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Tip Store: Groceries: Shopping Lists
Supermarket Time, Energy & Money Saving
This is my tip, that I have been using for quite a few years as I had to work out a way I could get in and out of the shops quickly with my disabilities, and being on a pension I only have a limited amount to spend on food and with kids makes it harder. Whichever supermarket I shop in, I have written which items I use and what number aisle it is in, so when I have to go in, I only need to go to those aisles on my shopping list. I save my energy from not having to go down each one looking for the items and also remove the urge to buy things that are not needed. This has saved me a great deal of money, lessened my time in the shop and helped my energy levels.
Contributed by Fiona Sewell
Contributed by Fiona Sewell
Grocery Shopping the Week before Pay Week
Here's my tip for the last week of the pay cycle (monthly paid- I hate it!). Go to the Coles online site and create a shopping list of everything you need. Then delete anything you can go without until you reach your budget amount (or the amount you have to spend, we all know that sometimes they vary!). Print the list, then shop for it. Not only will it be cheaper in store but you can compare brands and prices easily and you already know exactly what you're buying and the estimated price. And remember while you're shopping that one week of frozen peas and corn instead of fresh won't kill them and generic canned fruit made into jelly cups at least gives them some fruit at a reasonable price.
Contributed by Melissa Wood
Contributed by Melissa Wood
An Organized Shopping List
I have made a list of all supermarket items that we use and saved it on my computer (initially it took some time at the start, but in the long run it makes compiling the shopping list much quicker and easier). I print it out and keep it in a handy spot. When we run out of an item, I tick it on the list. The day before shopping (we usually shop every 3 - 4 weeks) I grab the list and do a check of cupboards, fridge & pantry, ticking any items that need replacing. I make a list of all the items I have ticked, and stick to what's on the list. This way, I come home with only what we need, and don't have to rely on having to make on-the-spot decisions, that usually end up being the wrong ones.
Contributed by Jen Brittain
Contributed by Jen Brittain
Make Friends with Online Shopping!
Have you tried purchasing your groceries online? You can do it while the kids are in bed. Plan out your meals for the week, and while you shop, you can check the cupboard straight away without needing to guess if you have something or not. Then all you need to do is arrange a delivery time that suits (I think the fee is $8, but if you're dreading groceries that much it'll probably be $8 well spent!) and then all you have to do is wait for your groceries to arrive. Coles has portable EFTPOS on their trucks and they deliver seven days a week.
Contributed by Emily D.
Contributed by Emily D.
Make Your Shopping List Work Harder for You
Approximate $ Savings: $50 per week
Make your shopping list work harder for you. I write a shopping list every week before I do my groceries and I set a budget, however, I noticed that each shop the amount I spent could vary considerably. My husband's salary is changing from weekly to monthly which has prompted me to tighten up on my grocery shopping (amongst many other things). Now when I go shopping, I write down the price of each item as it goes into the trolley and I keep a running tally of how much I've spent so far at the bottom of my list. Not only does this give a greater insight into how much each item in the basket actually costs, but because I want to stick to a certain budget, it enables me to prioritise what goes into my basket - meat, fruit, vegetables, baby goods (nappies, etc.) and then the rest. So far, I have reduced my bill by at least $50 a week without having to give anything up...I think this helps show how many hidden extras end up in the trolley each week.
Contributed by Allison Dennis
Editor's Note: Allison has the beginnings of her pricebook right there on her shopping list. This is exactly how, all those years ago, I started my pricebook and tracking grocery prices. Instead of discarding the list once I had finished the shopping, I would transfer the actual prices onto the next month's grocery list, ready to compare prices in store. At a glance I could see if the price of an item had increased (or decreased) and make a choice about buying it. Cath
Make your shopping list work harder for you. I write a shopping list every week before I do my groceries and I set a budget, however, I noticed that each shop the amount I spent could vary considerably. My husband's salary is changing from weekly to monthly which has prompted me to tighten up on my grocery shopping (amongst many other things). Now when I go shopping, I write down the price of each item as it goes into the trolley and I keep a running tally of how much I've spent so far at the bottom of my list. Not only does this give a greater insight into how much each item in the basket actually costs, but because I want to stick to a certain budget, it enables me to prioritise what goes into my basket - meat, fruit, vegetables, baby goods (nappies, etc.) and then the rest. So far, I have reduced my bill by at least $50 a week without having to give anything up...I think this helps show how many hidden extras end up in the trolley each week.
