Food is a pleasure and also a necessity but if you are having a particularly difficult month or are just generally feeling the squeeze then it might be time to cut back on your food budget. Fortunately you don’t need to live on noodles until your next pay day. There are other things you can do to cut your spending, here’s a few ideas that might help you.
1. Switch supermarkets
You can use online price comparison sites to help you get the best deal on your shop. This is easier if you buy similar products every week but can still be done if your food purchases vary from week to week. If you prefer to do it the old fashioned way you can actually go to the shop and make a note of the items you buy most frequently. You will get better deals if you aren’t too bothered about brand names and are willing to buy items that are on offer.
2. Shop around for the best deals
Getting everything from the same place can save time but it can sometimes stop you from getting the best deal. If you want to get the best value for money then it is generally best to shop around at different supermarkets and shops. However, make sure you take travel costs into consideration too. It is not worth spending £5 in bus fares to save 20p on one item but if there are a range of items you want or the saving is significant then it is worth the journey and the travel costs.
3. Plan your meals
It might not sound like the most exciting thing to do but planning your meals could save you a fortune and help you avoid numerous trips to the shop. If you know what you are having for your meals throughout the week then you only need to buy the ingredients to make those meals. Anything else will be extra. Once you have worked out what you are having you can cook accordingly. You don’t necessarily have to stick to having what you said you would on a particular day but at least you will always have enough in to make a meal. The problem with going out to get ingredients that you have forgot is that you often end up buying extras like snacks, cakes or other items that catch your attention. These purchases can add up.
4. Look in the reduced section for bigger discounts
When an item has a short sell buy date or is being discontinued in store, you can often get a great deal on it. These items are sometimes placed with current items but they are usually placed in the reduced section. When you go shopping have a quick look in this section to see anything you want to buy has been reduced. More often than not the food will have to be eaten that day but if you are on your way home to cook dinner then it is ideal and it could save you a few pounds.
