Want to stop overspending on the essentials (and not so essentials) to save some serious cash? Here’s some handy hints to save money every time you shop.
Obviously, everyday shopping for food is an unavoidable expenditure. However, many people don’t realise how much money, and food, they waste each week. Here’s some hacks to counteract this situation
Factory food shopping:
This is something many people don’t consider, but buying food from wholesale factories and shops can reduce your grocery bills significantly. Shopping at places like the Hans Factory Shop or the Golden Circle Factory Outlet are just two examples of how you can save on meat and everyday groceries.
Reduced to clear:
Some people are afraid of the reduced to clear section, but in reality it’s a great way to save – especially if you need food that’s going to be consumed immediately. Remember, you can always freeze what you don’t use before the use by date.
Shop around:
You’re likely to get a cheaper grocery bill if you shop around. For example, you might be able to get some quality products at places like Aldi, and others, and at Woolworths or Coles. Don’t be afraid to stalk their catalogues for weekly specials!
Use what you already have at home:
It’s a no-brainer but you’d be surprised how often you shopg for items you already have at home. Take a quick note of what’s in your pantry and fridge before you shop. This will also reduce food wastage!
Check online:
In need of things around the home but don’t want to fork out the big bucks? Try places like Gumtree and eBay! Plenty of people sell perfectly good household items. One man’s trash could be your treasure!
Join bargain hunt groups:
If you’re on Facebook or Instagram, find groups like “Kmart Mums Australia” and “Home is Where A Bargain Is.” These bloggers trawl through all the catalogues and shelves and also give you inspiration on how you can repurpose cheap items into amazing household décor.
Services: compare the market:
Just because you’ve been with the same financial institution or electricity company for years on end, does not mean you’re getting the best deal. Websites like Canstar, Choice and Compare the Market can help you enter your specific needs required from your service providers and offer you a price comparison, to ensure you’re not being ripped off.
Change habits around home:
One of the easiest ways to save on essentials like electricity and water is to go around the home and take note of where you’re wasting said things. The Money Smart website (www.moneysmart.gov.au) has plenty of tips to implement, like unplugging appliances and sealing leaks.
Avoid impulse purchases:
Just because something is cheap, doesn’t necessarily mean you need it or will use it. When something you don’t need is on sale, you’re wasting money – not saving it.
Don’t scrimp on quality items:
Things like insurance and household appliances are not something you should be thrifty with if it means you’ll be getting a dud product. In doing so, you’re likely to end up paying more (eg. If you save on insurance but discover you’re not covered for certain things, or buy a cheap appliance that wastes your electricity or breaks easily).
Avoid using the plastic:
When shopping with a credit or debit card it’s too easy to overspend. Using cash these days may be old fashioned but it sure saves you money when you have to hand over cold hard cash.