Contributed by Allison Dennis
Editor's Note: Allison has the beginnings of her pricebook right there on her shopping list. This is exactly how, all those years ago, I started my pricebook and tracking grocery prices. Instead of discarding the list once I had finished the shopping, I would transfer the actual prices onto the next month's grocery list, ready to compare prices in store. At a glance I could see if the price of an item had increased (or decreased) and make a choice about buying it. Cath
When You Open it Up, Write it On Your Shopping List
When I open the last bottle, box, etc. of any product that I use at home, I write it on my shopping list straight away. My shopping list hangs on a peg on the pantry door, with a pen on a string attached (pens do tend to walk in our house). That way I never run out of anything and always have an extra at home! It also means that on shopping day I just pull the list off the door and head to the supermarket.
Contributed by June Curtin
Contributed by June Curtin
Never Pay Full Price Again!
Approximate $ Savings: Minimum $20
With your budget, keep a list of products your family uses on a regular basis along with the lowest price that you have paid for that item and where that price is. Keep an eye out for specials that either equal or better that price and stock up so you never pay full price again and can gain maximum savings e.g. a month or so ago, Coles had Tim Tams on special, 2 for $4.00. I had that price on my list. When I saw that Woolworths had Tim Tams on special this week they were 3 for $4.98. We stocked up and spent $19.92 rather than the $24 we previously would have spent. That's a saving of $19.20 from full price.
Contributed by Di Bailey
With your budget, keep a list of products your family uses on a regular basis along with the lowest price that you have paid for that item and where that price is. Keep an eye out for specials that either equal or better that price and stock up so you never pay full price again and can gain maximum savings e.g. a month or so ago, Coles had Tim Tams on special, 2 for $4.00. I had that price on my list. When I saw that Woolworths had Tim Tams on special this week they were 3 for $4.98. We stocked up and spent $19.92 rather than the $24 we previously would have spent. That's a saving of $19.20 from full price.
Contributed by Di Bailey
Online Grocery List Saves Money at the Supermarket
Approximate $ Savings: $50 per fortnight
I wanted to try online grocery shopping and as I was adding items I realised that the prices online were slightly higher than in-store. Interested to check this in store, I thought that I would print out my online order and compare it to in store. To my surprise it printed according to the shopping areas (refrigerated, condiments, freezer etc). These were similar to the aisles of the shop. I used this print out as my shopping list bypassing the impulse buys and shopped in half the amount of time. I now update my shopping cart every couple of days with the items I know I have used or are low on. Doing it this way also keeps track of approximately how much my shop should be. Before printing it out, I check the specials section so I am even less tempted as I already know the specials. I buy my meat in bulk or only buy what is marked down and now only shop to keep my staple pantry items in stock for my families favourite meals.
Contributed by Julie Andrews
I wanted to try online grocery shopping and as I was adding items I realised that the prices online were slightly higher than in-store. Interested to check this in store, I thought that I would print out my online order and compare it to in store. To my surprise it printed according to the shopping areas (refrigerated, condiments, freezer etc). These were similar to the aisles of the shop. I used this print out as my shopping list bypassing the impulse buys and shopped in half the amount of time. I now update my shopping cart every couple of days with the items I know I have used or are low on. Doing it this way also keeps track of approximately how much my shop should be. Before printing it out, I check the specials section so I am even less tempted as I already know the specials. I buy my meat in bulk or only buy what is marked down and now only shop to keep my staple pantry items in stock for my families favourite meals.
