10 Ways To Cut Back On Your Shopping Bill

Cutting back on your shopping bill can help you save

Whether you’re struggling with money or not, cutting back on your shopping bill can be a great way to save some cash.

Loads of us go to the supermarket and leave wondering, “how have I just spent all that?”.

So, we’ve put together some great tips for you to try that can definitely save you money.

1. Write a list

Before you head off to do your food shop, make a list!

If you go without one, you’re likely to buy anything you happen to fancy at the time, regardless of whether you need it or not – especially if you’re hungry when you go.

To help you to avoid this, spend ten minutes doing a scan of the cupboards and fridge before you go, noting down what you need. You can even start making a habit of noting it down as and when you run out of something, so your list is pretty much ready when you need to go shopping again.

2. Don’t go shopping hungry

We’ve all been there, done this.

And, as alluded to above, it’s always going to cause problems when you come to the checkout.

If you’re hungry when you go shopping, everything you see has the chance to end up in the trolley. Make sure you eat before you go, so your list does the shopping and not your empty belly.

3. Make a meal plan

Speaking of planning, why not try making a meal plan, as well?

Knowing what you’re going to eat during the week can help you to avoid frivolous spend at the supermarket; helping you to save more money at the checkout.

4. Bulk-buy non-perishables on sale

If you’re walking down the aisle and see beans, rice, pasta or anything of that ilk on sale, bulk buy it if you can afford to.

It can save you a lot of money in the long run. Other things to consider using this tactic on could be tinned tomatoes, chickpeas, freezer items and many more.

5. Pre-cook for the week

If you start to batch-cook meals then it can save you time, effort and money during the week.

For example, you could make a chili and a curry on a Sunday evening and portion them up into Tupperware. Then, all you need to do is stick some in the fridge and freeze a few too; you’re sorted for the week, don’t need to cook every night and you’ve saved money too.

6. Freeze reduced items

Ok, so it can be hit-and-miss as to whether or not you find anything worth buying in the ‘whoopsie’ section, but, if you do, then you can bag some bargains. Just stock up and freeze it for when you need it.

7. Stop buying brand names

One of the easiest ways to save the most money.

Try supermarket own brands instead. They’re usually pretty much the same and they’re absolutely guaranteed to bag you a big saving!

8. Buy what you need and not what you want

This one may seem somewhat obvious (and maybe a bit boring) but, if it’s time to pinch the pennies and you really want to save some cash, then this (see the making a list item above) is a must.

Be honest with yourself, if you’re generally filling your trolley with crisps, biscuits, snacks, alcohol; that sort of thing, then it’s plain to see where all your money’s going when you go shopping.

We’re not saying don’t treat yourself, but if money is tight, trying to limit snacks etc can really help save some cash.

9. Work out the best time to shop

Try and work out when your supermarket tends to reduce things. When you go shopping, pay close attention to the times that the reduced section is full.

If you then make a note to try and go shopping at around that time, regularly, then you can save yourself a fortune by taking advantage of the reduced section.

10. Avoid shopping on payday

If you can, leave it for a few days after you’re paid. Just like shopping when hungry, shopping when you’re feeling flush can be a major contributor to frivolous overspending.

If you try and shop with the other 9 tips in mind, and not on payday, it could help you to save a fortune.

Food for thought

It can be difficult to try and save money on your food shop. But, if you really work to cut back and shop around, then it could make all the difference. Why not try these tips and see which ones work for you?

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