Here are my favourite tips for saving at the supermarket!
Unit pricing:
Many items on the supermarket shelves contain a unit price- making it easy to compare the real difference in the price of items. It’s the best way to compare when you have items with different quantities. For example- toilet paper- some brands tried to trick consumers into thinking that their toilet rolls were cheaper by reducing how many sheets of toilet paper were on the roll and lowering the price. The supermarkets will compare how much the cost is for 100 sheets, so the comparison is fair. It also means you can compare the cost of a 2kg washing powder with a 1kg washing powder by looking at the unit price it will tell you how much it is per kg.
Also- here’s a washing tip- I used to always get oily looking stains on my clothes… it was from liquid washing detergent- switched to washing powder and it hasn’t happened again.
Meal Plan and have a shopping list before you go:
Planning your meals means that you will likely buy only the things you need and as an added bonus, you’re less likely to have waste that ends up in the bin. I have attached a printable meal planner to help get you started. An added tip is that I try to keep my list consistent with veggies and proteins I know my family will eat and I plan my meals around that.
Also meal plan your lunches to avoid having to buy lunch at work.
For example:
I plan meals around cheap proteins ie: Mince: spaghetti bolognaise, tacos, meatballs, hamburgers, rissoles, chow mien, shepherd’s pie
Bulk chicken breast/thigh and make multiple meals from one pack- chicken salad, schnitzels, grilled chicken & veg, stir-fry, casserole, slow-cooked chicken and hearty veg, grilled chicken wraps/burgers, chicken buddha bowl, curry.
That being said, we really have been doing our bit to support the hospitality industry lately, if you know what I mean. I’m working to get back on track and limit our take out spending and will compare it over the coming weeks.
Specials:
Woolies and Coles always start their specials on a Wednesday but the catalouges are usually available online on a Monday- so that can be a good day to plan your shop giving you the ability to see 2 weeks of specials at a time and decide if you should hold off on some items.
The best way to make the most of the supermarket specials are to only bulk buy the items that you won’t use more of just because they’re on special. For example- washing powder- this is a great item to stock pile because you aren’t likely to use more because you have more. Chocolate however- lets face it- no one stockpiles chocolate, you just eat it until it’s gone so it’s more likely that you will buy more, spend more and eat more which is not going to save you anything! But it does taste delicious, so you make the call.
Coles and Woollies often alternate specials so if you miss it at Coles one week you can try Woollies and vice versa.
AND Don’t shop hungry:
When you’re hungry you’re more likely to buy snacks and other foods that aren’t on the list.
Week 7 Savings:
I know the meal planning saves us at least $40 per week between affordable meals and not eating out. Other savings I estimate to be about $30 per week from the grocery shop.
$70 x 52 = $3,640
Saving Tally:
Week 1: $630 + 75 = $705
Week 7: $3,640
Total= $8,939
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General Advice Disclaimer:
This represents general information only. Before making any financial or investment decisions, we recommend you consult a financial planner to take into account your personal investment objectives, financial situation and individual needs. This information is based on our personal circumstance and it will be different for everyone. Information provided on this website is general in nature and does not constitute financial advice.