Contributed by Julie Andrews
Check the Cost of Groceries Online - Before You Hit the Supermarket
If you only have a set amount of money for your shopping (say $100) jump online and go to the home shopping cart from Woolies or Coles. You can go through and pick what you want and add it to your cart, at the end if your over budget just delete whatever isn't essential for the shop. You then can save your list and print it out and go do your shopping. You will save $10-$15 every time as the online prices are more expensive than in the shop.
Contributed by Robyn Smith
Contributed by Robyn Smith
Shopping by Price Book Pays for Family Holiday
Approximate $ Savings: over $1000 per year I recently read Debt Free, Cashed Up and Laughing and started my own list of particular specials, what dates they come on sale and for how much. Being coffee drinkers, we started purchasing our Nescafe in the 500g tin instead of little containers and based on $14.99 per can every 5 - 6 weeks, as opposed to $25 when not on special, we worked out we would be saving $80 over the year on coffee alone. Not only that, shampoo is another fantastic bargain when on special. Be prepared to buy and stock up when Pears and Wella get down to $1.99 per 400ml instead of $4.29 per 400ml. .49c per 100ml or $1.24 per 100ml (and very occasionally you can get it for .39c per 100ml but I've only seen this price once so far this year). And if you are paying 45c or more per toilet roll for a decent brand you need to do a price check too. Purex and Wondersoft are regular brands that you can pick up for .31 and .33 cents per roll instead of .50 to .55c per roll. You'll be surprised at how much you can save over the year. We are putting our extra money saved in to a holiday fund for us and our three children. Queensland, here we come!
Contributed by Maureen, Albury
Contributed by Maureen, Albury
Shopping Aussie Made on a Budget
Most people keep shopping lists. I have a permanent list that I add to each time I shop. My list contains all the products that I buy on a reoccurring cycle. My list details Australian made items as preferred items. Australian made items are generally more expensive as they cost more to produce than imported items. I buy almost all items when they are on special only, this way I am supporting Australian companies and saving money as well. For example Sorbent is Australian made. 12 rolls cost approximately $10-$12 normal RRP, however on special you can save $3 per package, so I bought 2 packets. The thing to have in mind is you must buy in bulk so that you won't need to buy the products when they are at full price, or if you do need to purchase an item when it is not on special make sure on your list you have an alternative product. I plan my menus before shopping so that I can purchase only what I need (some items already purchased when on special). By not purchasing items on special you start to learn what you can actually go without. It doesn't matter where you shop as all retailers have a variety of different items on special every week. If you can you should also shop after 7pm as most shops will reduce breads and meats for quick sale.
Contributed by Petrina, Karama
Contributed by Petrina, Karama
Printed Shopping List
Approximate $ Savings: ~$100 each food shop and time
I have created a shopping list with most of the products I regularly use, in order according to where they are in the aisles at my local supermarkets. As soon as my shop is complete I print off a list and stick it to the side of my fridge and as I find something is required I tick the product. When it is shopping day, I take the list and start at one end of the supermarket and put only what is ticked. As it is in order I don't waste time trying to find items and notice other items that aren't really required! It took some refining of the list to get all items in order but worth the time at the beginning. Some supermarkets actually have printed lists in their shop to assist you to personalise it to your regular products.
Contributed by Michelle Popplewell
I have created a shopping list with most of the products I regularly use, in order according to where they are in the aisles at my local supermarkets. As soon as my shop is complete I print off a list and stick it to the side of my fridge and as I find something is required I tick the product. When it is shopping day, I take the list and start at one end of the supermarket and put only what is ticked. As it is in order I don't waste time trying to find items and notice other items that aren't really required! It took some refining of the list to get all items in order but worth the time at the beginning. Some supermarkets actually have printed lists in their shop to assist you to personalise it to your regular products.
