When looking to make your money go as far as possible, planning a supermarket shop is a key way to do this. The money that can saved with efficient shopping can be a life-saver. Here are some tips on planning a supermarket shop.
Before You Go – Stock Check
First and foremost, we compile a list of everything we have in the cupboards, refrigerator, and freezer.
We frequently discover that we have something buried in the freezer, as well as enough bits and pieces to cobble together a few dinners. This allows us to postpone spending money at the grocery for a few days.
Planning A Supermarket Shop – Plan Your Meals
Breakfast, lunches, dinners, and any snacks in between. That is a lot of meals to plan for, especially if planning for a family. A family tends to have different tastes too!
We normally have the same breakfast every day, which is either toast with fruit or oatmeal. The exception is usually weekends when we have more time and may treat ourselves to eggs or bacon.
If possible, I attempt to use leftovers from the previous night’s meal for lunches. This saves money because I don’t have to buy as many extras. It’s surprising how much people enjoy leftovers. Often because the flavour develops overnight.
Planning A Supermarket Shop – Always Have A List
We know what we have in the pantry and what we want to eat. Hence I write a list of everything we need to purchase. First, I arrange products that are comparable together. All of the frozen foods are kept together, as are the fresh foods and vegetables. This not only saves time in the store, but it also prevents aimless wandering and the temptation to pick up products just for the sake of picking them up.
Obviously, having such a well-organized list isn’t necessary while buying online. However, it might be helpful if you’re on a budget. You can also keep your shopping list for future orders once you’ve done some online shopping. Having a list will also ensure that I am aware of the availability of everything on it.
Online v Physical Shops
Whether we do our grocery shopping online or in-store depends on my mood, what else is going on in my week, and whether any of the supermarkets have received an email with a coupon code.
Each has its own set of advantages. Online shopping is convenient since it can be done in your pyjamas at any time of day. You won’t have to get the kids ready to go out, and you won’t have to deal with other shoppers’ trolley wars.
However, you miss out on any deals in the discounted department, you can’t choose your own meat or vegetable sizes/shapes, and you have no say over the best before dates that are chosen for you.
Use Offers – Sensibly
We always have a plethora of vouchers and grocery coupons in our possession, which we either receive in the mail or clip out of magazines and newspapers.
If there are any for a specific store, it may influence our decision on where we want to go because we will be able to obtain a better deal.
It’s always worth checking because it could mean we’re getting branded foods for the same price or less than some of the store’s own label food.
Consider Other Schemes
Always look at ways to save money. Use own brand products, use cashback apps if shopping online, or the pay and scan apps that can give money back too. Use your vouchers, but only buy what you were going to buy anyway. Don’t be swayed by displays and offers on stuff you do not require. Discipline is key.
