, I try to do one shop a month, which can be hard for a family of four. We menu-plan by the month and buy $1.09 loaves of Coles bread, $1.09 Savings UHT milks and several pumpkins. We dice the pumpkin and put it in freezer bags in meal portions. The pumpkin and the bread then go into the deep freezer. As UHT milk doesn't need to be kept cold, we store it in our pantry. The UHT doesn't taste any different from bottled milk and you always have milk on hand. At the beginning of each month we buy 35 loaves of bread and 40 UHT milks. Two good sized pumpkins last us over a month. So it means a quick visit to the fruit and vegie shop for fresh stock once a fortnight and all of our other shopping can be completed once a month. This means less money used on petrol going back and forth and impulse buys are eliminated.
Contributed by Anne, Scoresby
Meet a Friend to Chat, Shop and Save
My girlfriend and l have decided to meet fortnightly at either Dandenong market or Springvale market to do a meat/fish/fruit and veg shop to feed our hungry family's of 5 each. This also provides us with a chance to catch up and spend time together.
Contributed by April
Contributed by April
The Bend and Stretch Shopping Routine
Approximate $ Savings: $10
When you have a shopping budget that you love to stick too and that has been working for you for a while, you want to protect it for as long as possible - or at least I do. Early in 2007 I redid my budget and found that for $10 a day ($140) a fortnight, we could shop for all our groceries including fruit, vegies, toiletries and some meat (for 2 Adults). As we are both busy people but LOVE to eat a home cooked meal every night (with the occasional pub or takeaway meal), we knew this was going to be a challenge but one we could definitely meet. So imagine my shock yesterday as I put the usual groceries into my basket and found that I had almost spent $10 unnecessarily! I had to buy ham, shampoo and toothpaste among other things, but this where I found the trick to saving money - BEND AND STRETCH WHEN YOU SHOP. The ham at eye level was $4.80 for 100gms and the use by date had about 1 week to go. The ham on the second shelf from the bottom was $5.30 for 250gms! We continued shopping and our usual staples were all at the right price. I was happy. We then get to the shampoo and toothpaste section. Here at eye level was a "special", a well known brand of shampoo advertised at "2 for $8". Bargain?? Well the size of each bottle was 200mls. So a total of 400mls of shampoo for $8. I look up at the top shelf and what do I see? The same shampoo priced at $4.50 for a 400ml bottle (see where I am going with this?) eye level = a bargain for the store, not for you! Toothpaste again on "special" for $3.00 for 110gms, when the same brand could be bought for $2.50 for 140gms, the only difference was this was on the bottom shelf. Same toothpaste - just positioned on a different shelf! So now armed with this information, I feel I am on a winner and I wanted to share this with everyone else. For me it is a better idea to spend the extra 30 seconds it takes to compare prices, rather than the extra $10 for the same grocery items. Also a good way to do your daily stretches :-)
Contributed by Claudia, Erskineville
When you have a shopping budget that you love to stick too and that has been working for you for a while, you want to protect it for as long as possible - or at least I do. Early in 2007 I redid my budget and found that for $10 a day ($140) a fortnight, we could shop for all our groceries including fruit, vegies, toiletries and some meat (for 2 Adults). As we are both busy people but LOVE to eat a home cooked meal every night (with the occasional pub or takeaway meal), we knew this was going to be a challenge but one we could definitely meet. So imagine my shock yesterday as I put the usual groceries into my basket and found that I had almost spent $10 unnecessarily! I had to buy ham, shampoo and toothpaste among other things, but this where I found the trick to saving money - BEND AND STRETCH WHEN YOU SHOP. The ham at eye level was $4.80 for 100gms and the use by date had about 1 week to go. The ham on the second shelf from the bottom was $5.30 for 250gms! We continued shopping and our usual staples were all at the right price. I was happy. We then get to the shampoo and toothpaste section. Here at eye level was a "special", a well known brand of shampoo advertised at "2 for $8". Bargain?? Well the size of each bottle was 200mls. So a total of 400mls of shampoo for $8. I look up at the top shelf and what do I see? The same shampoo priced at $4.50 for a 400ml bottle (see where I am going with this?) eye level = a bargain for the store, not for you! Toothpaste again on "special" for $3.00 for 110gms, when the same brand could be bought for $2.50 for 140gms, the only difference was this was on the bottom shelf. Same toothpaste - just positioned on a different shelf! So now armed with this information, I feel I am on a winner and I wanted to share this with everyone else. For me it is a better idea to spend the extra 30 seconds it takes to compare prices, rather than the extra $10 for the same grocery items. Also a good way to do your daily stretches :-)
Contributed by Claudia, Erskineville
A Change of Routine Saves $2,600
I have now changed the way I shop for groceries. After work on shopping night (about 5pm) I go to the 2 large supermarkets in our area. I then buy anything I need that is on special and I also go into the bakery, deli, dairy, meat and fruit and veg sections. Once there I buy anything that is marked down (and that we need). The next day I head to Aldi and buy everything that I had not been able to get and all the basics I need. This means that I never pay full price for any groceries and save about $50 a week, $200 a month and $2600 a year. It may be even more than this if I have a few good pick-ups in the marked down sections.
Contributed by Michele, Warrnambool
Contributed by Michele, Warrnambool
Add Up As You Go
Approximate $ Savings: $5- $10 per shop
When shopping add up the items as you go along so: 1. if you are over your budget you can put a 'treat' back. 2. check for any discrepancy between your total and the total at the checkout, if you have been overcharged by accident. You can take a small pocket calculator or use your mobile phone which is usually in your handbag.