Contributed by Michelle Popplewell
A Running Inventory on the Side of the Freezer
I find when I am busy, I don't very often have time to check through the freezer for what is already in there before going shopping - which means I often double up and purchase things I already have! (And if I'm honest, I also really hate this job, especially in winter, because it makes me feel cold!) So, last night, after yet again buying things I already had (and noticing that the DH and teenagers hadn't eaten the frozen leftovers for snacks/lunches as planned) I came up with a plan. I grabbed a whiteboard marker, and on the side of the fridge listed everything that I had stored in the freezer. I have listed in categories (meat, ready made, leftovers, fruit & veg, breads and pastry) and have noted how much of each (e.g. bread loaf x 2, whole rabbit x 1). Then, whenever anything is added or removed, we will just update the list on the side! This will save time, money at the supermarket, as well as the 'there is nothing to eat' argument often had with teenagers! Just make sure you use whiteboard marker so that it can be wiped off again (and maybe test in an inconspicuous place first).
Contributed by Claire, Maryborough
Contributed by Claire, Maryborough
Prepare Shopping List Online and Stick to Budget
Each week before I go grocery shopping, I get onto the Woolworths website and use the shop online order form to make a list of the items I need. The prices of each item come up as I select the items I want so that way, if I am on a budget of $100 for example I can see already how much I am spending and not exceed my budget. I then print off the list and take it with me to the supermarket.
Contributed by Irene, Bayswater
Contributed by Irene, Bayswater
Spreadsheet Shopping List Saves Money
Approximate $ Savings: $1,000
I have a bad memory for remembering the prices for specials, added to that I have a gluten and dairy free diet. To solve this I decided to create a spreadsheet to record the product, cost, brand, weight, unit price, and shop name. Initially it took time walking through the aisles of wholesale shops with a notepad and pen. For shops with online shopping I searched for items I use regularly and recorded the prices. I highlighted the cheapest per unit price for the items and put it in my wallet so I always have it on hand to check if the specials really are specials! My next step will be to use the spreadsheet to determine the shops specials cycles, to try and get even cheaper product and to buy in season.
Contributed by Felicity, Goodwood
I have a bad memory for remembering the prices for specials, added to that I have a gluten and dairy free diet. To solve this I decided to create a spreadsheet to record the product, cost, brand, weight, unit price, and shop name. Initially it took time walking through the aisles of wholesale shops with a notepad and pen. For shops with online shopping I searched for items I use regularly and recorded the prices. I highlighted the cheapest per unit price for the items and put it in my wallet so I always have it on hand to check if the specials really are specials! My next step will be to use the spreadsheet to determine the shops specials cycles, to try and get even cheaper product and to buy in season.
Contributed by Felicity, Goodwood
Keeping Your Shopping List on the Phone
These days most people carry their mobile phone everywhere. I write my shopping list as a calendar appointment and add things to the list as I go. I have the reminder alarm set for just after I finish work so I don't forget to go and up pops the list. This works really well for me as I like to buy a few things on my way home from work several times a week. it helps me limit my spending
Contributed by Leanne, Rowville
Contributed by Leanne, Rowville
Plan ahead for supermarket success
It makes sense to be properly prepared to do your weekly or fortnightly grocery shopping. Before you set out for the supermarket, do a quick pantry and fridge inventory and plan your meals for the week around what you already have. Then use your meal plan to create a list to shop from, adding the ingredients and items you don't already have. When planning your meals, and your shopping list, make sure you include only the foods you need for optimum health and nothing more. It's the things we like but don't need in our diet that cause the grocery bill to rise.
Contributed by Cath Armstrong
Contributed by Cath Armstrong
A No Fail Way to Cut $100 from Your Grocery Bill
I cut $100 a month from my grocery bill and it was easy. I used to shop every Friday, four grocery shops per month, and spend $400 (sometimes more) every month on groceries. I started keeping a price book and tracking the sale cycles and had a aha! moment. By following the sale cycles to decide when I would shop I was able to change my shopping habits. I changed my shopping schedule to go every ten days instead of every seven. By adding three days of groceries to each shopping trip, it became easy to eliminate one week over the month, and remarkably, I shaved $100 from my monthly grocery tab. It's not taking any longer to do the shopping and I'm saving at least an hour a month of my precious time too, time I can use to do something I really enjoy.
