By: Liz Palmer
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Buying food can be downright depressing. Personally, I love to shop
for food, but in the past my experience was often ruined by the total
of the bill when I reached the checkout. By learning a few simple
rules to follow, I no longer frown when I fork out my money. Instead I
smile, because I know that I have bought enough food to keep my family
well-fed without spending a lot of money. Here are some ways you can
save money too.
1. Make a list. It's so simple, but it's so important. Writing a list
helps you identify and buy only those items you really need. Now,
stick to it. Don't even look at anything that's not on that list.
2. Write out a meal plan. Think about the cost of each meal and try to
include more low-cost meals. Try to think of ways that ingredients or
left overs from one meal can be used in another meal.
3. Don't go hungry. Go straight after lunch or dinner. If you shop
when you're hungry, you'll be more likely to pick up impulse products.
Everything look's good when you're hungry. Or you might feel the need
to stop somewhere afterwards for a little snack.
4. Leave the children at home. Children have a tendency to ask for
things. And when their irritable, and you're frustrated, and you're in
a supermarket attracting disapproving stares, you're more likely to
give in. Save yourself the hassle and go by yourself. However, when
the children are a little older, take them along every so often to
teach them good budgeting techniques.
5. Treat specials with caution. Never buy something just because it's
on special. You might end up spending more than you usually do because
you're buying a more expensive brand. You could also buy items that
you would never normally use.
6. Stock up. However when products that you normally buy and
frequently use are on special, stock up. Work out how much of the
product you would usually use before the expiration date. Buy
accordingly, in keeping with your budget.