Contributed by Helen, Williamstown
When shopping add up the items as you go along so: 1. if you are over your budget you can put a 'treat' back. 2. check for any discrepancy between your total and the total at the checkout, if you have been overcharged by accident. You can take a small pocket calculator or use your mobile phone which is usually in your handbag.
Contributed by Helen, Williamstown
Shop Once A Week
Approximate $ Savings: $50.00 per week
We implemented a shop once a week rule for everything (clothes, food etc). This eliminates running to the corner store and spending more that necessary on food, utilising cupboard stores as if we don't have it we have to substitute or get creative. It also makes us think twice about whether or not we really need to clothing items therefore eliminating impulse buys. We have found this a great way to save money and think about what we are spending on!
Contributed by Jodi, Bemont
We implemented a shop once a week rule for everything (clothes, food etc). This eliminates running to the corner store and spending more that necessary on food, utilising cupboard stores as if we don't have it we have to substitute or get creative. It also makes us think twice about whether or not we really need to clothing items therefore eliminating impulse buys. We have found this a great way to save money and think about what we are spending on!
Contributed by Jodi, Bemont
Saving a Weeks Grocery Money
Approximate $ Savings: $250
My Nan swore by this method of saving. Each week she would do the shopping one day later - so if payday is Thursday and you usually shop on Thursday next week you shop Friday, the following week shop Saturday, the following week Sunday etc. You are actually shopping every 8 days rather than every 7 - and it is fairly easy to stretch the groceries just one extra day. The benefit of this is once every 7 weeks you will shop on the Wednesday and then get paid on the very next day (Thursday). You then can save that week's grocery money because you don't need to shop again until next Thursday - pay day! You can make even more savings by stretching 9 days rather than 8. Nan used to use this method to save up for Christmas throughout the year.
Contributed by Katy, Kelso
My Nan swore by this method of saving. Each week she would do the shopping one day later - so if payday is Thursday and you usually shop on Thursday next week you shop Friday, the following week shop Saturday, the following week Sunday etc. You are actually shopping every 8 days rather than every 7 - and it is fairly easy to stretch the groceries just one extra day. The benefit of this is once every 7 weeks you will shop on the Wednesday and then get paid on the very next day (Thursday). You then can save that week's grocery money because you don't need to shop again until next Thursday - pay day! You can make even more savings by stretching 9 days rather than 8. Nan used to use this method to save up for Christmas throughout the year.
Contributed by Katy, Kelso
Shopping Every Eight Days
By doing your shopping on the next day the following week, you actually save 1 whole shopping bill every 6 weeks. For example first week could start on a Monday, the following week you do your shopping on a Tuesday and so on. It really works.
Contributed by Victoria, Atwell
Contributed by Victoria, Atwell
Not Paying for a Trolley Saves $50 a Week
Thanks to our local supermarket installing devices on their trolleys that require a $1 coin to operate them, we found an extra $50 per week. Previously my partner and I thought we were quite good with our money - that was until we got to the supermarket checkout. Although we always took a list and planned our weekly meals in advance we never thought we had enough food until the trolley was almost full. We would fill it with all sorts of biscuits, chips and soft drinks that we really didn't need until we thought we had enough food. Next time we went shopping neither of us had a $1 coin to operate the new trolleys so we both grabbed a basket and went about our weekly shop. We only managed to fill the baskets with what we absolutely needed and had to leave the chips and chocolates at the supermarket. I estimate we are saving around $50 per week, that's $2,600 a year in our pockets. Contributed by Kaye, Dianella
Take Advantage of Specials Early in the Week
Do grocery shopping On Sunday, Monday and Tuesday and take advantage of all the specials and take less time to do it - these are quieter days for shops
Contributed by Jeanette, Bradbury
Contributed by Jeanette, Bradbury
Carry a Floor Plan of Your Supermarket and Save Time and Money
Do you want to save time and money at the supermarket? Then laminate a full store plan of each aisle to save time and not buy the extra goods you do not really need. This also helps if you have kids with you as they tend to cause distractions-just stick to the list you have marked. I would suggest you go by yourself first before making a final copy and get a plan from your local store and add or subtract items that are relevant to you. If you really can stick to the list then you will save. Also buy a whiteboard marker for the list so it can be changed from week to week.
Contributed by Jacki, Success
Contributed by Jacki, Success
Scanning Policy
I write down the prices of all supermarket items that I purchase. Once I'm through the checkout I check to see if there have been any scanning errors. If there are any errors I proceed to the service desk and ask for a refund, as this is the policy of all large supermarkets. Over the years I have received many goods free of charge following this process. I estimate the value of these goods would exceed two hundred dollars. Also, I always take the current supermarket catalogues with me when shopping to avoid arguments about what is supposed to be on special. Two weeks ago I received a free item as it scanned at the full price when it was supposed to be on special. The normal price was displayed on the shelf but I had the catalogue with me to prove my claim.
Contributed by Peter, Murrumbeena
Contributed by Peter, Murrumbeena
Saving on Food Bill
By delaying your weekly food shopping by one day each week, after 7 weeks, you will have saved the entire cost of your food bill for one week.
Contributed by Carmen, Mill Park
Contributed by Carmen, Mill Park
Food
I do my groceries every eight days instead of once a week and after 7 weeks I have an extra week of shopping money, which is $200 you can use it to buy bulk meat Christmas presents or just save it for a rainy day. Great hey!
Contributed by Debbie, Corio
Contributed by Debbie, Corio