Contributed by Rose, Ringwood North
Contributed by Rose, Ringwood North
Perpetual Shopping List Saves Time and Money
About 5 years ago I designed a shopping list on the computer, adding all my regular and occasional purchases under the correct aisle number for my local Woolworths. Each fortnight when I shop I print off a list and highlight only the items I really need. This way I can avoid some aisles altogether. When aisle stocks are changed I take home a store shopping planner and update my list. I have saved quite a lot of money because I don't have to search for items and thus be tempted.
Contributed by Bev, Carlingford
Contributed by Bev, Carlingford
Shop Just Before Closing and Watch the Savings Add Up
If you can, try and shop at the supermarket near closing time. Not only do you get the benefit of the marked down stock (like bakery goods, some dairy and some meat) but you could also save a lot of money by limiting how much time you have to actually shop and you are less likely to wander the aisles and throw in things you don't really need. Recently I spent $76 on weekly groceries (not including meat) for my family of 6 (2 adults, 4 kids) because I shopped 20 minutes before Woolies closed! I didn't have time to grab anything other than what was on my list! It also pays to get familiar with your store layout. If your not, next time you're by the supermarket ask the service desk for the layout sheet. Then write out your shopping list in column form (with aisle numbers as headers) and in no time you could find you can do a whole weeks shopping in under 15 minutes!!!
Contributed by Victoria, Ingleburn
Contributed by Victoria, Ingleburn
Send Your Partner to do the Shopping if They Stick to the List
Everyone knows that when you go to buy two items at the supermarket you end up coming home with five. I have found that a simple solution to this problem is sending your male husband/partner. Every time I have gone to the supermarket I have always bought extras. When I send my partner he always sticks to the list I write him. I have asked my female friends to participate in my experiment and they have come to the same conclusion. Maybe as a whole men should do the grocery shopping?
Contributed by Paulina, Corio
Contributed by Paulina, Corio
Stop Buying Specials and Save $20 a Week
Approximate $ Savings: $20/week
Do you find that you have spent the allocated money for the fortnight and then come across a special that you can't resist? I find that each fortnight there is always something out there ready to undo all of my hard work, willing me to break the budget so that I can save... This is the time to be strong! Stick to your guns, no matter how good the deal seems you will feel so much better for having stuck to the budget. And actually you will save more money this way than you would have by buying the special purchase.
Contributed by Ashleigh, Coffs Harbour
Do you find that you have spent the allocated money for the fortnight and then come across a special that you can't resist? I find that each fortnight there is always something out there ready to undo all of my hard work, willing me to break the budget so that I can save... This is the time to be strong! Stick to your guns, no matter how good the deal seems you will feel so much better for having stuck to the budget. And actually you will save more money this way than you would have by buying the special purchase.
Contributed by Ashleigh, Coffs Harbour
The List
Approximate $ Savings: $50-$75 per week
I write out a menu and shopping list each week, allocating how much I am allowed to spend on each item. This way I know what to expect at the checkout, and also stops me from buying more than we need. Now... if you take the kids shopping you continually get "Mum, can we have this or that?" - easy response - "It's not on the list". I have now conditioned my 3 primary school aged kids to adhere to this list! Savings in impulse buying and savings in sanity. (Generally now I get a 'can we... oh it's not on the list!' comment!!) On average I have saved $75 per week, simply by letting the 'list' say 'no' (and of course I can't break it either - too many witnesses!)
Contributed by Yolinda, Glenlee
I write out a menu and shopping list each week, allocating how much I am allowed to spend on each item. This way I know what to expect at the checkout, and also stops me from buying more than we need. Now... if you take the kids shopping you continually get "Mum, can we have this or that?" - easy response - "It's not on the list". I have now conditioned my 3 primary school aged kids to adhere to this list! Savings in impulse buying and savings in sanity. (Generally now I get a 'can we... oh it's not on the list!' comment!!) On average I have saved $75 per week, simply by letting the 'list' say 'no' (and of course I can't break it either - too many witnesses!)
