9 Tips for Cutting Your Shopping Bill

Do you, along with the rest of the Western world, want to cut your monthly shopping bill in half?

It can be done!

There are many simple tips that can help you cut back on how much you spend at the store without sacrificing quality or quantity – all that is required is a bit of preparation and smart shopping! 

Read on to learn more about cutting costs in the produce aisle, freezing meals ahead of time, taking advantage of promotions and discounts, and much more.

1. Plan Your Meals For The Week

Sitting down once a week and planning out your menu for the next seven days can help you avoid impulse purchases and save money.

When making your grocery list, don't forget to check your pantry as well - it's so easy to eyeball it, but the thing is, you always inadvertently end up with at least a few items you already have!

By writing down an organised grocery list before making your trip to the shops, you have a much better chance of guaranteeing you only buy what is needed.

2. Compare Prices Before Doing Your Shopping

If you're juggling a busy schedule, comparing prices in supermarkets may sound like an exhausting chore.

But if you put in the time to compare them, it could save a great deal of money on your food shops!

You might also find that while the best place for shopping isn't always the most inexpensive, it can be where you get maximum value from all its products and produce.

So take some time out today to find what works best for you - both economically as well as nutritiously!

3. Stick To Generic Brands Where You Can

Branded items have long been associated with quality and value. But today, many of the popular brands are produced in the same factories using similar ingredients.

That's why opting for store-brand or generic products can save you a substantial amount of money over time - plus, you may be pleasantly surprised by how much higher their quality is compared to that of their pricier counterparts!

So don't just settle for expensive brand names; get more bang for your buck and choose generics instead!

4. Buy In Bulk When Items Are On Offer

If you're looking to save a few bucks, bulk-buying items that you already use is an excellent way to do it. However, if the products go unused before they expire and spoil, then your savings will be wasted.

That's why it's important when stocking up on discounted items that they are shelf-stable and can be consumed soon after purchase in order for you to reap the rewards of your smart shopping habits!

You can take advantage of one-off deals or even sign up for loyalty programs at major supermarkets to get special discounts and offers.

Bulk-buying items such as dried goods, tinned foods, and frozen fruits and vegetables can save you a lot of money in the long run.

5. Make The Most Of Your Leftovers

Food waste is a huge problem in this country, and a great way to save money and cut down on your waste is by making sure that you use all the food you purchase.

Using leftovers in creative ways can help you save a lot of money on meals throughout the week.

Soups, salads, frittatas, curries and casseroles are just some of the delicious dishes that you can make with your leftovers.

It's also worth freezing any spare ingredients and unused food to save for a later date.

Freezing meals ahead of time is a great way to have healthy, home-cooked meals ready at short notice while saving you time and money in the kitchen.

6. Cook Simple, Affordable Recipes That Everyone Will Love

If you struggle with knowing what to do with your leftovers, one trick is to make simple meals that can easily be turned into something else, such as bolognese into chilli con Carne and potatoes into a fry-up (you get the gist).

By using versatile ingredients that are cheaper and more accessible, you can create tasty meals without breaking the bank.

You don't need to be a master chef in order to make delicious dishes - simple, affordable recipes are sometimes the best!

7. Buy Frozen Items Instead Of Fresh

Frozen and canned goods have had a bad rap over the years, however, with advances in the way these products are processed these days, there is not the same emphasis placed on the quality of produce you're getting.

In fact, many times, frozen and canned items are actually of better quality than fresh items as they are picked at their peak ripeness.

Not only that, buying frozen fruits and vegetables can also save you money, as they tend to be cheaper than their fresh counterparts.

8. Don't Shop When You Are Hungry

It's a fact - you will end up with a basket full of unnecessary items if you go shopping when your stomach is rumbling.

Not only that, you will end up spending more than you intended, which then leads to guilt, etc.

The truth is, all those tasty treats we see on the shelves are designed to be tempting for us hungry shoppers.

Instead, it's best to shop after a meal or when you're not feeling hungry so that you can make sensible decisions about what to purchase and stay within your budget.

9. Put Your Smartphone To Good Use

Technology has revolutionised the way we shop, allowing us to save more than ever before!

By downloading retailer-specific apps and loyalty programs onto our smartphones, fantastic deals are just a few clicks away.

From discounts at your local supermarket to special offers tailored specifically for you - modern technology can help you maximise each shopping trip while saving cash in the process.

Wrapping Up:

Planning meals for the week and shopping smartly can make all the difference to your food budget.

It's only when you start paying a bit of attention to the cost of what you're putting in your trolley that you realise how much of an impact planning ahead and sticking with generic brands can have.

From buying items in bulk, if and when there are offers available, to making the most of leftovers and opting for frozen items over fresh – implementing some or all of these tips will certainly help bring down grocery costs.

Don't forget to make use of 'modern technology' aka the humble mobile phone, allowing you access to apps that, for example, help you find cheaper versions of products on other online stores – which can come in handy.

Anything you'd like to add? Let us know in the comments!