Contributed by Yolinda, Glenlee
Supermarket Specials in One Place
I came across a flyer while clearing out my parents letterbox the other day (they are doing the 'grey nomad' caravan thing). It is a website that collates and compares all the supermarket specials for the week www.supermarket-specials.com.au I'm pretty sure it's only available in WA but there might be other sites like it in other states. All you need to do is type in your post code and up come all the specials. They are broken down by dollar value per 100mls/gms. Whilst I do enjoy looking through the junk mail for specials I sometimes find the mail hasn't come by the time I need to get to the shops. Now I can get on the web where it's all worked out for me. Happy Shopping
- Contributed by Megan, Bull Creek
- Contributed by Megan, Bull Creek
You Need a List
I do think you really need to make a list and go shopping once a week or preferably once a fortnight. You will save time and money on petrol plus buy less of the items you really can do without. If you run out of drinking chocolate ,so what, it can wait until you do the shopping again. Too many things are thought of as essential when we really can do without them. Put so much aside for groceries and stick to it. Cracker biscuits will last longer then sweet but are a good standby. If you need more milk it will cost more at the corner shop but you won't go on a spending spree there. So shop less often, fill the fridge and freezer and buy enough milk to last a few days at a time. Oh also buy several loaves of bread at a time and freeze. If you have children at school or need work lunches make a heap of sandwiches when the bread is fresh and freeze. Next day 1/2 the battle is done. By lunch SW is thawed out and fresh.
Contributed by Ruth, Orange
Contributed by Ruth, Orange
Divide the Shopping List and Let the Kids Help
When I am grocery shopping with the kids,7 and 11, they are each given a list with a few items on it, then they go and find the item with the cheapest price and put it in their basket to bring back. This has taught them to look thoroughly at the items and not grab the first thing they see. If they have found all the cheapest items after I have double checked, they get an extra 1/2 hour "stay - up" at night for 2 nights. It has been great when they are given some pocket money to spend, they are always looking for the best value for their own money now.
Contributed by Louise, Kilmore
Contributed by Louise, Kilmore
Spread the Shopping List
To help me get the grocery shopping done faster, save time and money and make sure I don't get home only to remember something that I should have bought (which would necessitate another trip and often impulse buying) I have developed a simple spreadsheet for my local supermarket. It has listed the items I usually buy, which aisles they are in, as well as a spare column for additional info (e.g. other jobs to do while shopping - banking, post office, newsagency etc). I use a fluoro pen to highlight the items needed for that week, and try to start organising the list a couple of days before I plan to go to minimize the chance of forgetting something. It certainly makes going shopping with 3 young children a bit faster!
Contributed by Terri, Yeppoon
Contributed by Terri, Yeppoon
Shopping Software
I have just been given a PDA and I have discovered some fantastic software that I've been using to keep my grocery shopping costs down. The program is called Handyshopper - and its FREE. This is how it has helped me save time and money:
1. I have my shopping list with me all the time, so I never have to shop blind and end up buying things I don't need, whilst forgetting the stuff I do need.
2. It allows you to comparison shop. When you create a new 'item', you can specify multiple stores and the cost at each store. So if I am at Aldi I can see that frozen spinach is actually cheaper at Woolworths and hold off from buying it if I don't need it urgently (**true example - I never realised before that Woolworths spinach was cheaper!).
3. Your shopping list can be sorted by aisle. This means you only go down the aisles you need to - saving time and temptation to buy stuff you don't need!
4. You can use it for things other than shopping. I use it to plan my weekly menu. And then I use that menu plan to plan the shopping list!
There is a Palm version and a Pocket PC version. Free download is available at http://chrisant.home.comcast.net/. Check out the link to the user group too - it has some great tips.
Contributed by Nita, Chullora
1. I have my shopping list with me all the time, so I never have to shop blind and end up buying things I don't need, whilst forgetting the stuff I do need.
2. It allows you to comparison shop. When you create a new 'item', you can specify multiple stores and the cost at each store. So if I am at Aldi I can see that frozen spinach is actually cheaper at Woolworths and hold off from buying it if I don't need it urgently (**true example - I never realised before that Woolworths spinach was cheaper!).
3. Your shopping list can be sorted by aisle. This means you only go down the aisles you need to - saving time and temptation to buy stuff you don't need!
4. You can use it for things other than shopping. I use it to plan my weekly menu. And then I use that menu plan to plan the shopping list!
There is a Palm version and a Pocket PC version. Free download is available at http://chrisant.home.comcast.net/. Check out the link to the user group too - it has some great tips.
Contributed by Nita, Chullora
The Floor Plan Shopping List
When writing your shopping list, itemise the list per aisle. This way you won't miss an item and then waste time by having to go back to find the item.
Contributed by Samantha, St. Clair
Contributed by Samantha, St. Clair
Separate Shopping List
Approximate $ Savings: $500 and still counting!
This year I started writing a separate shopping list for items when I notice they are about 3/4 empty eg. spices, baby formula, shampoo, etc. When I receive my junk mail during the week I go through my list and make a note of when and where the item is on sale and buy it when I'm in the area. This way I never run out of some
Contributed by Alicia, Mansfield
This year I started writing a separate shopping list for items when I notice they are about 3/4 empty eg. spices, baby formula, shampoo, etc. When I receive my junk mail during the week I go through my list and make a note of when and where the item is on sale and buy it when I'm in the area. This way I never run out of some
Contributed by Alicia, Mansfield
My Cost Comparison Book
I purchased a A4 sized alphabetical index book from the newsagency, drew up columns on each page showing products, sizes, stores purchased from and cost of these products from these particular stores. At one quick glances, I can do cost comparisons between the stores I shop at, I then purchase these items in larger quantities than normal. One week I may frequent one store where goods are cheaper and the next week another store, stocking up the pantry as I go and also take advantage of the in-store specials at the same time. This has proven to be a great money saver. Note: I use a pencil when writing in prices as they have a tendency to change on a regular basis.
Contributed by Sandra
Contributed by Sandra
Check Junk Mail for Specials on Regular List Items
Always check the supermarket catalogues that come in the mail as items you always purchase may be on special and take the catalogue with you when shopping.
Contributed by Nikki, Roxburgh Park
Contributed by Nikki, Roxburgh Park
Family Stock Control
Educate the whole family to a savings and preparation plan by having everyone write (or report if too young) when any product in the house has emptied out and needs replacement. Always have one active product and one on the shelf, never more unless a good special has forced the multiple purchase.
Contributed by Lorna, Annerley
Contributed by Lorna, Annerley
Post-it Shopping Lists
So you don't buy stuff you don't really need - when you run out of an item, list it on a yellow 'post-it-note' and stick this on a convenient wall in the kitchen, add to it as you run out of stuff - only buy what is on the list, other than really cheap specials that you use on a regular basis.
Contributed by Trish, Mosman
Contributed by Trish, Mosman
Food and Grocery Shopping
To keep your food and grocery budget down, keep ten golden rules: 1) Plan your menus for the week and buy for those menus only 2) Always take a list with you and stick to the list 3) Leave the kids with hubby or someone else so you will not be bombarded with requests for extra things that they don't need and you will have the time to compare prices 4) Eat before you go shopping as you will be less tempted to buy extra items if you have a full tummy 5) Only buy specials if it is something you would normally use (unused items in the pantry are not a special at all) 6) Only buy basics like toilet rolls, laundry liquid etc. when on special and then buy up big. They do not have a use by date. With careful planning you will never pay regular price for everyday items. Store in the garage if no room in the house. 7) Learn the prices of the items you usually buy so you can spot a bargain but not be taken in with false advertising 8) Take a calculator with you so you can compare the actual cost of different sized packets and tins. 9) With perishables like fruit and vegetables only buy the amount you are sure will be consumed. Food that ends up in the rubbish bin could have been money you saved. 10) Buy meat in bulk and invest in a freezer. The savings will soon add up. Look in the local paper or ask friends, relatives and acquaintances for the best place to shop. For fruit and vegetables shop at the markets and cook in soups, sauces etc and freeze, or chop up vegetables ready for use and freeze. Again only buy what you will use especially with things that cannot be frozen and must be consumed fresh. Unused food is not a bargain.
Contributed by Suzanne
Contributed by Suzanne
Supermarket Bargains On Top Shelf
A girlfriend and I went shopping at the local supermarket (big chain). She pointed out to me to look up when you walk up and down the aisles when you are getting your groceries! On most of the top shelves we found that the supermarket puts excess stock or items that are slow to sell! We have picked up storage containers (large ones) and kids toys, dump trucks, stuff for the sand pit and even kitchen items including toasters and kettles. Keep your eyes up when shopping. The only down fall is sometimes you need to get a staff member to get some off the more bulky items down for you. Give it a try and you will be surprised at what little treasures and bargains you will find and with Christmas round the corner we are all finding a way to make ends meet.
Contributed by Kris, Kununurra
Contributed by Kris, Kununurra
Tip For Saving Time and Money at the Grocery Store
To make trips to the grocery store run as quickly as possible- make out your shopping list in the order your purchases appear in the store. This keeps you from backtracking all over the store and wasting time. Also, because less time is spent in the store, less money is spent on impulse buys and "hush" purchases for the children.
Contributed by Melisa, Modesto
Contributed by Melisa, Modesto
Reducing Grocery Bill
I found changing my shopping day an easy way to cut down my grocery bill. I used to shop on a Thursday or Friday and would top up during the following week. Last month for some reason I shopped on a Monday and still had plenty of food at the weekend. I didn't need to top up during the week. I then shopped on the following Monday and found the same thing happened. On the third Monday I still didn't have the huge list of groceries to purchase. On the fourth Monday I only needed to buy bread milk and fruit. My grocery bill was as follows: 1st Monday $198, 2nd Monday $164, 3rd Monday $103, 4th Monday $45. I don't know how a different day for shopping reduces the bill but it worked in our household. Perhaps having all kids at school and hubby at work during the week allows the food to last until the weekend therefore the food lasts longer. It doesn't make sense but it works.
Contributed by Susanne, Melton
Contributed by Susanne, Melton
By Aisle
This tip can save time and energy as well as money. If you regularly shop at the same supermarket, take the time one shopping day to note down which products are sold in which aisle. Just writing down the information from the signs at the end of each aisle is probably enough detail (and I don't bother writing down those things I never buy, such as pet food). When you get home, type or write up your list and keep it accessible. Before your next shopping trip, write out your shopping list by aisle. You will save time and energy by only targeting those aisles you need on the day, plus you can avoid backtracking. But you can also save a lot of money by avoiding aisles (and therefore impulse buys) and by being very focused when you do your shopping - if you know there are just two things you need down a particular aisle, you are more likely to look only for those things and ignore other temptations! The first time I tried this technique, I saved about 30% off my regular grocery bill. On a regular basis I would expect to save around 10-20%.
Contributed by Emma, ACT
Contributed by Emma, ACT
Instant Shopping List
When getting mail I keep the envelopes with no writing on the back of them and use them for writing myself notes etc. I also put one on the fridge with a magnet and each time I run out of something I write it on my list (envelope). Instant shopping list with everthing you need to buy, so no impulse buying thinking you are out of an item. If it's not on the list I don't need it!
Contributed by Sue
Contributed by Sue
Shop With A List
Always shop with a list. You'll be able to stick to your budget and not be tempted to pick up things you don't need. You'll also avoid having 9 bottles of bbq sauce in the cupboard and no sugar etc. Keep a list tacked inside your pantry door and when you need something, tick it off so you'll remembver to buy it next shopping trip. Learn to rely on your list and not your memory.
Grocery Budget Spreadsheet
The hardest thing when sticking to a grocery budget is knowing when you've reached it! I have a simple spreadsheet with all the usual grocery items I buy listed and how much each costs, and before each shop I mark off each item I need and then check the total. This gives me a good idea of how much my shop will cost before I even get to the store. I also print the list off each shop and this becomes my shopping list. It takes a little time to get it started but is a great help once it's up and running.
Contributed by Mirella White
Contributed by Mirella White